Key takeaways
- Gripe water is an herbal supplement available in liquid form. It is not FDA-approved, and some formulations have been recalled due to adverse effects in infants.
- While parents and caregivers use it to manage a variety of baby ailments, including gas, colic, and teething pain, there is little high quality and recent research to support its efficacy.
- Alternatives to gripe water for colicky babies include car or stroller rides, soft white background noise, and abdominal massages, among other strategies.
Gripe water is an herbal supplement available in liquid form. Most formulas contain a mixture of herbs and sodium bicarbonate and are administered to babies with colic.
Gripe water is considered a dietary supplement, not a medication, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means these products are considered safe until they are proven unsafe, unlike prescription medications, which undergo rigorous testing before they can be sold to consumers.
The FDA has
It is important to note that there is a lack of recent, high quality research on gripe water. One study found that
There are different types of gripe water. Some formulas include alcohol and sugar. Too much sugar can harm your baby’s teeth.
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, shouldn’t be given to colicky babies unless prescribed by a doctor. Sodium bicarbonate can increase the alkalinity of the pH level in your baby’s stomach, and hyperacidity is not related to colic.
Most pediatricians will advise parents to try other methods of soothing a colicky baby before giving them gripe water. The benefits often do not outweigh the potential risks, and gripe water is likely not effective as a treatment.
If your pediatrician has approved the use of gripe water, ensure you administer it correctly.
Don’t give your baby gripe water without first reading the instructions, and only give your baby the recommended dosage. Confirm this dosage with your baby’s healthcare professional.
If your baby suffers from colic, the pain
Gripe water typically has a pleasant taste, so some babies don’t mind taking a dose.
Place the medicine dropper straight into your baby’s mouth. Slowly press the dropper against the inside of the cheek. Allow them to swallow it a bit at a time before giving them more.
If you do give your infant gripe water, it’s important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Allergy symptoms can vary.
After giving gripe water to your baby, check for:
- hives
- watery eyes
- swelling of the lips or tongue
- vomiting
- itchiness
- a change in breathing
If you suspect an allergic reaction, discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately.
Do not give more than the recommended dose in a 24-hour period. If your child is not responding to the gripe water, stop giving it to them.
Other methods to calm a colicky baby
Besides gripe water, there are a few methods you can try to calm a baby with colic,
- car or stroller rides
- pacifier use
- rocking
- using a swing or front carrier
- gentle abdominal massage
- soft white background noise
- decreased stimulation
- warm baths
- swaddling
Gripe water has not been shown to be an effective alternative for soothing colicky babies. Talk with your baby’s medical professional before giving your child gripe water. If cleared, follow the dosing instructions and read the ingredients carefully.
If your baby has colic, getting through the next weeks or months can be tough. Just know that it’s OK to ask for help, especially if you feel yourself getting frustrated or angry.
If possible, talk with your partner and come up with a plan that allows you to split newborn duties. If you need a break, ask a trusted adult to care for your baby for a couple of hours.