Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your child’s feeding equipment in good working order.
- Ask for advice from your child’s health professional on cleaning, reuse and storage of feeding equipment at home. Equipment needs to be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed well and stored in a clean container. Sterilising feeding equipment in Milton or through a dishwasher cycle is not required after 6 months of age and is likely to wear out the equipment faster.
- Check for any damage or leakage in you equipment daily and replace if damaged by requesting supplies through EnableNSW or via your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.
- If your child has a feeding pump, wipe down the surfaces of your feeding pump with a damp cloth. Remove any spilt formula or medications immediately.
- Ask for advice from your health professional about how often your feeding pump needs to be serviced or replaced. Most companies service or replace their pumps every 1-2 years.
- If your child needs to go into hospital, you may need to take a supply of feeding containers/bags, giving sets, connecting tubes and possibly formula so that you can use your pump from home.
- Other hospitals may prefer you to use a hospital pump during your stay. .
- It is important to be aware of your yearly product supply limits from EnableNSW or your annual budget when getting supplies through your NDIS plan. You should discuss any problems with supplies directly with EnableNSW or your NDIS planner. Your health professional can write a support letter or application for extra supplies if medically necessary. .
Remember:
- Maintaining and caring for your child’s tube feeding equipment will keep it in good working order.
