Nasogastric NG tube home care for babies (1218)

Key points below


For Babies
(Checking placement, feedings and medicines)

What is a Nasogastric (NG) tube?

It is a thin, soft tube that goes in your baby’s nose and down the throat (esophagus) into the stomach.  NG tubes are used to give nutrition or medicine to your baby.

How is it put in?

Type of NG tube used: _______________________________________

Measurement of tubing from nose to end of tube: _____________________

How often does it need to be changed?

How will I know the NG tube is in the stomach?

the difference between the measurements is less than 2 centimeters and 
your baby has been taking the feedings without choking or gagging.

If you are concerned that the tube is not in the right place, with or without a Bridle clip, call your baby’s doctor or nurse.  During normal business hours, call your doctor’s office.  After hours, call the Children’s Operator at 414-266-2000 and ask them to page the GI fellow on call.

How do I give my child feedings and medicine?

Always check to be sure the NG tube is in the stomach before starting a feeding or giving medicine. 

Supplies

If needed

If you use a syringe for feedings:

If you are using a feeding pump for feedings:

After feeding

Clear the NG tube:

When all the formula is out of the syringe, pour 5ml (or the amount your doctor tells you) of tap water into the syringe. If you are using a feeding pump, use a syringe to push 5mL of tap water (or the amount that your doctor tells you) into the NG tube. 

Are there any complications with the NG tube?

Your baby may:

If any of these happen, call your doctor.

 

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if:

  • The measurement of the NGT does not match what it should be.
  • The NG tube comes out by accident and needs to be put back in.
  • Your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.