Pediatricians and Parents Answer: Will Gripe Water Help My Baby?

It’s normal for babies to deal with gas and stomach issues, but that doesn’t make it any easier on them—or you. When your little one is uncomfortable, you want to find relief for them, and fast. Many parents will reach for gripe water to help and swear by its results. “When I gave my 5-week-old gripe water for the first time, he immediately settled down, stopped crying and almost went to sleep,” says PenWedding, a community member on The Bump. Sounds too good to be true? According to some experts, it may be. So what is gripe water exactly and how does it work (if it even does work)? Plus, how safe is it for babies? Read to learn from pediatricians and other experts what you need to know about using gripe water for babies.

Key Takeaways

• Gripe water is an over the counter herbal remedy made by several different brands.
• Some types of gripe water for babies can be given to newborns at 2 weeks olds; consult the label and ask your pediatrician for the green light.
• It’s typically okay to give gripe water to baby after a feeding.
• Gripe water is touted to help with gas, constipation, colic and other tummy issues in babies. While research on its effectiveness is limited, many parents believe it works.

What Is Gripe Water?

Gripe water is a liquid solution that’s designed to help with tummy troubles in infants, explains Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Los Angeles. It’s often sold over-the-counter as an herbal remedy that can help with colic symptoms, tummy issues and fussiness in babies, adds Denise Scott, MD, an Oklahoma-based pediatrician.

Gripe water ingredients

Gripe water ingredients vary by brand, but in the US, but the most common are water and sugar, plus sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and a botanical mix, that may include dill, fennel and ginger, says Patricia Garcia, MD, a pediatrician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Each brand has a different formulation and dosage, so it’s important to read the label when giving it to baby (more on this below).

What Does Gripe Water Do?

Gripe water for newborns and babies is thought to help relieve stomach discomfort, make it easier for babies to pass gas, battle constipation, promote bowel movements and potentially soothe colic (or excessive crying), says Ashanti Woods, MD, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Some brands also claim their product will help with hiccups, teething and reflux.

Garcia notes that the sugar water in gripe water can be soothing for babies and offer pain relief. As for sodium bicarbonate, both she and Woods note it can be helpful to treat indigestion and is often found in antacids (like Alka-Seltzer). “It’s believed the mixture of sodium bicarbonate with various herbs ultimately settles the stomach and allows for more comfort during a time when a newborn’s digestive system is still immature,” explains Woods.

Is Gripe Water Safe for Newborns and Infants?

The research is mixed, and there’s a lack of studies around gripe water for babies. Gripe water is considered a dietary supplement rather than medicine or food, which means it doesn’t require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be sold in the US, per Scott. However, historically the FDA has set regulations on which ingredients can and can’t be used in gripe water for babies, which manufacturers are expected to comply with. If the FDA discovers that a company isn’t in compliance, the agency will take action. This is why you should only buy gripe water for infants that’s made in the US.

But given that gripe water isn’t FDA-regulated, it’s hard to say that every bottle on store shelves is 100 percent safe. That’s why you should always check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. “There have been reports of issues with gripe water being unsafe,” Garcia says, pointing out that one form of gripe water was recalled in early 2019 because a particular ingredient didn’t dissolve properly and posed a choking hazard.

But gripe water for newborns and babies continues to be a popular product. In general, formulations that are alcohol-free and sucrose-free are thought to be safe, Woods says. Scott agrees, noting that gripe water dates back to the 19th century and was used to ease colic symptoms in babies. “This product has changed over the years to make it safer—for example, eliminating the alcohol that was in the early formulation,” she says.

The one ingredient you might still want to ask your pediatrician about is sodium bicarbonate; experts are divided on using formulations with it for babies. There’s limited research on gripe water with baking soda causing adverse effects for babies, but Scott notes it can be dangerous “if given in excess.” This is because baking soda contains sodium and has a high pH level, so if baby consumes too much of it, it may create electrolyte imbalances.

Are there gripe water side effects?

Gripe water side effects aren’t common, but in rare circumstances babies under 1 month may experience vomiting, Fisher says. You should also watch for any possible indications of an allergy to gripe water for babies, Scott says; these may include diarrhea, vomiting, swelling, hives and a rash or itchy skin. If you notice any of these symptoms after giving baby gripe water, call your pediatrician. Of course, any sign of anaphylaxis, such as swelling of the lips or tongue and difficulty swallowing or breathing, warrants immediate medical attention.

Also watch for formulations containing charcoal (carbo vegetabilis), as these could cause constipation, Woods notes. Scott also suggests avoiding formulas with artificial additives and peppermint.

Generally speaking, you should avoid giving baby large quantities of any medicine, including gripe water. “While there are very few commonly reported side effects, infants can get used to a sweet taste and may temporarily reject breastmilk or formula,” Woods cautions. Before trying any gripe water for your infant, it’s a good idea to consult baby’s pediatrician.

Does Gripe Water Actually Work?

Now for the real question: Does gripe water work? To be honest, it’s hard to say, as most of the “evidence” is anecdotal. Gripe water hasn’t been extensively researched, but studies that have analyzed it haven’t found much benefit to using it. “There’s no evidence to show that gripe water reduces colic,” Garcia says. One study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research had 335 moms answer questions about their gripe water usage and found that it didn’t seem to prevent colic.

There is a possible link between gripe water and calming babies’ tummy troubles, Fisher says, “but it’s not a strong association.” Still, some people swear by it: “Many parents report significant improvement in symptoms after using gripe water,” Woods says. As The Bump community member LynsiBHM notes, gripe water helped ease her son’s constipation: “I gave him a dose of gripe water and—poof—a nice soft poop about an hour later.”

Lauren Barth, associate content director of The Bump and mom of three is also a “believer.” She says, “Even if it’s just because the sweetness offers a moment of distraction for baby. A dose of gripe water really seemed to settle my little ones whenever they were extra fussy. My first was especially cranky, colicky and gassy, and both gripe water and gas drops made it into our regular repertoire. Neither was an instant cure, but gripe water definitely took the edge off! In fact, it was one of the first things I proactively bought for my second and third babies!”

Gripe Water Dosage For Newborns and Babies

As noted, you’ll want to follow the instructions on the package, as the dosage and age limit will depend on the brand. To administer, feed the gripe water directly into baby’s mouth using the included dropper or syringe, taking care not to exceed the recommended dosage.

You’ll also want to ensure the formulation is age-appropriate for your infant. Some types can be given as early as 2 weeks old, but others require that a baby be at least 1 month old, Woods says. That said, Scott recommends waiting until baby is at least 2 months old, as gassines is a natural part of babies learning to feed after being born. She recommends some alternative ways to ease symptoms (listed below).

If you’re looking to try baby gripe water, Scott says you can give it to baby immediately after a feeding or nursing session. That said, check the label: Some brands suggest waiting 30 minutes or so to allow baby to digest first.

How long does gripe water take to work?

According to Scott, “If the gripe water is going to work, it should be within 30 minutes to a couple of hours.” Of course, the symptoms may resolve on their own within this time frame.

How often can you give gripe water?

While some brands may suggest giving it up to 15 times per day, Scott says gripe water should only be given to baby four to six times daily.

Alternatives to Gripe Water for Babies

Unfortunately, baby can’t verbalize what plagues them during bouts of discomfort, and if their belly hurts or they’re experiencing gas pains, you’re left guessing. It can be difficult for parents to distinguish normal cries of hunger from those of distress, but a process of elimination can help your detective work. Eventually, you might decide that it’s time to try gripe water. However, if you’re not quite ready to go that route (or if baby has an allergy), there are some gripe water alternatives to consider. Here are a few ways to soothe baby and potentially alleviate tummy troubles without turning to gripe water for babies.

• Bicycle baby’s legs. Garcia suggests laying baby on their back and gently pumping their legs to help expel trapped gas and mollify pesky tummy pains.
• Offer gentle compression. Applying some light pressure to baby’s belly can help work out gas bubbles and provide comfort. Try holding baby tummy-down with your arm supporting their abdomen, or lay baby tummy-down across your knees and rub their back. Similarly, you can lay baby down on their back and gently massage their belly in a circular motion.
• Try a new bottle. It’s possible that your bottle could be the source of discomfort. When baby gulps milk, they can also swallow air, which can lead to gas bubbles. (This is also why it’s important to take frequent breaks for burping.) A bottle with a vent or valve system can cut down on excessive air consumption. Also, if baby seems to be chugging too quickly, Garcia recommends trying a nipple with a slower flow.
• Change baby’s formula. If the problem is pervasive, talk to your pediatrician about changing baby’s formula; as the Cleveland Clinic explains, a milk protein intolerance could be contributing to their discomfort, and switching to an extensively hydrolyzed formula may help.
• Check baby’s diet. Breastfeeding? You might consider altering your diet to see if baby is bothered by something you regularly eat. Big on broccoli? Cruciferous vegetables are notorious for causing gas (for you and baby). Just remember to use the process of elimination when weeding out potential culprits so you can find the offending foods while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
• Move around. When all else fails, get moving. Baby grew accustomed to constant swaying in your uterus—it lulled them to sleep in those confined quarters they enjoyed for nine+ months. Baby may like being rocked in a glider, bassinet or swing, or in your arms. You can also try putting baby in a carrier and walking around the block or pacing the house. (Bonus: you’ll get your steps in!)
• Swaddle up. A good, tight swaddling job can help baby feel snug and secure like they’re back in the womb. You can layer in some additional newborn relaxation techniques, too: put on a white noise machine, offer a pacifier and limit bright lights and stimulation, per the Cleveland Clinic. The big, bad world can be overwhelming for a tiny new person, but a few creature comforts can keep them calm and quiet.
• Give gas drops a whirl. Some parents also try simethicone gas drops as an alternative to gripe water for babies. According to the Mayo Clinic, this over-the-counter medication works to break down gas bubbles and is generally considered safe. Of course, always consult your child’s pediatrician before giving your little one any medication, and monitor baby for any adverse reactions.

As a caregiver, you can feel powerless seeing baby in discomfort. While the scientific proof is lacking, anecdotal evidence from parents suggests that gripe water might work to ease stomach pain and perhaps even help calm colic. But, again, always check with your pediatrician first.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.