A Handy Checklist for Sleepovers with a Feeding Tube

Medically Reviewed by Janel Ganz, BSN, RN, Enteral Feeding Specialist

As tube feeding is your child’s lifeline to getting the nutrition they need, it can cause anxiety for some parents to have their tube-fed child sleep over at someone else’s home. However, there may be reasons for a sleepover, like a birthday party, family visits, or emergencies.

Have no fear! Below is a checklist of helpful tips that can put your mind at ease and pointers that you can share with the adult who will be caring for your child while at a sleepover or visiting a relative for the first time.

Bring the Sleepover Host Up to Speed: As parents, it is crucial to lay out clear and simple steps the host will need to follow. You can talk through the directions or you could even take a video of how to do any of these steps for the host to watch.

• Provide a written list of steps so they do not have to perform any step from memory.
• Share detailed instructions on how to prepare and give their formula.
• Teach them how long the formula can last, when refrigerated, before it is spoiled.
• Tell the host to use good hygiene when handling the feeding tube or touching the child to prevent spreading germs.
• Teach the host how to flush the tube before and after each use. 

Practice

Ideally, if there is time in person, walk the host through how to feed your child before the sleepover takes place. Practice may help ease nervousness and build confidence. If there are any special cares for the skin or tube, review this with the host. If there is any medicine that the host needs to give to your child, make sure the host knows how to do this. You may need to show them how to measure the medicine in a syringe. You can even have the medicine already drawn up in syringes and labeled ahead of time.

Troubleshoot

The host will need to know about any problems that might happen. Some problems may be a tube falling out or a clogged tube. Give them steps to help with common problems. It is good to give the host phone numbers and addresses in case an emergency happens. The host should have your phone number on speed dial.

Over Prepare

It does not hurt to overprepare! In case of spills or accidents, pack extra clothes and pajamas.

Has your tube-fed child ever been on a sleepover? If you have any tips to share, we would love to hear on Facebook!