NG Tube Feeding in Babies- Considerations While Doing It at Home

A nostalgic (NG) tube is a thin and long tube that is inserted in the nose. It passes through the throat and then reaches the stomach. The main purpose of NG tube is feeding the babies who are not able to take food through the mouth due to any health issue or in the case it is risky for them to take the food through the mouth. In that case, NG tube feeding is done to ensure proper nutrition intake for the babies.

However, the NG tubes can only be used to pass the liquid. And it depends on the physical condition and food requirements of a baby that whether the tube will be used for feeding the baby entirely or for giving her just a few extra calories.




Taking care of the tube

If your baby is on NG tube feeding, her nurse would teach you flushing the tube and performing proper skin care, especially around the nose. So, here are the steps you must follow:

Flushing the tube

You are recommended to flush the tube after every feeding.

• Wash your hands properly before giving a feed.
• When the feeding is finished, wash the tube by adding warm water with the help of a syringe.
• If the water does not pass through, try further by changing the positions or by using a plunger.
• Remove the syringe and close the cap of the tube. 

Taking care of the skin 

• Every time you feed the baby, clean her skin by using warm water and a washcloth. 
• Use mineral oil or any other lubricant to loosen the bandage when dressing. 
• In the case you notice irritation or redness in baby's nose, insert the tube into another nostril. If you don't know the procedure, you can call the nurse to do that. 

However, it is not only about the using the tube right way during NG tube feeding but you also need to pay attention that what is being given to the baby. If you are unaware of the right food choices, you can contact Nutrition4Kids (a trustworthy and expert guide for making nutritional food choice for babies) to know the healthiest feed options for your baby. To know more about them, you can visit http://www.nutrition4kids.com. 

Protect Your Child From Malnutrition with PEG Tube Feeding

A child’s nutrition is the top most priority on any parents list. Good nutrition ensures growth and health of a child. Some children make fuzz when they eat and mostly it leaves lesser options for parents to feed their child. Sometimes, it is that your child must be having some gastrointestinal problem which might have gone undetected. 

The worst thing that children are going through is malnutrition, which consequents to serious illness and high mortality rate in one’s country. When a child’s nutrition is not met by oral feeding due to problems in digestion, appetite, swallowing and other gastrointestinal problem, doctors recommend PEG tubes to nourish the body. You can find more information about this topic on www.nutrition4kids.com. 

What is PEG tube feeding?

PEG tube feeding is needed when other types of feeding fail and they are not able to eat or drink properly. When the body cannot be nourished through IV and N-tube, doctors go for PEG tube, which is a short form for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrotomy (PEG) tube. This tube is inserted through one's skin to the stomach and through this tube medical formula, medicines and water are given.

When does a child need PEG tube feeding?

There can be a variety of reasons. Some premature infants who are not developed and strong enough to suck and swallow might need PEG tube feeding. In other cases, children with the cardiac or respiratory issue may leave them with less energy to swallow. Some children have neurological problems that might hinder oral feeding. Hence, these children develop loss in appetite and it results in malnutrition.

How durable are PEG feeding tubes?

PEG feeding tubes are known to last for months or years. But one should always take care of the tube not to break down or get clogged over extended periods of time. The doctors would recommend when to get a replacement or get it removed.

Nutrition4Kids will always be there to guide you with your queries about your child’s development. You can always trust Nutrition4Kids to make an informed choice about your child’s nutrition. Find more information about PEG tube feeding on www.nutrition4kids.com. 

If you like this post, please also read my another post about Gluten Intolerant Test

Is your child Gluten intolerant? Find out with a Gluten Intolerant Test

What is Gluten?
Gluten is found in a variety of everyday food. It is a type of protein generally found in wheat, rye, and barley. It helps in retaining the shape of the food by acting as the adhesive substance that holds them together. Some people are intolerant to such protein. Hence, Gluten Intolerance Test will determine if your child has gluten intolerance or not.

What is Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance causes a person’s immunity to react against a kind of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It starts showing symptoms right after ingesting any kind of gluten product. The symptoms include gastrointestinal problems to severe problems like anxiety, depression, etc. It is important to get a Gluten Intolerance Test and treat the problem rather than just symptoms.

Can Gluten intolerance be a serious issue?
It depends on the tolerance level. Most of the people are fine with gluten although it is proven to be bad for one’s health. For those who are intolerant to gluten may be prone to Celiac disease. Mostly, gluten insensitivity can act as one of the symptoms of other major diseases. It is important that you get your children a Gluten Intolerance Test before the problem becomes severe.

Can we avoid Gluten?
There is majority of products, which has gluten in it. It may not be specified in the ingredients of some products but it might be present in it. Food products like bread, soups, beer, baked goods, sauces, etc, contain gluten in their ingredients. Hence it is impossible to totally avoid gluten.

Are Gluten-free diets available?
Yes, it might not contain gluten. But one has to make sure that their diet must contain the nutrients that a gluten product may have. Since most of the food products have gluten in it, avoiding it may devoid your child of certain nutrients which is important for your child’s growth. Nutrition4kids will always guide you to maintain your child’s well being.

You can rely on Nutrition4kids to give you reliable information and expert advice on your child’s well-being. Gluten insensitivity or gluten intolerance can become a serious issue if it is not treated well. If a change in diet doesn’t surely indicate gluten intolerance, then you must get your child Gluten Intolerance Test to be sure about their medical issue and practice caution in their daily diet.

If you like this post, please also read my another post - SURVIVING THE STOMACH FLU 101