Continuous Feeding an Infant or Toddler Overnight

Many parents struggle with overnight feedings because they fear their child will strangle him- or herself. We always keep the IV pole a few inches from the foot of the crib. If the child tangles, the line should pull the pole into the crib making a noise we (the parents) will hear.

With an NG (nasogastric) tube, most parents will tape the feeding set tubing down the child’s back and leg. With a G- or GJ-tube (gastrostomy or gastrostomy-jejunostomy), parents usually secure the extension set either with tape on the tummy or by creating a tape tab that can be pinned to the child’s pajamas. The extension set is run down the leg of the pajamas.

Those with more active children have used a section of hollowed out pool noodle or an empty paper towel roll to corral the excess tubing and prevent tangling.

Editor’s note: If your concerns are too overwhelming, consider discussing with your clinician whether you can tube feed during the day.

—Traci Nagy
supertubiemomma@gmail.com

LifelineLetter, July/August 2011