Site Care

Care of your child’s trach site

It’s very important to care for your child’s tracheostomy (trach) site at least once a day.

What should I know about my child’s trach site?

• Make sure that you can fit 1 small finger in between your child’s neck and the trach tie when your child is sitting or lying on their side.
• Always have 2 spare tracheostomy tubes with you: one that is the same size and one that is a size smaller.
• Use the oximeter when your child is sleeping, napping or alone.
• Always use some type of humidification either by trach mask or Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME, also known as the “artificial nose”).
• Always check the trach site for redness and/or soreness.

What supplies will I need to do regular care?

• Sterile normal saline or sterile water
• Cotton swabs
• Tracheostomy split gauze or other dressing if your child uses one
• Gloves
• Tracheostomy ties

You should have another person help you while you are doing trach site care and tie changes to your child.

How do I care for the trach site?

Download the following education sheet for step-by-step instructions on how to care for your child’s trach site.

Whom can I call if I have questions?

Please contact your child’s primary care doctor with any questions. If your child needs emergency care, call 911 or your local emergency services number.