Types of feeding tubes for children . Learn the benefits and myths of a feeding tube to make an informed decision for your child's health and development. Apr 1, 2024 · Gastrostomy tube insertion has become a more common practice in pediatric patients. Advantages of enteral nutrition over parenteral nutrition include safety, effectiveness, decreased risk of infection, decreased cost, prevention of gut atrophy, and preservation of the gut's barrier function. The most common feeding tubes include nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) and gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes). Learn about types, uses, and why tube feeding is vital for your baby’s health and growth. G-tubes might be used full-time (to replace oral feedings), or part-time (for certain types of nutrition or during illness). Apr 18, 2025 · Photo: Standard length g-tube with bumper and inflated balloon (School Health Associates, 2023). Tube feeding generally involves delivering a liquid feed through the nose (nasal tube) or stomach (gastrostomy tube). Giving feedings this way can be done safely at home. Learn about types of feeding tubes. Staying hydrated The type of tube your child may have will depend on their medical condition and individual needs. Talk about it with your What is tube feeding (enteral nutrition)? Tube feeding (enteral nutrition) uses a feeding tube to supply nutrients and fluids to your body if you can’t safely chew or swallow. Below is a table listing the various types of “chewing” patterns we observe and which foods are adequate for a child to eat in each stage along with the oral motor tools we use to treat feeding disorders: The main types of feeding tubes are described below. Shorter periods of tube feeding are typically associated with a major surgery or trauma, while longer periods of tube feeding are commonly associated with an illness or medical condition that limits Learn about feeding tube options for BPD infants at Lurie Children's, including NG-tubes, G-tubes, and J-tubes, and their role in aiding infant nutrition Oct 28, 2025 · A feeding tube can be a temporary or permanent way to deal with difficulty swallowing. Tube feeding (TF) A mode of enteral nutrition when oral feeding is not possible or not sufficient Through a medical device that placed into stomach or small bowel, via Nose, mouth or percutaneous route Tube feeding is a method for providing nutrition to a child if they are unable to take food by mouth. Learn how baby feeding tubes work and why a child might need one. The tube feedings provide protein, vitamins What is tube feeding? What types of feeding tubes are there? Learn about the basics of tube feeding and the various ways it is administered. These supplements include water, fiber, fat, protein, vitamins and other nutrients the body needs. Possible Complications: Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common issue for children with g-tubes and there can be several possible causes, such as liquid food, how fast the enteral feeding is administered, medication, or changes in the normal bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Enteral feeding can be recommended for a child for a variety of reasons, including weight loss, severe lack of appetite, feeding and swallowing disorders or delays, or certain medical conditions or food allergies. ” A feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to people who cannot obtain nutrition by mouth, are unable to swallow safely, or need nutritional supplementation. Jan 7, 2025 · A balloon G tube is a type of feeding tube that has a balloon on the end to help prevent the tube from being accidentally pulled out. Whatever type of feeding tube your child has, knowing what to expect at the time that it is inserted, and gaining education in how to care for your child and their tube afterward are the keys to feeling comfortable and using it successfully. Most often, these tubes bypass your child’s mouth, delivering carefully formulated nutrients directly to their stomach. Learn about its types and what it's like to live with one. G tubes are used for a variety of medical conditions, but the most common use is for feedings to enhance your child’s nutrition. Learn more from Children’s Health. Another thing that helps is talking to other parents who have a child with a G-tube. It also can be used to provide fluids and medications. This guide is intended to offer a gentle introduction to some of the common types of feeding tubes children may use, helping you feel more informed. Follow these helpful instructions from PediaSure®. At Children’s Hospital, our pediatric surgeons are experts in placing and managing all types of feeding tubes. Jun 20, 2025 · Learning that your child may need a feeding tube can bring many questions and a desire to understand all you can. Apr 22, 2025 · A feeding tube provides nutrition when you can't eat or drink normally. Each feeding tube difers slightly in terms of placement, however their overall aim is the same — to provide you or the person you care for with the nutrients you need to maintain weight, and in some cases, support recovery, help respond to treatment, and maintain independence. Find out about the most common tube feeding options, how to use and take care of the equipment and how to handle common problems. G-tubes are suitable for long-term nutrition support and can be used to feed children who have severe swallowing difficulties. Aug 8, 2023 · Finding out your baby needs a feeding tube is scary, but it's not as complicated as it seems. If the weather is warm or your child has a fever, extra water may be needed to prevent dehydration. Tube feeding formulas provide all the required macro- and micronutrients. Parents who have been down this road can be a great support. Discuss with the student Enteral nutrition uses feeding tubes to help children with certain health conditions get the nutrition they need to grow and develop. To place the gastrostomy feeding tube, a surgeon makes a small hole (called a “stoma” or “gastrostomy”) in the abdomen and Dec 13, 2023 · How do feeding tubes help children with feeding issues, what are the different types, and what does feeding tube surgery look like? The length of time your child will require this feeding method is dependent upon several factors. A common type of feeding tube is the gastrostomy tube (G-tube), which is surgically placed directly into the stomach. With a G-tube, a surgical procedure creates an opening directly into the stomach. This can put children with enteral feeding tubes at a higher risk of dehydration. Moog has created this infographic with simple illustrations designed to show the different types of feeding tubes including (nasogastric, nasojejunal, gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, and gastric access jejunostomy tubes), varying access points In the United States, more than 200,000 children need home tube feeding (also called enteral feeding)—a number that is increasing as nutrition science and feeding technology advances. Feeding tubes are soft, flexible plastic tubes through which liquid nutrition travels through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. You will also find further contact resources on the This guide is intended for parents or carers of children who have been referred to the Nutricia Homeward Service by a Healthcare Professional. Your healthcare team will provide further information based on your child’s clinical condition. Younger children may be tempted to pull on the tubes The NJ tube is similar to the NG tube. Although the term technically refers to nutrition given either by mouth or through a feeding tube, in common usage, the term usually refers to tube feeding and includes feeding via nasogastric tube, gastrostomy tube, gastro-jejunostomy tube, or jejunostomy tube. A J-tube may be created the same way With all the different types of enteral feeding tubes, configurations, and accessories available today, it can be difficult keeping them all straight. Standard formulas include all of the nutrients required to maintain health. Dec 26, 2022 · Enteral nutrition uses the gastrointestinal tract to supply nutrients. If your child is unable to feed or eat enough to grow and develop, they may need a feeding device. Myth 3: “Having a feeding tube means I failed. It also allows for "venting" or burping the stomach, if needed. Jan 1, 2017 · Tube feeding (TF) is a mode of providing enteral nutrition when oral feeding is not possible or not sufficient. A feeding tube (called a gastrostomy tube or G-tube) is placed through this opening. Jun 30, 2023 · "A tube is given to support life and make it easier for the child to grow without the risk of malnutrition, excessive fatigue, or aspiration" (Morris & Klein, 2000). It is a journey that many families navigate, and it is natural to want clear information as you support your child. What are pediatric feedings tubes? Feeding tubes are used to provide food to babies or children who cannot get enough nutrients eating through their mouth. Learn how to care for your child’s balloon G tube and change it at home. Sep 15, 2023 · Discover the types, uses, and benefits of PEG tubes for nutrition support. The gastrostomy tube can be permanent or temporary. Your child’s dietitian can discuss this with you in more detail. Keep in mind that children with feeding tubes have the same basic growth and developmental needs as other children. May 2, 2017 · This may be in the form of using chewy tubes, z-vibes, hard straws, mesh, jaw exercisers, etc. Feeding tubes help babies who struggle to swallow safely. Types of feeding tubes include: What is a gastrostomy tube? A gastrostomy tube, often called a G tube, is a surgically placed device used to give direct access to your child's stomach for supplemental feeding, hydration or medicine. A feeding tube is a medical device that helps provide nutrition support (enteral nutrition) for patients who are not able to swallow or who can’t get all the nutrients they need from food. Enteral nutrition is any type of feeding or nutritional supplements given through a tube that goes directly into the stomach or intestine. Types of feeding devices Oct 24, 2023 · Does your child need a feeding tube? In this guide, we break down tube feeding and provide you with the knowledge you need to support your child’s growth. Nutricia Homeward is a service provided by Nutricia to facilitate your child’s transition from hospital about tube feeding. Explore the advantages and disadvantages, types of feeding and common issues. This review focuses on TF in children beyond the neonatal period. Placement may be temporary for the treatment of acute conditions or lifelong in the case of chronic General G-tube Q&A What is a gastrostomy tube (also known as G-tube)? The gastrostomy tube is a tube that gives a direct passage into the stomach. Gastrostomy tube placement can be accomplished by various methods and by a variety of specialists. Learn about NG, G, J, and other feeding tubes used for swallowing difficulties and medical conditions. Hydration is a critical factor with a feeding tube, but it is often overlooked since feeding tubes primarily focus on caloric intake. This notebook will answer many of your questions. It is different from oral feeding, which is by mouth. You can give all, or some, of your child’s nutrition, as well as water and medicines through a feeding device. Jul 15, 2024 · The Risk of Dehydration With Feeding Tubes Individuals with enteral feeding tubes need to stay hydrated with fluids administered directly through their tubes. Gastrostomy tube placement can be accomplished by various methods and by a variety of … You may have lots of questions about how to fit tube feeding into your family life and how to keep their child’s life as normal as possible. Tube Feeding Guide. Learn more about feeding tubes and why they are necessary. Types of feeding tubes that you may see in the school setting include a gastrostomy tube (G-tube), a jejununostomy tube (J-tube), or a combination GJ tube. 1 Good nutrition will support your child’s growth, general health, and optimal development. When a child is unable to eat enough food by mouth, a G tube Dec 15, 2018 · For children who are at risk for complications when eating by mouth, feeding tubes can provide necessary nutrition in a safe manner. Tube feeding helps your child to meet their nutritional needs when they are not able to eat or drink enough by mouth. In fact, multiple studies have shown that feeding tubes do not prolong life or prevent aspiration in patients with advanced dementia. This short-term tube is also inserted in the nose and will travel down the esophagus, but instead of stopping at the stomach, this feeding tube will continue past the stomach into the small intestine, also known as the jejunum. What kind of G-tube will my child have? At VCU Health, we primarily place MiniONE G-tubes Learn about gastrostomy feeding and care. This is often called tube feeding. It inserts inside the stomach to allow us to give your child nutrition and medications. You’ll learn: why your child has a feeding tube and how it will help them what type of feeding tube your child has when and how to ask for help words you need to know (see page 15). Learn more about this treatment. But there are several types of feeding tubes based on how and where they are placed in the digestive What is it? Several types of feeding tubes exist to help children tolerate the nutrition they need to grow and develop. Ask your healthcare team for guidelines. Learn about the different types of feeding tubes and supplies, the proper way to go through the tube feeding process, how to care for your tubing and yoursel Learn the 3 delivery methods for G-tube feeding, including gravity, syringe/bolus, and pump feeding. Children and adults may use them temporarily after illness, surgery, or injury. The Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation strives to help parents by sharing practical experience about tube-feeding infants and children. The state of being fed by a feeding tube is called enteral (using the gastrointestinal tract) feeding or tube feeding. What does pediatric feeding tube dependency mean? Children with feeding tube dependency cannot eat enough food by mouth to get the calories and nutrition they need for adequate growth and development. Healthcare providers also sometimes administer medicines through feeding tubes. Some standard formulas can be used for both tube feeding and as an oral supplement and some contain added ingredients, such as fiber, for digestive health and bowel management. In addition to education, the foundation also helps raise positive awareness of tube feeding so that families have the support they need. Tube feeding uses special tubes to allow supplements to be put into your child's body. There are six types of feeding tubes available to Sep 26, 2022 · Does your little one need a feeding tube, but you aren’t sure about the different types of feeding tubes? Learn about these devices for babies here. Jan 28, 2022 · Disadvantages Visible on the outer face Younger children may be tempted to pull on the tubes Feedings are slower due to being directed to the small intestine LONG-TERM FEEDING TUBES G-BUTTON / GASTROSTOMY TUBE (G TUBE) – G-tubes are the most common type of feeding tube, and the G-button is one of many G-tubes. Comer Children's pediatric surgery APNs provide information and resources to help families and caregivers manage pediatric gastrostomy tube (G-tube) feedings and care for children. A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) or a gastrojejunostomy tube (GJ-tube) is a small plastic tube that connects to your child’s stomach or small intestine. Children with a feeding tube are no different. They might share medical advice. Feb 9, 2023 · Discover the truth behind G-tubes for children with feeding disorders from an expert at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Enteral nutrition or tube feeding is when a tube is used to provide liquid formula for some or all of your child’s nutrition. Despite the overall safety of these procedures, both early and late complications Feb 3, 2025 · Enteral nutrition is defined as providing nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract. KidsCare helps families ensure safe and effective pediatric nutrition. This low-profile tube is placed directly into the stomach and lays on top of the A standard tube-feeding formula is a formula that is designed for adults and children who have normal digestion. Many different conditions can require a feeding tube. Problems with swallowing may occur in one of the four stages of the swallow as described in a previous post, Swallowing Difficulties in Children. Different feeding tubes are available for exclusive or supplemental nutritional support in children who are unable to independently sustain their own growth, nutritional and hydration status. This can be accomplished by feeding by mouth or through a feeding tube. We’ll go over everything you need to know. A feeding tube is a device that connects to the stomach or small intestine to provide nutrition. Dec 2, 2024 · Discover the types of feeding tubes for children, their uses, and care tips. A tube is used for children that have one of the following: prematurity, anatomical abnormalities Jun 20, 2025 · A Guide to Types of Feeding Tubes: Navigating NG, PEG, and J-Tube Options Jun 20 Darrell Reese Enteral feeding is a cornerstone in patient care, delivering essential nutrition to individuals unable to consume food orally due to various medical conditions. This allows food and medicine to be given directly into the stomach instead of through the mouth. The first years of life is a critical time period for development and can cause major setbacks if the child is malnourished. TF is delivered through a medical device that can be placed into the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum via either the nose, mouth, or the percutaneous route. An increasing number of children both in health-care facilities and at home are relying on temporary or long-term enteral feeding. They also might be used temporarily until a child can eat normally. Jun 30, 2025 · Struggling to feed your newborn? Explore feeding tubes for infants, offering safe nutrition and essential tips on tube types, placement, and home care. May 20, 2025 · Fact: Feeding tubes are used at all stages of life and recovery. A G-tube gets placed in the stomach, bypassing the mouth for feedings. Gastric feeding is the first choice; however, jejunal feeding provides a good alternative route in the presence of contraindications or intolerance. Oct 28, 2025 · A feeding tube can be a temporary or permanent way to deal with difficulty swallowing.