A feeding tube, also known as a gavage tube, is used to give nutrition to infants who cannot eat on their own. A feeding tube is used for infants who do not have the strength or muscle coordination to breastfeed or drink from a bottle. An infant might need a feeding tube due to lack of weight gain or irregular weight gain patterns, absence or weak sucking ability or swallowing reflex, abdominal or gastrointestinal defects, respiratory distress, problems with electrolyte imbalances or elimination.