Administration of Tube Feeding

Bolus feeding

The use of a “bolus feeding pattern” is more similar to an oral eating pattern than the use of “continuous drip.” A specified amount of formula is given several times during the day.

For example, a child’s prescription may be for 120 mL formula every 3 hours.
The formula may be administered with an infusion pump, or by “gravity drip.”

Continuous drip feeding

A continuous drip regimen provides formula at a defined rate (usually slower) for a longer amount of time than a bolus pattern.

For example, an infant may receive 20 mL formula per hour for 20 hours each day.

In other cases, continuous drip feeding is used at night and either oral feedings or bolus tube feedings are given during the day.

For example, a child may receive 30 mL formula per hour for 8 hours at night and eat a regular food pattern during the day.

Typically, an infusion pump is used to deliver the formula.