Tube feeding at home

Getting into a routine

Tube feeding becomes manageable when it becomes routine. Set times, a consistent place, everything within reach, and a written record of what was given and when.

• Wash your hands before handling any part of the system.
• Check the formula name, the strength and the expiry every time.
• Bring refrigerated formula to room temperature — cold formula causes cramping.
• Keep the head of the bed elevated during feeding and for a while afterwards, to reduce aspiration risk.
• Flush the tube with water before and after feeds and medications, as instructed.

Hygiene

• Do not hang formula for longer than instructed — open formula is a growth medium.
• Use a new feeding set on the schedule you were given.
• Rinse syringes and bags thoroughly and let them dry.
• Never mix formula with anything not specifically directed by your dietitian.

Tube site care

• Clean around the site daily with soap and water; dry well.
• Check for redness, swelling, leakage, granulation tissue or discharge.
• Rotate a low-profile button as instructed to prevent adhesion.
• Keep the tube secured so it is not pulled — traction is what causes site problems.

Common problems

• Blocked tube. Usually medication residue or inadequate flushing. Warm water and gentle push-pull with a syringe; never force, and never use anything sharp.
• Diarrhea. Often the rate, the formula, or a medication rather than the feeding itself. Speak to your dietitian before changing anything.
• Nausea or fullness. Often rate-related.
• Constipation. Often fluid-related.

None of these should be self-managed by changing the formula or the regimen. Report them and let the clinical team adjust.

Supply reliability

There is no substitute to fall back on and no way to skip a day, which is why this line runs on a fixed schedule with confirmation before every shipment. Tell us early if the rate or the formula changes.

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