A double-blind and randomized study design was used to investigate 100 healthy children, aged 1–5 years. Intubating conditions and cardiovascular changes during deep halothane anaesthesia, defined as an endtidal concentration of 2%, were compared with those changes during 1% halothane and suxamethonium relaxation. Intubating conditions were graded according to the ease of laryngoscopy, vocal cord position, coughing and jaw relaxation. In each group 96% of the children demonstrated acceptable intubating conditions. Jaw relaxation was worse in the 1% halothane/-suxamethonium group (PPP