Tube Feeding at Home: Your Daily Guide

Sit up to prevent choking

• Sit up or raise the head of the bed at least 30 to 45 degrees during feeding.
• Stay up for 30 to 60 minutes after each feeding.
• With a pump feeding, keep your head up the whole time.

Check the tube before each use

• Look at the mark on the tube where it leaves your body.
• Your mark: ____________.
• If the mark has moved, do not use the tube. Call your care team.

Flush with water

• Flush with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of water before and after each feeding.
• Flush with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) before and after each medicine.

Give medicines safely

• Give one medicine at a time. Use liquid medicine when you can.
• Never crush long-acting (extended-release) or coated (enteric-coated) pills.
• Never mix medicine into the formula.

Keep the tube and mouth clean

• Wash the skin around the tube daily with soap and water. Pat dry.
• Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, even if you do not eat by mouth.
• If the tube clogs, flush gently with warm water. Never force it or push a wire into it.