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Research & Innovation
It starts with a Q:
For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Nasogastric (NG) Feeding Tube Insertion and Care
We collaborate with every specialty in the hospital to advance new surgical techniques, teach tomorrow’s surgeons and give our patients a brighter today.
What is a nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube)?
A nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube) is a small, soft tube that goes through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. This tube may be used to provide feedings, hydration, and medications to your child.
NG tubes are used for infants and children who can’t take in enough calories or water by mouth. This can be a result of problems with their esophagus (throat) or if they have difficulty with swallowing, breathing, digestion, absorption or growth. If your child has any of these problems, their doctor will place an NG tube to supplement their nutrition and hydration until they can maintain proper nutrition on their own.
Why does my child need an NG feeding tube?
Your child may get an NG feeding tube for many reasons, but most commonly because they:
- Can’t gain weight because they’re not taking in enough calories
- Are having trouble swallowing, eating, drinking or taking medicine
- Are inhaling food or fluid into the lungs when swallowing (aspiration)
- Need more calories than they can take through the mouth
- Need medicine to help relieve constipation
- Need nutritional therapy to treat a disease (such as inflammatory bowel disease)
How to measure your child’s NG feeding tube
Learn how to place a new NG feeding tube in your child and how to measure it so it safely fits your child’s size. If you have any questions about placing the tube, please contact your child’s doctor.
How to place your child’s NG feeding tube
If your child needs to use an NG feeding tube at home, we’ll teach you about it before you leave the hospital. Our team will show you how to place the tube and use it to feed your child or give them medication. In some cases, a nurse may visit you at home to provide further NG feeding tube education.
How to verify the placement of your child’s NG tube
Learn about the method and supplies you’ll need to verify that you have placed the NG feeding tube correctly.
How to give feeds with your child’s NG tube
Learn about the different types of feeds you can give your child and the safest way to provide nutrition to your child through an NG feeding tube.
How to measure your child’s NG feeding tube
Learn how to place a new NG feeding tube in your child and how to measure it so it safely fits your child’s size. If you have any questions about placing the tube, please contact your child’s doctor.
How to place your child’s NG feeding tube
If your child needs to use an NG feeding tube at home, we’ll teach you about it before you leave the hospital. Our team will show you how to place the tube and use it to feed your child or give them medication. In some cases, a nurse may visit you at home to provide further NG feeding tube education.
How to verify the placement of your child’s NG tube
Learn about the method and supplies you’ll need to verify that you have placed the NG feeding tube correctly.
How to give feeds with your child’s NG tube
Learn about the different types of feeds you can give your child and the safest way to provide nutrition to your child though an NG feeding tube.
Frequently asked questions about NG tubes
Q: How do I know if the NG feeding tube is in the stomach?
A: After NG tube insertion, attach a syringe to the end of the tube and pull back on the plunger. You should see stomach contents (acid, formula, food) in the syringe, and this will confirm placement of the NG tube in the stomach.
Q: What if I can’t pull back any stomach contents after replacing the NG tube?
A: Try to reposition your child by having them lay on their left side. If you still can’t see stomach contents, remove the tube and place a new tube.
Q: What are some symptoms with tube placement that may require medical interventions?
A: If your child starts coughing, has trouble breathing or has mouth discoloration (blueness), remove the NG tube and call your medical professional right away.
Q: What do I do If the NG tube becomes clogged?
A: Attempt to flush the NG tube with 5 to 10 milliliters of water. If it remains clogged, remove the NG tube from your child and replace it with your backup NG tube. Remember to never force anything through the tube if you feel resistance.
Q: What do I do if the NG tube comes out of my child’s nose?
A: Refer to the NG tube insertion video above and attempt to reinsert the NG tube in your child’s nose.
Q: How often does the NG tube need to be changed?
A: The NG tube should be changed at home every 30 days.
If you have any questions or concerns after the procedure, call the ParentSmart Healthline at 1-855-KID-INFO (543-4636). Caring pediatric nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help answer your questions.