A Naso-gastric (NG) tube is a thin, plastic tube that is inserted into your baby’s nostril, passed down the back of the throat and into the stomach. NG tubes are often used to feed babies who cannot eat and drink normally. Breastmilk, formula milk or liquid food can be passed down an NG tube, along with certain medications and water. There are many reasons why a baby may struggle with eating and require an NG tube; a common cause is prematurity, where the baby’s swallow reflex hasn’t developed yet. While most infants will require NG feeding for only a few days some require it for much longer and may even be discharged home with a NG tube. The “Silk” (CORFLO Fine Bore) feeding tube is the most common tube used for babies / children who require tube feeding at home over a long period of time. It is disposable, but lasts for 6 weeks and can be re-inserted up to 5 times within that 6 week period.

How is an NG inserted?

A healthcare professional will insert the tube the first time as it takes a degree of knowledge and skill. Never insert anything into your infant’s nose or throat unless directed to by a healthcare professional and with adequate training.  Once the tube has been passed to the required length it will be secured to your baby's face with tape. Inserting the tube does not hurt, but it may be uncomfortable for a short while. It may also make your child sneeze, cough or retch as it tickles their throat. This soon passes.

Many babies will not require long term NG feeding. For short term use it is unlikely you will be taught how to perform insertion unless you wish to do so. If however, your baby will need the NG tube for discharge, your nurse will start to teach you how to look after the NG tube as soon as it has been inserted. Most parents aren’t expected to place the NG tubes themselves in hospital and this can be taught at home if required. 

What are the risks?

There is a very small risk that the tube may be passed into the windpipe and feed could go into the lungs. A feeding tube is therefore always checked it is in the correct position before feeding. If there is any doubt that the tube is not in the stomach then you shouldn’t use it but get it checked.

Looking after the NG Tube

Again this is something that your medical team will go over with you very thoroughly. Whilst the NG tube is not a sterile bit of equipment it is important to be as clean as possible when doing anything such as preparing a feed, inserting or removing the tube, giving a feed or giving medication. So always ensure clean hands before and after each feed, wash the syringes thoroughly in hot soapy water, rinse, leave to dry and then sterilise them. Anything that can’t be cleaned this way must be discarded. Babies under 1 year will need a new sterile syringe for every feed.

How does feeding work with an NG tube?

Feeding patterns and volumes will initially be set by the medical team. These can change a lot depending on your baby’s needs. There are three different methods of feeding your baby using the NG tube

• Bolus (intermittent)

• Continuous (using a pump)

• A combination of both, for example, bolus feeds during the day and a continuous feed overnight.

Some babies will require the NG feeds as a ‘top up’ in addition to eating (when weaned) and drinking normally, whilst others will remain nil by mouth. And this too may change.

How to administer a feed?

This should be something that is taught to you by your medical team. There are NHS guidelines that you can refer to, but each health board will have their own.

Where do I get the equipment I will need?

Your baby will be discharged from hospital with a supply of tubes and syringes. You will then be able to request any additional supplies you need, this is sometimes done via the GP or sometimes directly to the specialist supplier. Either way, in the UK, these are available on the NHS and should not cost you.