There are French feeding tubes that are designed to last 30 days for long
term NG feeding of Preemies.  They are food grade.  I was chastised for
using them for finger feeding at my new job because the nurses thought I was
throwing them out and they cost $8.00US!!  We don't carry the regular French
tubes that I was used to using.  I don't know if the tendency for bacterial
growth is lower in these types of tubes but I would imagine they are
designed to be more durable.  They are still very flexible.  I show parents
how to wash the tube and syringes in hot soapy water and how to thoroughly
flush out the tube with clear water and then air.  They are meant to be used
at home as a short term fix, not to actually be used for 30 days.

Linda Anderegg, BSN, RNC, IBCLC in Chicago


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