Gripe Water

NOTE:  If your baby has more serious symptoms indicating an anaphylactic response such as swelling of the lips or tongue along with any trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 immediately for emergency help.  

Quick Facts about gripe water:

Any new parent can tell you that gas and tummy troubles are normal for babies due to their immature digestive systems. This can cause sleepless nights and distress for both baby and parent. In hopes of finding relief, parents often look to the internet or word of mouth. Where they can discover an old remedy called gripe water.

What is gripe water?

Gripe water is an over-the-counter remedy intended to ease gas pains and relieve colic or other stomach discomfort commonly experienced by babies. Some companies even market gripe water products for teething pain and hiccups. Newer products have probiotics added to provide possible additional relief.

Ingredients

Ingredients vary by manufacturer but typically contain sodium bicarbonate (the ingredient in baking soda). Sodium bicarbonate is added to a mixture of herbs such as ginger, fennel, peppermint, lemon balm, dill, and chamomile. The original product made over 100 years ago also contained alcohol and sugar in addition to herbs and sodium bicarbonate. Of course, today’s formulations no longer contain alcohol, but some do contain a sweetener such as agave.

Talk to your pediatrician

Because there is no standardization when it comes to gripe water, it is important to talk with your pediatrician before giving it to your baby. To date, there have been NO studies proving it helps with relieving gas and stomach discomfort. Yet, there have been studies to show there is no effect on the symptoms. One study actually found increased vomiting and constipation after using this product. Despite the lack of evidence, there are some parents who say it helps and continue to use it.  

Is there any downside to giving your baby gripe water?

As with any new food or drink in your baby’s diet, the baby should be watched carefully for any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, itchiness, watery eyes, vomiting, or diarrhea. Usually, there are no allergic reactions to gripe water. But if these symptoms occur, discontinue the gripe water and contact your pediatrician or call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

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