A Complete Guide on How to Feed a Person with a Feeding Tube

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to research, malnutrition affects up to 60% of hospital patients, making proper enteral nutrition via a feeding tube a vital treatment. This guide will explain how to feed a person with a feeding tube, from preparing the equipment to administering the feed and ensuring safety.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and administering enteral nutrition. It covers different feeding methods and techniques, details proper hygiene for equipment and the insertion site, and offers solutions for common problems.

Key Points

Patient Positioning: Always position the person at a 30 to 45-degree angle during feeding to minimize the risk of aspiration.
Hygiene is Essential: Wash hands and clean the work area before each feeding to prevent contamination and infection.
Flush Regularly: Flush the feeding tube with lukewarm water before and after feedings or medications to prevent clogs.
Monitor the Stoma Site: Check the skin around the tube daily for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or excess drainage.
Know Your Feeding Method: Understand the specific procedure for bolus, gravity, or pump feeding as instructed by the healthcare provider.
Troubleshoot Carefully: Never use force or inappropriate tools to clear a clog. If home remedies fail, contact a professional.
Seek Immediate Help: If a tube is dislodged, especially a new one, go to the emergency room immediately as the tract can close quickly.

Understanding the Basics of Tube Feeding

Tube feeding, or enteral nutrition, delivers liquid nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine when a person cannot eat or swallow safely. This can be a short-term or long-term solution, depending on the patient's medical condition. There are several types of feeding tubes, each with its own purpose and care routine.

Common Types of Feeding Tubes

Nasogastric (NG-Tube): Inserted through the nose and into the stomach for short-term use (less than a month).
Gastrostomy (G-Tube) / Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): Placed directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall, typically for longer-term needs.
Jejunostomy (J-Tube): Inserted into the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing the stomach. Often used for patients with gastric issues.

Essential Supplies and Preparation

Before beginning, gather all necessary equipment, including the prescribed formula, a feeding syringe (usually 60 mL), a feeding bag and pole (for gravity or pump feeds), and lukewarm water for flushing. Ensure the workspace is clean, check the formula's expiration date, shake it well, and warm refrigerated formula to room temperature in warm tap water. Always wash your hands thoroughly.

Methods for Administering Tube Feedings

There are three primary methods for administering formula, based on the patient's tube type and tolerance.

Method 1: Bolus Feeding with a Syringe

This mimics meals, delivering formula several times a day, common for G-tubes. Position the person upright. Attach the syringe (plunger removed) to the tube port, pinch the tube to prevent leaks, and pour formula into the syringe. Unclamp the tube and let formula flow by gravity, adjusting the syringe height for flow. Refill as needed, then flush with water. Clamp and cap the tube and keep the person upright for 30-60 minutes.

Method 2: Gravity Feeding with a Bag

For intermittent, slower feeding (30-60 minutes). Position the person upright. Hang the feeding bag about 18 inches above the stomach. Close the roller clamp, fill the bag, and prime the tubing. Flush the tube with water via syringe. Connect the bag tubing, open the clamp to start flow, and adjust the rate. Flush with water after feeding.

Method 3: Continuous Feeding with a Pump

Delivers formula slowly over hours, often used for J-tubes or intolerance. Position the person with head elevated. Fill the bag (4-8 hours' worth), hang it, and follow pump instructions to prime tubing and set the rate. Flush the tube with water, connect the pump tubing, and start the pump. Disconnect and flush with water when complete.

Comparison of Feeding Methods


Feature	Bolus Feeding	Gravity Feeding	Continuous Pump Feeding
Equipment	Syringe	Feeding bag, tubing, and pole	Feeding pump, feeding bag, and pole
Delivery Time	Fast (15–30 minutes)	Moderate (30–60 minutes)	Slow (over several hours)
Control	Manually controlled by flow height or plunger	Controlled by height and roller clamp	Electronically controlled rate
Best For	Mimicking regular meals, G-tubes	Intermittent feeds, G-tubes	J-tubes or intolerance, overnight feeding
Risk of Complications	Higher risk of aspiration, bloating if too fast	Moderate risk, can be adjusted	Lower risk of intolerance, more restrictive of mobility

Managing Common Feeding Tube Complications

Proactive care is key.

Clogged Tubes

Regular flushing prevents clogs. If one occurs, try gentle push-pull flushing with warm water and a syringe. Avoid force or sharp objects. Contact a healthcare provider if it persists.

Skin Irritation or Infection

Clean the stoma site daily with mild soap and water. Look for redness, swelling, or drainage. Pat dry and follow instructions for ointments. Report infection signs immediately.

Dislodged Tube

Seek immediate medical help if a tube falls out; the stoma can close quickly. Do not reinsert it yourself.

Conclusion

Feeding a person with a feeding tube requires careful attention to hygiene, positioning, and technique. Understanding the methods and managing complications ensures safe and effective nutrition. Always follow healthcare team instructions, as care is individualized. Regular maintenance and a proactive approach support well-being. Resources like The Oley Foundation offer additional information.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for specific care instructions. Do not mix medications with formula or use unprescribed substances to clear a clogged tube.

Frequently Asked Questions

The person should be positioned with their head elevated at a 30 to 45-degree angle (or higher) during feeding and for at least 30 to 60 minutes after to reduce the risk of aspiration.

If a clog occurs, use a syringe to push and pull warm water gently through the tube. Avoid using excessive force or sharp objects. If the clog cannot be cleared, contact a healthcare professional for assistance.

No, you should never mix medications with the feeding formula, as this can cause the tube to clog. Administer each medication separately, flushing the tube with water before and after each one.

Flush the tube before and after every use. Feeding bags and equipment should be washed thoroughly with warm, soapy water after each use and replaced regularly according to your supplier's schedule.

Do not attempt to reinsert the tube yourself. Seek medical attention immediately, especially for newer tubes, as the stoma (opening) can close rapidly.

Keep the skin around the insertion site clean and dry by washing it daily with mild soap and water. Monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or unusual drainage.

Watch for signs like nausea, bloating, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea. Adjusting the feeding rate, addressing constipation, and checking for formula intolerance can help, but a healthcare provider should be consulted if problems persist.