The parents of a 28-week gestation neonate ask the nurse, “Why does he have to be fed through a tube in his mouth? What is the nurse’s best response?”

The baby’s sucking, swallowing, and breathing are not coordinated yet.

The baby’s stomach cannot digest formula at this time.

It allows us to accurately determine the baby’s intake since he is so small.

It helps to prevent thrush, an infection that could affect the baby’s mouth.