What position should a child be placed in after receiving gastrostomy tube feedings?

After receiving gastrostomy tube feedings, it is essential to position the child appropriately to reduce the risk of aspiration and promote comfort during digestion. Placing a child in a supine position (lying flat on their back) can increase the likelihood of stomach contents moving back up into the esophagus, especially if the child has any underlying conditions that compromise their ability to maintain a patent airway.

To minimize the risk of complications like aspiration pneumonia and to facilitate proper gastric emptying, the child should ideally be placed in an upright position or a position that is at least somewhat elevated, like a sitting position. This positioning helps gravity assist the feeding to move into the intestines rather than remain in the stomach, therefore reducing the risk of reflux and aspiration. Not placing the child in a supine position underscores the importance of safe feeding practices and reflects the need for careful monitoring during and after feeding.