Updates to copy, information, and sources, and new medical review.
Gas and tummy troubles are almost par-for-the-course in newborns and babies because of their immaturedigestive systems.
What is gripe water?
Some experts think gripe water might be effective at soothing fussy babies simply because it tastes sweet.
It’s worth noting that gripe water is different than over-the-counter baby gas drops.
(Now we know that giving any alcohol to a baby is toxic.)
The general limit is four doses a day, but only under the care of your practitioner.
Are there side effects of gripe water?
Some parents notice that their babies seem drowsier after a dose of gripe water.
But does gripe water actually make babies sleepy?
Aside from the potential snoozefest, it’s worth watching for possible allergies.
Call your doctor if you see any of these signs in your baby.
Is gripe water safe for newborns?
It depends on the specific brand and ingredients.
Gripe water made with sucrose, while not dangerous, might not be the best choice either.
Sugar has the potential to harm your baby’s gums or emerging teeth.
Plus, you don’t want to get your baby used to being soothed with sweets.
So always check with the doctor first about a specific jot down of gripe water.
If it doesn’t work, let the pediatrician know.
Infants this age should be fed breast milk or formula (or a combination of the two) exclusively.
Gripe water is an over-the-counter liquid supplementmade of sodium bicarbonate and herbs.
Gripe water is generally considered safe for babies, but check with your pediatrician to be sure.
So before tearing initiate the box, check that to read the label carefully.
And again, ask your pediatrician about brands, dosing and use before giving it to your little one.
Some brands recommend waiting until your baby is at least 1 month old before giving her gripe water.
Ask your pediatrician whether you should try these drops.
The active ingredient, simethicone, breaks up gas bubbles.
The reason: All that shaking and stirring generates bubbles that could unsettle your baby’s delicate tummy.
Also steer clear of casein-hydrolyzed formula orpartially hydrolyzed formulas, since there is little evidence that they work.
Keeping your baby upright andburping after feedingscan help minimize air bubbles too.
Aninfant massageis also a great opportunity for some baby bonding.
Another trick to try: Bicycle her legs.
Swaddle your sweetie
Swaddleyour little one snugly in a warm blanket.
Try rocking and dancing while holding her in your arms for an extra soothing sensation.
Another idea recommended by the AAP is to try sometummy time.
Soothe with sounds
Try singing a little song.
Calmly humming or whispering “shh” in her ear can also do the trick.
How well it works is still up for debate.
Research has yet to consistently back this up, however.
This gripe water contains 100% vegan ingredients, including organic ginger and fennel.
Wellements Organic Nighttime Gripe Water is designed to ease stomach discomfort symptoms, including gas and hiccups.
Organic fennel seed extract, ginger root extract and chamomile flower extract help ease discomfort and improve rest.
This formula is also USDA-certified organic and free from artificial colors and preservatives.
Parents in the What to Expect community have even attested to its ability to stop hiccups in their tracks.
And, because its dye- and paraben-free, itll likely be easier on babys stomach.
Before giving your baby gripe water, talk to your pediatrician.
There’s actually not much solid evidence that gripe water works.
But some parents do think it helps soothe their fussy baby.
It depends on the brand and ingredients.
Only buy gripe water that’s alcohol- and sucrose-free and made in the U.S. For gas relief, infant gas drops containing simethicone may be a more effective option.
(Simethicone is considered safe, and breaks up bubbles in the digestive tract.)
For general soothing, gripe water might help.
Talk to your pediatrician to find out what’s best for your baby.
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