Tube feeding

A general guide, to support your child progressing to oral feeding. Make sure you discuss this with your health professional, who knows your child well. Your health professional will help you to create a plan for your child.

Several things will affect the success of your child's move to oral feeding in the future. These include your child's age and how long they've been able to try oral feeding. Health professionals recommend introducing your child to oral feeding as early as possible, and to use a non-food item if it is not safe for them to feed by mouth.  

It is important tube-fed children are in the correct position when eating and drinking. Tamariki need to sit upright with their hips, knees and ankles at 90-degree angles. This will help them coordinate the muscles needed to eat. It will also help them focus on eating, rather than keeping their bodies upright.

Hear from Kiri - a mum who has been through a tube feeding journey with her son Nathan.