Tummy (abdomen)

Urinary tract dilatation (UTD) means part of your baby’s urinary tract looks wider than usual on an ultrasound scan. Health professionals use ultrasound scans to grade UTD. Your baby’s grade helps their healthcare team plan scans, tests and follow-up.

Baby poo can vary in colour, consistency, smell and frequency. Knowing what’s normal for your baby can help you recognise constipation.

Gastroschisis is a condition where your baby’s bowel grows outside their abdomen (tummy) through an opening in the abdominal wall. Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born.

Omphalocele is a condition where some of your baby’s bowel or other organs grow outside their abdomen (tummy) in a protective membrane or sac. Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the bowel or other tissue pushes through an opening into the groin. It may show up as a lump that comes and goes. If you think your child may have a hernia, see a health professional.

Reflux is very common in premature pēpi (babies). Most reflux does not harm premature pēpi.

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare condition. Pēpi (babies) with CDH need surgery to close a hole in their diaphragm.

Paediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a common problem in tamariki (children). It happens when feeding or eating issues cause tamariki to limit the amount and variety of food they eat.

Mesenteric adenitis is a common cause of tummy pain in tamariki (children). A viral infection is the most common cause.

Hear from 2 parents about their tube feeding journey with their tamariki (children).

A capsule endoscopy is a procedure that looks inside the digestive tract. Capsule endoscopies help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Find out more about what a capsule endoscopy involves.

Not all tamariki (children) are the same when it comes to toilet training. Find out how to support your child to start toilet training.

Threadworms are tiny worms that infect the digestive tract. They're common in children and spread easily. They commonly cause an itch around the bottom and genitals.

It's important for tube-fed tamariki (children) to sit correctly when eating and drinking. Tamariki need to sit upright with their hips, knees and ankles at 90-degree angles. This will help them coordinate the muscles needed to eat. It will also help them focus on eating, rather than keeping their bodies upright.

To give others easy access to all KidsHealth's tube feeding content, you can share a QR code poster. Anyone can scan the QR code with their phone and go straight to the KidsHealth tube feeding section.

Tube feeding your child can feel overwhelming for many parents. Parents who move from tube feeding in hospital to tube feeding at home have found a few things that help. These can be especially important in the first few weeks.