A feeding tube is a way of getting more food, fluid, or medicine into your child when they struggle to eat by mouth. Feeding tubes are not always permanent. Feeding tubes are a resource to improve your child’s overall health and well-being. If you’re a parent or caregiver, you should never feel like you have failed at feeding your child if they need to use a feeding tube. Your doctor might recommend a feeding tube for these and other reasons:
There are abnormalities or problems with how any part of their digestive tract works. This can include their mouth, esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and stomach or “food pipe” ), stomach, or intestines.
Your child has sucking or swallowing problems. These are common in premature babies, those with developmental delays, or children with neuromuscular disorders like cerebral palsy.
Your child has a diagnosis of failure to thrive or poor growth. This means your child isn’t eating enough to support normal growth and development.
Your child has problems taking medications by mouth. Some children can’t tolerate the taste, texture, or amount of medicine needed.