A doctor or nurse will insert the NG tube. They will place the tube into one nostril and gently slide it down the back of the throat and down into the stomach. 

This may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. Mild pain relief or anaesthetic can be used to make it more comfortable.

Staying with your child and offering lots of support and reassurance can also help them feel more comfortable.

Before giving anything through the tube, the position must be checked to make sure the tip is in the stomach.

This is done by using a syringe to take out a small sample of stomach fluid. A litmus or pH strip is used to test the fluid. The colour change shows whether the tube is in the right spot.

This can take practice to do properly. Your child’s treatment team will show you how and answer any questions.

Always check the position before using the tube. Do not put anything down the NG tube if you are not sure or cannot check the position. Speak to your child’s treatment team if you have any questions or concerns.

Flushing means gently pushing clean water through the tube to stop it from blocking.

Flush the tube:

• after every feed
• after giving medication
• at least every four hours if feeds or medications are less frequent.

If your child is using a feeding pump, pause the pump and disconnect the tube before flushing.

Your child’s treatment team will tell you how much water to use based on their age.

If the tube is blocked, try the following:

• check the tube isn ot bent or kinked
• use a smaller syringe to flush
• gently push and pull the syringe for a few minutes.

Contact your child’s treatment team if it stays blocked.

To help prevent blockage:

• flush the tube regularly
• follow flushing instructions closely
• make sure any medications given in liquid form are safe to go down the NG tube
• do not mix medicine with formula unless told to by your child's treatment team.

You can also prevent NG tube blockage by:

• closely follow instructions about the amount and timing of water flushing
• requesting that
• not mixing medications with formula unless you have been told to by your child’s treatment team.

Your child’s treatment team will tell you how long the tube can stay in. Some can last up to three months, while others need changing sooner.

If the tube comes out, only replace it yourself if you have been trained to do so.

If inserted incorrectly, the tube could go into the lungs instead of the stomach.

Contact your child’s treatment team for training on how to replace the NG tube.

The tube can irritate the skin around your child’s nose and mouth. 

Good skin care includes:

• cleaning the skin with warm water and a washcloth
• removing any crusts or fluid around the nose
• using adhesive remover when changing the tape
• making sure the skin is clean and dry before applying new tape.

If one side of the face becomes red or irritated, you can ask to switch the tube to the other nostril to let the skin heal.

Contact your child’s doctor as soon as possible if:

• both nostrils are red or swollen
• the tube is blocked, and you cannot clear it
• the tube has fallen out, and you cannot replace it
• the tube needs to be replaced.

If you cannot contact your child’s treatment team and you are concerned, go to your nearest emergency department for help.