G-Tubes in Child Care: What Providers Need to Know and How to Get Support

Kimberly Kostas
Jul 17
3 min read

By Kimberly Kostas, RN, BSN, CPN – Pediatric Nurse & Child Health Consultant

When a child with a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) joins your child care center, it may raise questions and some anxiety among staff. But with the right training and support, child care providers can confidently care for children with medical needs, including those who require tube feeding.

As a pediatric nurse and consultant, I help child care centers prepare for medically complex children through hands-on training and customized support. This blog will explain what G-tubes are, how they work, and why consulting with a healthcare professional can benefit both your staff and the families you serve.

What Is a G-Tube?

A gastrostomy tube, or G-tube, is a small, flexible tube surgically placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach. It is used to provide nutrition, fluids, and medication to children who cannot eat or drink safely or effectively by mouth.

Children may need a G-tube due to:

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Premature birth or failure to thrive
Neurological disorders (such as cerebral palsy)
Congenital abnormalities or anatomical issues
Severe food aversions or medical conditions requiring supplemental nutrition (Source: American Family Physician, 2019)

Common G-Tube Types:

PEG tubes (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy): placed surgically
Low-profile balloon “button” G-tubes: sit flush against the skin (e.g., MIC-KEY, AMT MiniONE)(Source: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

G-tubes can be a short- or long-term solution and often enable children to thrive in home, school, and child care environments.

What G-Tube Care Looks Like in Child Care

Children with G-tubes can often participate in most daily activities at child care centers. However, staff must be familiar with basic G-tube care, including:

Understanding scheduled feeds: bolus (gravity or syringe-fed) or pump-assisted
Monitoring the site: checking for redness, leakage, or irritation
Responding to emergencies: such as accidental dislodgement or clogging
Documenting care: maintaining communication with parents and healthcare providers (Source: Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation)

With proper training, providers don’t need to perform medical procedures but should be able to manage feeds, observe for complications, and act appropriately in case of an issue.

Why G-Tube Training Is Essential for Providers

It’s natural for staff to feel uneasy when first caring for a child with a G-tube. But with education and guidance, fear gives way to confidence. Training from a pediatric health consultant ensures that your team:

Knows how to safely handle tube feedings
Understands protocols for emergency situations
Communicates effectively with families
Meets ADA and state licensing regulations for children with medical needs (Source: U.S. Department of Education – ADA and Section 504)

The Benefits of Working With a Health Care Consultant:

On-site or virtual staff training tailored to your needs
Customized care plans to ensure safety and compliance
Support for documentation, policies, and communication
Ongoing consultation as new children with medical needs enroll

The Value of Inclusive Child Care

Offering inclusive care to children with medical needs, like those with G-tubes, benefits everyone in your center:

✅ Expands your center’s reach to families seeking specialized care ✅ Improves staff retention and morale through professional development✅ Promotes health equity and access to early learning for all children (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Children with G-tubes deserve the same play, learning, and social opportunities as their peers—and with training, your staff can give them just that.

Final Thoughts

G-tubes can be intimidating at first, but with education, support, and a plan, your center can confidently care for children with medical needs. As a pediatric nurse consultant, I offer training and guidance so your staff is prepared, empowered, and equipped.

If you’re enrolling a child with a G-tube or just want to be prepared, now is the time to train your team.