Tube Feeding

Providing nutrition for optimal development

There are many reasons why your child's physician may recommend placing a feeding tube.

Oral feeding is an extremely complex process that requires strength and the meticulous coordination of suck-swallow-breathe.

Placing a feeding tube will provide assurance that your child is receiving adequate calorie intake and nutrition.

*Specific and detailed instructions should be obtained directly from your child's pediatrician.

Listed below are general recommendations.

Nasal Gastric (NG) Tube:

Placed through the nose and down into to the stomach

Check placement before administering medications or starting a feed
Flush before and after with warm, sterile water
Change the tube monthly and alternate between nares

Gastrostomy (G) Tube:

Placed directly into the stomach

Change the tube every 3 months
Wash the tube and the area around the tube daily with soap and water
Apply a barrier cream (diaper rash cream), then petroleum jelly, and gauze on top

Signs of Concern

Contact your pediatrician if you see any of the following

Decreased heart rate
Delayed or difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Coughing
Purple/gray/bluish color around lips or mouth

The information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care or advice from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may have specific recommendations based on your child's individual circumstances.

References

Burnand, K., & Curry, J. (2019). Enteral tube feeding in infants. Infant, 15, 176-180. Retrieved from https://infantstudies.org/infancy-journal/

Helping Hand. (2019). Feeding tube education: feeding your child. Nationwide Children's. Retrieved from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/feeding-tube-education-feeding-your-child