A conceptual understanding along with careful planning is needed while implementing fluid therapy in children as compared to adults. This is because in children, fluid requirement is higher and they are more prone to dehydration. The fluid management of paediatric surgical patients is a critical element and needs special consideration depending on the age of the patient due to the various reasons described in detail here. The most important step is to observe the patient’s response to the fluid therapy. Regular blood glucose measurement is essential in neonatal surgery. It has been shown that despite prolonged fasting, children rarely develop hypoglycaemia. Perioperative fluid requirement comprises basic maintenance requirement plus replacement of other observed fluid losses. Fluid losses are replaced by isotonic crystalloid (0.9% Saline), Ringer’s lactate, colloid or blood according to clinical need. Goals of peri-operative fluid administration including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management have been detailed here.