It’s 1 am and the baby starts crying nonstop! There is no way to find a doctor. But you may have gripe water in your fridge to soothe the baby and relieve the discomfort the baby is experiencing.
Babies can cry for a number of reasons. Though, one common or frequent cause of crying in babies is colic.
According to reported data, “Gripe water is an over-the-counter herbal supplement available in liquid form and available everywhere from pharmacies to health food stores. Many brands market it to new parents as a remedy to relieve baby gas and colic, as well as other baby ailments like teething and hiccups.”
Is Gripe Water the Safest Choice for toddlers?
Gripe water is the most frequently offered to babies in the first year of life, when symptoms of colic, excessive crying, or general disturbances are most prevalent. In most cases, parents decide to give gripe water to their baby because they believe it will help relieve colic. However, there are no studies examining the effects of gripe water on colic.
According to research, “A Nigerian study found that 30% of mothers used gripe water as a self-medication to treat an infant with colic, and 43% were prescribed by a doctor”.
Caution: When it comes to giving your baby gripe water, you should always consult your baby’s pediatrician before using gripe water. There are a number of factors that make gripe water a somewhat risky choice.
The Role of Ingredients in Gripe Water:
The ingredients depend on the brand you’re buying, but they usually include water, baking soda, and a variety of herbs. Some gripe water also contains sweeteners.
Here are the items you are most likely to find:
- Ginger root extract
- Fennel seed extract
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Chamomile flower extract
- Lemon balm leaf extract
- Passionflower extract
- Preservatives
- Water
- sweeteners
“It is believed that a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and various herbs ultimately calms the stomach and provides more comfort during a time when a newborn’s digestive system is not fully mature.”
According to reported research, It has been hypothesized that the alcohol content of gripe water gives a soothing effect.
Recommended Benefits to Infants:
- Immediate Relief from discomfort caused by gas, acidity & indigestion
- Promotes & Helps Digestion
- Completely Safe and Effective on Children & Infants
- Non-Alcoholic
- Suggested by Mothers for generations
- Trusted for Over years
- Useful During Teething Period
Fact: Gripe water is available in Convenient Packs – Easy to carry & Easy to use
Dosage of Gripe Water:
In order to get an effective result, it is essential to give an appropriate amount of gripe water to newborns. It is better if you consult a doctor in this regard because It is not approved by the FDA.
| 0-1 month | 2.5ml – (½ tsp-3 times daily) |
| 1-6 month | 5ml – (1tsp – 3 times daily) |
| 6m & 1 year | 10ml – (2tsp – 3 times daily) |
| 1 year and above | 15ml – (2tsp to 3tsp – 3 times daily) |
Does Gripe Water Cause any Adverse Effects?
One thing to watch out for when giving gripe water to your baby is an allergic reaction. Although unlikely, your baby may be allergic to one of the ingredients in the formula. Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, tearing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Also, the main ingredient in many gripe water formulas is sugar, which has the potential to harm your baby’s new teeth.
But on the other hand, Sugar water can help calm your baby and relieve pain. Because sugar is the main component of water, the theory is that sugar can help relieve pain, according to padricia Garcia (pediatric hospitalist).
Attention: Gripe Water can help with making sure your baby gets enough sleep. With colic-related pain relief, your baby will begin to feel comfortable and begin to fall asleep. It is believed that babies grow physically and mentally while they sleep. So, when your baby feels comfortable, he can sleep more. And the more you sleep, the stronger you become.
Want to know how to give gripe water to babies? Here you go
Other pediatricians believe that drinking gripe water is generally considered safe, but it’s best to choose an alcohol-free and sugar-free formulation. You will also need to:
- Check the packaging for specific dosage instructions and check with your doctor.
- Place the dropper straight into your baby’s mouth and gently press the dropper against the inside of your baby’s cheeks.
So, you have it. It’s not a bad thing to try gripe water or alternatives, and many parents (and grandparents) swear by it. When deciding whether to give your baby a supplement such as water, consider all the facts and consult your pediatrician to make an informed decision.
Alternatives to Gripe Water
If you are not completely comfortable using gripe water to relieve your child’s symptoms and soothe crying, here are some things you can do:
- Apply tummy pressure.
- Try antigas drops.
- Give an infant massage.
- Bicycle his/her legs.
- Chamomile and ginger tea
Bottom Line:
In conclusion, gripe water is a great way to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort in newborns. As a mild herbal supplement, it’s a safe way to relieve your baby’s discomfort from hiccups, stomach pains, upset stomachs, and any other problems associated with gas buildup.
FAQs:
Does gripe water work instantly?
Some babies will see symptoms of gas and colic ease soon after using Gripe Water, though it may take longer with some. It’s really just a matter of testing and seeing how it works for your baby.
Does nighttime gripe water make babies sleepy?
Parents may notice that their baby is sleepy after administering lukewarm water. Because babies who struggle with colic, extreme discomfort, and gas are often exhausted from tension.
How often should I give my baby gripe water?
For all other infants and toddlers, give Gripe Water at the first sign of discomfort. Most babies will need this product after feeding if they are gassy because they eat too quickly or gasp during feeding.