Home NG (nasogastric) Tubes

Going Home with a Nasogastric (NG) Tube

Your baby has made great progress and is ready to go home, but they may still need a little extra help with feeding. An NG (nasogastric) tube is a soft, flexible tube that goes through your baby's nose and into their stomach. It allows your baby to receive the nutrition they need while they continue learning to feed by mouth.

Why does my baby need an NG tube?

Many babies in the NICU, especially those born early or who have had medical challenges, are still developing the skills needed to take all of their feeds by breast or bottle. Feeding is actually a complex skill that requires babies to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing while having enough strength and endurance to finish a meal.

The NG tube helps make sure your baby gets enough calories and fluids to grow, even if they are not able to finish every feeding by mouth.

How long will my baby need the NG tube?

Every baby is different. Some babies only need the NG tube for a few days to a couple of weeks after going home, while others may need it for several weeks or, occasionally, a few months. The length of time depends on how quickly your baby develops the strength, coordination, and stamina to take all of their nutrition by mouth.

Your baby's medical team will monitor their growth and feeding progress and will let you know when the tube is no longer needed.

How can I help my baby learn to eat by mouth?

Your baby is the best guide. The goal is to make feeding a positive, enjoyable experience while allowing them to build their skills over time.

You can help by:

• Offer a bottle or breast when your baby is awake and showing hunger cues, such as bringing hands to their mouth, rooting, or being alert.

• Let your baby set the pace. Take breaks when needed and watch for signs they need to rest.

• Keep feeding calm and relaxed. A quiet environment helps many babies focus on eating.

• Stop if your baby shows signs they are finished or becoming stressed, such as falling asleep, turning away, coughing, gagging, or breathing harder.

• Use the feeding techniques your NICU team teaches you, such as pacing or positioning.

• Finish the rest of the feeding through the NG tube if your baby doesn't take the full amount by mouth. This ensures they continue to grow while practicing their feeding skills.

Should I try to make my baby finish the bottle?

No. It is important not to force-feed your baby. Pressuring babies to eat can make feeding stressful and may actually slow their progress. Think of oral feeding as practice. The NG tube provides a safety net so your baby can learn at their own pace while still getting the nutrition they need.

How will I know my baby is improving?

As your baby grows stronger, you may notice they:

• Finish more of their feedings by mouth.

• Feed more efficiently and in less time.

• Stay awake longer during feeds.

• Gain weight consistently.

• Need less nutrition through the NG tube.

Your healthcare team will help decide when it is safe to remove the NG tube based on your baby's feeding success, growth, and overall health.

You're not alone

Before you leave the NICU, you will receive hands-on training on how to use and care for the NG tube, give feedings safely, and recognize when to call your baby's healthcare team. Although it can feel overwhelming at first, most families become comfortable with the process after a few days at home.

The NG tube is a temporary tool that helps bridge the gap between the NICU and full oral feeding. Its purpose is to support your baby's growth while they continue developing the skills needed to eat independently. With time, practice, and support, most babies gradually transition to taking all of their feeds by mouth.