Hello, MLindawrites family! Welcome to my blog, where I share awesome life hacks! How are all of you wonderful G-tube-feeding parents and caregivers? Does your child require a feeding tube for night feeds? After many hassles with my son’s G-Tube feeds, I found some great solutions your family will appreciate.
I used to put the feeding tube through my son Anthony’s pajama pants, but as he got older, this method stopped working for us.
G-tubes help children and adults who have trouble consuming many calories by mouth have a healthy weight. I have been a proud mother of a child with medical conditions for a decade now.
Anthony and I have had multiple ups and downs involving G-Tube feeds spilling at night. I created some great methods to ensure we have a spill-proof night each time.
I know that these tips will help you, too!
Types of feeding tubes
A G-tube is also known as a Gastronomy tube, and there are a few different types:
- nasal gastric tube
- gastronomy tube (G-Tube)
There is the nasogastric feeding tube, which my son had for a few weeks when he was born. It resembles a G-tube, but it feeds through the nasal passageway.
Then there is the gastronomy tube, or G-Tube for short. These are usually placed through the skin and the stomach wall.
My son Anthony has cystic fibrosis. He has a mini one G-Tube button for night feeds he’s used for the last ten years. In the main image, you’ll notice two white and purple carts:
Those are Relizorb carts, which Anthony was once allergic to. Read about that here.
Anthony requires this G-tube as a part of his cystic fibrosis regimen to catch up on extra calories he quickly burns out by being active.
I am thankful for the tube, but not the nights that Anthony has woken up covered in the formula due to leakage or disconnecting the extension set in his sleep—poor buddy.
I’m curious.
How many of you have also spent sleepless nights due to formula spillage?
I’ve been there more than enough times, and it often has led me to the question:
How can I prevent this formula leakage from happening so my child can continue to grow happy and healthy? I stumbled upon some solutions after hours of research and trial and error.
Solutions to the G-Tube Night Feeds Spilled Formula Problem
After trying several solutions online, I creatively solved the problem with an excellent spillproof one I made.
After all…
It can be frustrating to wake up and discover the formula spilled everywhere at night. Your poor child will be wet and cold without the proper nutrition.
To prevent this from happening, I created a foolproof step-by-step guide, using some images, to end G-Tube problems that often occur at night.
Please Take Note of the Materials You Will Need Below
To get started, you will need some vital materials, most of which you can find at your local dollar stores and online shopping such as Amazon or eBay.
You can purchase a pair of scissors and a pool noodle for about a dollar. These materials will help you feel more assured when your child sleeps each night.
This page contains affiliate links, and I earn a commission if you purchase through one of the links at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Materials
- Pool noodle
- A knife or a pair of scissors
- Belly wrap band
- Sleeping pads
- Guard rail
- Ninjama pullups (optional for little ones)
Side note: The guard rail is optional, but it supplies an extra layer of security for my son, who likes to toss and turn throughout the night.
I don’t have to worry that he’s going to fall out of his bed and hurt himself. Read below for the seven steps to help your child sleep well each night with their night feeds.
Seven Steps to Secure Your Child’s G-tube Feeds Before Bedtime
1.) Cut a Portion of the Pool Noodle
- Cut 6 to 7 inches of the pool noodle and set it aside
- TIP: Save the rest of the noodles for future replacements
2.) Slice the Pool Noodle Down the Middle
- Carefully slice or cut the pool noodle in half down the middle
3.) Cover the Smaller Y-port of the Extension Set
- Place the smaller Y-port part facing down in the pool noodle to secure it in place.
- It prevents the formula from spilling during the night. I’ve also used medical tape, but it tends to get sticky. I found this solution to work better in rinsing the extension set properly.
4.) Use a Belly Band to Hold the Extension Set in Place
- The belly band is a lifesaver! This link is to the one I use for the nightly from Amazon. My son was worried the extension would disconnect, but not anymore.
- The belly band covers the G-tube extension, securing it and preventing it from coming off at night.
5.) Use One to Two Sleeping Pads
- Place sleeping pads underneath your child and under the pillow.
- It adds a layer of protection and security so your child can sleep all night without fear of ruining their bed sheets.
6.) Use a Guardrail (optional; may help prevent falls)
- Use a guardrail to protect your child from falling out of bed and pulling their G-Tube.
- Adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
7.) Last Step! Ninjamas or Pullups
- This is only necessary for children who require extra protection at night.
- Although my son is trained to use the bathroom at night, accidents happen when it’s cold outside, and that’s okay.
- Ninjamas are designed for older kids because they can absorb more urine output in case of an accident.
Wrapping it up!
To ensure the steps are clear, let me summarize them for you. Using the seven steps above, your child and you should be in for a dry, secure, and peaceful night’s sleep every night.
My article explains the steps to secure the G-tube extension set for smoother G-tube feeds and ensure safe sleep for children at night.
It involves cutting and slicing a pool noodle to cover the Y-port of the extension set, using a belly band to hold the G-Tube in place, placing one to two sleeping pads under the child for added protection, and using a guardrail to prevent falls.
Consider using Ninjamas or pull-ups for kids who require extra protection at night.
G-Tube Feeds Should Be a Breeze Now!
Wow, it’s fantastic and easy! The best thing is your child can help prepare for the night feeds and feel better about receiving formula.
It’s not easy knowing formula can leak, but now you and your child will breathe easier. Congratulations, you are all set for a successful night of sleep for yourself and your child.
I wished someone had told me about these G-Tube feeding tips before because it could have saved us many sleepless nights.
Using these simple tools, you and your child can sleep peacefully and wake up dry without worrying about spilling formula all over the bed.
As a result, you’ll have peace of mind and a proper night’s rest.
You can be confident that your child’s nutrients are in their tummy and body where they belong.
I came up with these ideas myself and am so thankful for it.
Have you tried any different methods that work for you? Check out some more articles below!
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Marlenny Linda is more than just a writer; she's a passionate bilingual advocate for families with children with medical conditions. With a background in teaching English (TESOL/TEFL) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, she crafts engaging, SEO-optimized content that informs, inspires, and connects with these families.
Her specialty is long-form content, where she dives deep into the topics that matter most, from navigating educational resources to fostering a fulfilling life for your child. Marlenny's innovative approach keeps audiences engaged and coming back for more.
