WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a gastrostomy tube? A gastrostomy tube, or G-tube, is placed into your baby's stomach through an opening in his abdomen called a stoma. A G-tube may be used to give your baby food or medicine. It may also be used to let air or liquid out of his stomach. He may need a G-tube if he has trouble swallowing, eating, or keeping food down. How do I care for my baby's G-tube? - Clean your baby's tube before and after you feed him. Always follow instructions about how much water to use.
- If your baby's tube has a balloon tip, make sure there is enough air inside it. Ask how much air should be inside the balloon.
- Replace the external tube every 2 weeks if directed to do so. Your baby's healthcare provider will show you how to replace the tube. Or, it may need to be replaced at the healthcare provider's office.
How do I care for the skin around my baby's G-tube? - Clean your baby's tube site with soap and warm water. You may clean the skin around the tube while you give your baby a bath.
- Gently turn the tube as directed. This may help relieve the pressure on your baby's skin and prevent an infection. It may also help keep the tip of the tube in place. Ask when and how often to turn the tube.
- Use bandages to keep the skin around the tube dry. Ask about the best bandages to use on your baby's skin.
How can I help prevent problems with my baby's G-tube? - Check your baby's skin for redness or swelling at the tube site with each feeding.
- Keep your baby's skin clean and dry around the tube.
- Put the tube under your baby's clothes so it will not get pulled out.
- Follow directions for the proper care of your baby's tube.
- Check the marks on your baby's tube to make sure it is in the right place.
- Check to see if there is milk or formula blocking the tube.
- Measure the length of the external tube from the stoma to the end. Ask how long this part of the tube should be and measure it every day. This will help you see if the tube has moved inside your baby's abdomen.
Why might my baby's G-tube need to be replaced or removed? - The tube may be replaced between 6 and 12 weeks after the first placement.
- The tube has fallen out.
- The tube has moved inside your baby's abdomen.
- Your baby does not need the tube anymore.
When should I contact my baby's healthcare provider? - Your baby has a fever or is more fussy than usual.
- The tube is blocked or does not work.
- Fluid is leaking from your baby's stoma.
- The tube has moved out of place.
- The skin around your baby's stoma is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- Your baby has diarrhea or is vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - Your baby's tube falls out. Cover it with a bandage.
- Blood or pus is coming out of your baby's tube.
- Your baby has sudden trouble breathing.
- Your baby's abdomen feels bloated or hard.
- Your baby's skin is yellow.
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