mom of nerds.... they will grab at it where it goes in the nose. I have lots of experience with this from working in acute care, and the sanest of adults find the dam things irritating. From the posts I have read, this feeding tube will go in via the nose and down into the stomach, not actually through the belly, hence why it is at risk for being pulled out. Also lets not forget we are talking about a 17 mth old. With lots of 1 on 1 this child will surely adapt and learn to cope well, but initially it will be a huge adjustment requiring one on one to constantly remind her not to touch and to make sure it stays clean. I shirt will likely cover part of the tube where the end will no doubt be taped underneath and out of the way in between feeding, but it will still be on the face and neck.