When your child first starts tube feeding, it may take a few days for their body to adjust to the formula and feeding routine. But there are times when he or she simply may not tolerate the feeding formula you have been asked to use – your child may feel unwell and cannot take all of the formula each day. This can become a problem if your child is not able to get the nutrition and water needed, or if your child is having unpleasant symptoms that makes him or her feel unwell.
Feeding intolerance is often talked about by the signs or symptoms children have – which may vary from feeling full and having a swollen belly (abdomen) to vomiting or diarrhea. Being on a tube feeding does not mean that your child should feel uncomfortable during or after taking their formula.
Sometimes your child may experience problems when tube feeding. This section provides information about some of the more common problems, possible causes and some steps you may take. The information provided here is not intended to replace the advice or instruction of your child’s healthcare professionals, or to substitute medical care. If you have a problem, or have more questions about your child’s tube feeding, be sure to talk to your child’s healthcare professional.
Problem
Nausea and/or Vomiting and/or Reflux (feeling like your stomach contents are coming back up into your throat)
Possible cause
- Feeding too quickly
- Slow digestion in the stomach
- Other stomach/digestive problems or illness
What to consider
- Slow or stop the feed until your child is comfortable. If needed, delay the next feeding by 15-20 minutes and restart slowly.*
- Slow down feed rate*
- Sit your child upright or have him/her lie at a 45-degree angle (about the height of two pillows) during the feeding and for 30 to 60 minutes after the feeding. Do not lie flat during or just after a feeding.
- Check with your child’s healthcare professional to see if your child should change to a special formula that may be easier to digest and absorb
- Speak to your child’s healthcare professional if this problem continues
* If you have slowed the formula flow rate this may reduce the amount of formula, water and nutrition your child is getting. Check with your child’s healthcare professional if you are not able to return to your child’s original rate after 1 or 2 days and you are unable to get the amount of formula and water indicated in your child’s feeding schedule.
Problem
Diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery or liquid stools)
Possible cause
- Medication side effects
- Formula is being fed too fast
- Formula may be spoiled by bacteria
- No fibre, or not enough fibre, in your child’s formula
- Intolerance to the formula
- Your child may have another illness, flu or infection
- Your child’s feeding tube may have moved out of place
What to consider
- Talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist about your child’s medications
- Slow down the feeding rate*
- Do not use formula that has been opened and left at room temperature for longer than recommended on the formula label
- Do not use formula that has been opened and left in the fridge for longer than 24 hours
- Wash your hands well, and use clean supplies/equipment
- Replace your child’s feeding container and tubing as directed by your child’s healthcare professional
- Check with your child’s healthcare professional about changing to a formula that has fibre
- Check with your child’s healthcare professional to see if you should change to a special formula that may be easier to digest and absorb
- Speak to your child’s healthcare professional if this problem continues for more than 2 days
* If you have slowed the formula flow rate this may reduce the amount of formula, water and nutrition your child is getting. Check with your child’s healthcare professional if you are not able to return to your child’s original rate after 1 or 2 days and you are unable to get the amount of formula and water indicated in your child’s feeding schedule.
Problem
Bloating or swollen belly/ abdomen; Stomach cramps; Feeling of fullness
Possible cause
- Formula is being fed too fast
- Formula is too cold
- Too much formula
- Lying flat while taking the feeding
- Exercising or too much activity right after a feeding
- Intolerance to the formula
What to consider
- Slow down the feeding rate*
- Use stored, unopened formula at room temperature for feedings. If you have opened formula in the refrigerator, remove for 30 minutes before feeding.
- Make sure your child is taking the right amount of formula and/or feeding rate
- Sit your child upright or lie at a 45-degree angle (about the height of two pillows) during the feeding and for 30 to 60 minutes after the feeding. Do not allow him or her to lie flat during or just after a feeding.
- Ask your child’s healthcare professional to review your child’s formula. You may need to switch him/her to a formula that has more calories in less volume or to a special formula that may be easier to digest and absorb.
* If you have slowed the formula flow rate this may reduce the amount of formula, water and nutrition your child is getting. Check with your child’s healthcare professional if you are not able to return to your child’s original rate after 1 or 2 days and you are unable to get the amount of formula and water indicated in your child’s feeding schedule.
Problem
Constipation (bowel movements occur less than usual or are hard, dry and painful or difficult to pass)
Possible cause
- You are not giving enough fluid or water
- No fibre, or not enough fibre, in your child’s formula
- Not enough exercise or activity
- Medications
What to consider
- Give more water through your child’s feeding tube if advised by your child’s healthcare professional.
- Check with your child’s doctor or dietitian to see if your child should change to a formula that contains enough fibre
- Help your child be more active - if this is possible (check with your child’s doctor)
- Talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist about your child’s medications
Problem
Dehydration (the amount of water in the body has dropped below the level needed for normal body function);
Passing less urine/dark yellow urine;
Feeling thirsty
Possible cause
- You are not giving enough fluid or water
- Illness with diarrhea, fever, heavy sweating
What to consider
- Make sure your child is taking the right amount of water every day before and after your feedings
- Talk to your child’s healthcare professional to make sure your child is getting the right amount of water each day
Problem
Gaining weight quickly
Possible cause
- You may be giving too much fluid or water
- You may be giving too much formula
What to consider
- Make sure your child is taking the right amount of formula and water every day
- Talk to your child’s healthcare professional to see if you need to change the amount of formula and water each day
Possible cause
- You may not be giving enough calories
What to consider
- Make sure your child is taking the right amount of formula every day
- Talk to your child’s healthcare professional to see if you need to change the amount or type of formula he/she is taking
Problem
Aspiration (breathing in foods or liquids into the airway or lungs);
Sudden coughing or trouble breathing during feeding or right after feeding
Possible cause
- Your child’s formula may be coming back up from the stomach and it could be breathed into their lungs
- Lying flat during feeding
- Illness such as a chest infection or pneumonia
What to consider
- Sit your child upright or have him/her lie at a 45-degree angle (about the height of two pillows) during the feeding and for 30 to 60 minutes after the feeding. Do not allow him or her to lie flat during or just after a feeding.
- If symptoms continue, call your child’s doctor or go to the hospital
Problem
Blocked feeding tube or formula will not run through the feeding tube
Possible cause
- There may be a kink or bend in your child’s feeding tube or the feeding set
- Formula or medication may have blocked the tube
What to consider
- Check the feeding tube and feeding set to make sure the tubing is not bent or kinked
- Flush the tube with warm water before and after feeding or medications
- Do not give pureed foods or other liquids through the tube before talking with your child’s healthcare professional
- Do not mix anything new into the formula without consulting your child’s healthcare professional
- Use only liquid or finely crushed medicine dissolved in water
- If your child’s tube is blocked, do not try to remove the blockage yourself. Consult with your child’s healthcare professional for advice on what to do next.
Problem
Feeding tube falls out
Possible cause
- Your child’s tube may have come out by accident
What to consider
- Cover the opening with a clean cloth or towel (if your child has a gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube which goes directly in through the skin into the stomach or small intestine)
- Call your child’s healthcare professional or go to the nearest emergency department with your child’s feeding tube
Tips to help you and your child with tube feeding
Being well informed and knowing what to expect – including the fact that there can always be surprises – will help both you and your child become comfortable with tube feeding. In no time at all, you will both become tube feeding experts! Here are some additional points to guide you:
- Being positive about the tube feeding can help your child adjust and help older children see the benefits of tube feeding. Talk to your family and friends about your child’s tube feeding to help make the transition easier too.
- When adjusting to tube feeding, try to maintain as much of your child’s usual routine as possible. If family dinners and story time are part of each day, work these activities into the tube feeding routine at home. Ask your healthcare professionals for help with this process.
- Expect that social times, like being at school or going to parties, may bring up food-related questions. Speaking to your child’s friends and teachers ahead of time will help your child be ready for these occasions. Also talk to your child about common questions that may come up so that he/she can provide answers on their own.
- Older children may have concerns or may worry about their body image with a feeding tube. Expect this, and talk with your child often to uncover any fears or concerns to address early on.
- Keep all instructions for the tube feeding and contact information in one central place. You may wish to include the tube feeding details and progress, such as the diary that follows, with your folder or other items you take to your child’s visits with their healthcare team.
- As your child gets older, help him or her to be more involved in their medical appointments or care for their tube feeding as much as possible.
This website includes a wide range of information about tube feeding your child. We believe it is also helpful for you to have support from others who are caring for children who need tube feedings at home.
A.S.P.E.N.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) is dedicated to improving patient care by advancing the science and practice of nutrition support therapy.
CaringBridge
CaringBridge provides free websites that connect people experiencing a significant health challenge to family and friends, making each health journey easier.
Feeding Matters
Feeding Matters is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of infants and children with pediatric feeding disorders. Our education, advocacy, research, and treatment initiatives are providing families and healthcare professionals with the resources and support they need when caring for a child who struggles to eat.
Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation
The Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to pediatric enteral feeding, with the mission to provide parents with the practical knowledge and support they need while educating the general public by raising positive awareness of tube feeding.
NASPGHAN
NASPGHAN (North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) strives to improve the care of infants, children and adolescents with digestive disorders by promoting advances in clinical care, research and education.
Oley Foundation
The Oley Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that provides information and psycho-social support to parents and caretakers of children with enteral nutrition needs.