If your child has a gastrostomy tube, you know that the skin around the stoma site needs consistent attention. G-tube pads — also called port covers or stoma pads — are a simple but powerful tool for keeping that skin healthy, comfortable, and protected. But like any medical accessory, they work best when you know how to use and care for them properly.
This guide covers everything caregivers need to know about g-tube pad care and maintenance, from daily routines to washing tips to knowing when it's time to replace them.
What Are G-Tube Pads and Why Do They Matter?
G-tube pads are small fabric pieces that sit between the g-tube button or tube and your child's skin. They serve several important purposes:
- Absorb moisture — leakage around the stoma site is common, and pads help wick that moisture away from the skin
- Reduce friction — the hard plastic of a g-tube button can rub against delicate skin; a soft pad creates a protective barrier
- Protect the stoma — pads help keep the site clean and reduce the risk of skin breakdown or granulation tissue
- Add comfort — especially during active play, tummy time, or sleep
For many families, g-tube pads become a non-negotiable part of daily stoma care. Once you find the right ones, you'll wonder how you managed without them.
How Often Should You Change G-Tube Pads?
This depends on your child's individual situation, but a general rule of thumb is to change the pad whenever it becomes wet, soiled, or visibly dirty — and at minimum once a day as part of your stoma care routine. If your child experiences frequent leakage, you may need to change pads several times a day.
Always check the stoma site when you change the pad. Look for redness, irritation, granulation tissue, or any signs of infection, and report anything concerning to your child's medical team.
How to Wash G-Tube Pads
Keeping pads clean is essential — a dirty pad can introduce bacteria to the stoma site and cause skin problems. Here's how to wash fabric g-tube pads safely:
Machine Washing
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water
- Use a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent to minimize skin irritation
- Place small pads in a mesh laundry bag so they don't get lost or tangled
- Avoid fabric softener, which can reduce absorbency over time
- Avoid bleach, which can break down fabric fibers and cause skin irritation
Drying
- Tumble dry on low heat, or lay flat to air dry
- Make sure pads are completely dry before use — damp pads can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation
- High heat can shrink fabric or damage elastic, so keep dryer settings low
Hand Washing
For a quick refresh between washes, you can hand wash pads with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry completely before reuse.
How Many G-Tube Pads Do You Need?
We recommend having at least 7–10 pads on hand — enough to rotate through the week while keeping clean ones always available. If your child changes pads multiple times a day, you may want even more. Having a good supply means you're never scrambling for a clean pad at an inconvenient moment.
Many families find it helpful to keep a small stash in the diaper bag, at school or daycare, and at grandparents' homes so there's always a clean pad wherever your child goes.
When to Replace G-Tube Pads
Even with good care, fabric pads don't last forever. Replace them when you notice:
- Fraying edges or fabric breakdown
- Persistent staining that doesn't wash out
- Loss of absorbency (the pad feels less soft or doesn't absorb as well)
- Any odor that doesn't wash out
- Elastic or shape that no longer holds properly
Rotating through a good supply of pads extends their life and ensures your child always has a fresh, effective pad at the stoma site.
Choosing the Right G-Tube Pad
Not all g-tube pads are created equal. When shopping, look for:
- Soft, absorbent fabric — cotton and cotton blends are ideal for sensitive skin
- The right size — the pad should cover the stoma site without bunching or shifting
- A shape that fits your child's tube type — some pads are designed for low-profile buttons, others for longer tubes
- Machine washable — because you'll be washing these frequently
- Fun prints — because there's no reason stoma care can't be a little joyful
Making Stoma Care a Positive Routine
For young children, stoma care can feel like just another thing being done to them. You can help make it a more positive experience by:
- Letting your child pick their pad for the day (fun prints help!)
- Narrating what you're doing in a calm, matter-of-fact way
- Keeping a consistent routine so your child knows what to expect
- Offering praise and connection during and after care
Over time, many children become comfortable with — and even proud of — their stoma care routine. It becomes just another part of their day.
Shop Handmade G-Tube Pads
At Lil' Bayou Boutique, our g-tube pads are handmade in Southeast Louisiana with soft, skin-friendly fabrics and cheerful prints your child will love. We make them with caregivers in mind — easy to wash, easy to use, and designed to keep your child comfortable all day long.
Browse our G-Tube Pad & Port Cover collection and stock up on the pads your family needs. Have questions about sizing or care? Visit our FAQ page or learn more about us — we're always happy to help.
Good stoma care starts with the right supplies. We're here to make sure you always have what you need.