When my son came home from the NICU with a G-tube, I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy.
It felt overwhelming, unfamiliar, and terrifying—like one more thing to manage on an already long list. But now? I can’t imagine life without it.
His feeding tube has been a literal lifesaver, helping us through dehydration scares, feeding struggles, and illnesses without the constant stress of whether he’s getting enough nutrition.
💡 If you’re a new tube-feeding parent, I see you. You’re juggling syringes, extension sets, and a feeding schedule that feels like a second job. But take a deep breath—it gets easier.
Here are the G-tube feeding tips for parents that I wish I had known sooner to make life simpler and less stressful.
1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Bringing your child home with a G-tube feels like learning an entirely new language—schedules, supplies, and those “Wait, how much water goes in the balloon again?” moments.
💡 Personal Moment:
I remember staring at my son’s feeding tube, thinking, I’m never going to get the hang of this. I was terrified I’d do something wrong. But guess what? You will figure it out.
✔️ The first few weeks feel like trial and error.
✔️ You don’t have to be an expert overnight.
✔️ Lean on your child’s feeding therapist, medical team, and other tube-feeding parents for support.
👉 Want more insight about that first year of medical parenting? Read: NICU Discharge Survival: Our First Year
2. Pack a G-Tube Emergency Bag (Because Tube Mishaps Happen!)
Medical emergencies don’t wait for convenience. If you’ve got a tube-fed child, you’ll want a G-tube emergency bag ready to grab at a moment’s notice.
💡 Real Experience:
The first time my son’s G-tube popped out, I panicked. I didn’t have a backup button or the supplies to reinsert it. I ended up frantically searching for medical tape at midnight—never again.
Here’s what I ALWAYS keep in my G-tube go bag:
✔️ Syringes (bolus and flush)
✔️ Extension sets
✔️ Pre-measured formula or blenderized food
✔️ Tape and gauze for securing the site
✔️ A backup button—because trust me, you’ll need one at the worst possible time
🎯 Pro Tip: Keep this bag in your car, diaper bag, or by the door for quick access!
3. How to Handle Common G-Tube Problems
Let’s talk about the not-so-fun stuff: leaks, granulation tissue, and clogged tubes.
They’re frustrating, but totally manageable with a few tricks:
🔹 Leaking G-Tube
✔️ Check connections and ensure the balloon has enough water.
✔️ Use an absorbent dressing for minor leaks.
🔹 Granulation Tissue
✔️ Ask your doctor about barrier creams, silver nitrate, or steroid creams to manage overgrowth.
🔹 Clogged G-Tube
✔️ Try a warm water flush first.
✔️ If that doesn’t work, a Clog Zapper or carbonated liquid can help clear the line.
4. Use the G-Tube to Your Advantage
Once I stopped seeing my son’s G-tube as a hassle and started using it as a tool, everything changed.
✔ Keeping him hydrated when he’s sick (no more dehydration scares!)
✔ Sneaking in extra calories when he wasn’t in the mood to eat.
✔ Giving medications without the meltdown (no more fighting over syringes).
💡 Mindset Shift: The G-tube isn’t an obstacle—it’s a lifesaving tool that helps your child thrive.
5. Find Tube-Friendly Clothing & Supplies
Not all tube gear is created equal, and finding G-tube-friendly clothing makes life so much easier.
💡 Game-Changer: These tube-friendly onesies have a snap opening for easy access. No more lifting up shirts or dealing with messy tape!
👉 Check out my favorite tube-friendly onesies here (affiliate link).
Other tube gear that’s been a lifesaver:
✔ Grip-Lok securement tape (keeps extension sets in place).
✔ G-tube pads (reduces irritation & keeps the site clean).
✔ Portable feeding pump backpack (for tube feeding on the go).
6. Connect with Other G-Tube Parents
Tube feeding can feel isolating, but you’re not alone.
💡 My Experience:
At first, I didn’t know a single other parent navigating tube feeding. But once I connected with other tubie moms, everything changed.
✔️ They understood the late-night pump alarms.
✔️ They had hacks doctors never mentioned.
✔️ They didn’t stare when I pulled out a syringe in public.
Join Facebook groups, local support groups, or online communities—you’ll find your people.
G-Tube Life: It Gets Easier
Looking back, I wish I had known that my son’s G-tube wouldn’t make life harder—it would actually make it easier.
I worried so much about how complicated it seemed at first, but now? It gives me peace of mind knowing he’s getting exactly what he needs.
💡 If you’re new to tube-feeding your child, hang in there. You’re doing an amazing job, and trust me—it gets easier.
👉 For more medical mom life tips, read: When I Realized Life with a Medically Complex Child Isn’t Normal.
*Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you— if you make a purchase. I only recommend things I actually love and use in my own medical mom life!
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