Reasons For Adhering To NICU Feeding Tubes Protocols

It is natural for the parents of a pre mature baby to be worried. Fortunately, the medical professionals are well equipped to take care of such an infant. The tiny baby is usually placed in the NICU (Neonatal, Intensive Care Unit) with its progress monitored round the clock. The neonate is attended 24X7 too so that the inordinately weak and small baby does not lack for support.


Sure, people visiting a NICU may be put off by the sight of infants lying helplessly in their cribs with multiple tubings and channels inserted into their tiny bodies. The assorted machines nearby complete the grim picture. However, each of these equipment happen to be mandatory in maintaining the temperature and feeding the infant as well as monitoring the respiration along with other assorted functions.


It is usual to find a preterm being fed with the aid of a special tube. The premature infants who are unable to obtain the required nutrition by breast feeding or suckling a bottle often have to get it by means of a small nasogastric tube that is sourced from a reputed supplier and is in compliance with the NICU feeding tubes protocols. The tube rests on the stomach of the baby and is passed into the small body via the mouth or through the nose.


Sure, the infant may be able to feed from a bottle but the feeding via the tube continues when the quantity of milk that enters the body through the bottle is not enough. There is absolutely no pain associated with tube feeding contrary to the apprehensions of the parents. They are secured properly by means of tapes to avoid discomforting the child. The tubes are changed at frequent intervals so that there is no injury to the infant due to constant rubbing of the tube with the body parts.


There are a number of syringes especially the ml only syringes that are required for a variety of enteral procedures too. It is not limited to placing the feeding tube though. The syringes play an important role in medication of the patient as well as flushing and irrigation of specific parts of the body.


Checklist for buying ENFit Syringes




  • Size- The syringes are available in a wide variety of sizes that can hold 5ml to 60 ml of fluid. The perfect size would depend upon the reason of use.




  • Specification- The best syringes are made from latex and happen to be free from DEHP and BPA. They are deemed to safe for all individuals including preterm infants and geriatric patients. The syringes are available in multi packs in order to keep them handy as per the need. They are meant for single use only, a standard to avoid instances of cross contamination totally.




  • Colors- The body of the syringe is usually clear for easy reading of the markings. However, some of them may be amber colored with the markings made legible in white.




It is of utmost importance to use only ENFit connectors along with the syringes in order to avoid misconnections that may end in fatal consequences.