When your baby is in the NICU, you may hear about different types of support they need to optimize their growth. One of these supports is a gastrostomy tube, or G-tube. This article will help you understand what a G-tube is, why your baby might need one, and topics your healthcare team will teach you to prepare for going home with a G-tube.
What Is a Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)?
A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is a soft, flexible tube that is placed through the baby’s belly (abdomen) directly into the stomach. It is used to give nutrition (breast milk, formula, or blended food) and medications when a baby is unable to eat enough by mouth.
There are different types of G-tubes with the two most common ones described below:
- Low-profile “button” G-tubes: Small, discreet tubes that lie flat against the skin and is secured using small stitches and held in place with a water-filled balloon in the stomach
- Long tube: A long tube with or without a retention disc that is placed on the outside of the tube, and is secured in place with small stitches and a water-filled balloon in the stomach.
Why Might a Baby in the NICU Need a G-Tube?
Some babies in the NICU have difficulty with feeding due to prematurity, medical conditions, or neurological concerns. A G-tube may be recommended if:
- Your baby has trouble coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
- They were born with a condition that affects the mouth, esophagus, or stomach.
- They have a chronic lung condition that makes feeding tiring or unsafe.
- They are not gaining weight well and need extra nutrition.
- Feeding by mouth is not safe due to the risk of aspiration (food or liquid going into the lungs).
A G-tube can provide a safe and reliable way to ensure your baby gets the nutrients and medications they need to grow.
What Happens Before and After G-Tube Placement?
Before surgery:
- Your baby’s care team will explain the procedure and answer your questions.
- Blood tests or imaging may be done to ensure it is safe to proceed.
- Your baby may need to stop feeds for a short time before surgery.
After surgery:
- The area around the G-tube may be red or sore at first.
- Nurses and doctors will teach you how to clean the site, secure the tube, and give feedings.
- Feeding usually starts slowly and increases as your baby heals.
Preparing for Discharge with a G-Tube
Bringing your baby home with a G-tube can feel overwhelming at first, but NICU teams will help prepare you every step of the way.
Here’s what you’ll learn before going home:
- How to give feeds using a syringe or feeding pump
- How to clean and care for the tube site
- What to do if the tube comes out
- How to recognize signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or leaking)
- How to administer medications through the G-tube
- How to contact your medical team with questions or emergencies
You may meet with a dietitian, speech therapist, or feeding specialist to create a plan that works for your baby’s growth and development. Home health nursing or follow-up clinic visits are often arranged for continued support.
Looking Ahead
Many babies with G-tubes are eventually able to transition to full oral feeds as they grow and develop. In other words, some babies may no longer need a G-tube and this would be surgically removed in the future. Some may need the tube longer due to ongoing medical needs. Either way, having a G-tube can improve nutrition, reduce hospital stays, and support your baby’s well-being.
Your NICU team is here to help you feel confident and supported as you prepare to take your baby home. With time and practice, G-tube care becomes a normal part of your daily routine—and one more way you are giving your baby the care they need to thrive.
For a series of informational videos on living with a G-tube, check out this resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: https://www.chop.edu/patient-family-ed/living-g-tube-instructional-videos
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