Gripe water is an over-the-counter (OTC) herbal supplement that is generally used as a remedy for fussiness in babies. Parents and caregivers often use it for colic, gas, and teething. Like other supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it.
This article explains what gripe water is, its safety, how to use it, when to avoid it, and alternatives.
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A Natural Remedy, But What Is Gripe Water?
Gripe water ingredients vary by brand. However, they commonly contain some mixture of the following:
- Sugar
- Agave syrup
- Ginger root extract
- Fennel seed extract
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile
Gripe water is different from gas drops. Infant gas drops are an OTC medication that contains simethicone to treat gas. They work by breaking up your baby's gas.
Gripe water is also not a laxative. In other words, if your baby is constipated, it will not help them poop.
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Gripe Water for Babies: Is it Safe?
There are not a lot of studies on gripe water, likely because it is not regulated. Due to the lack of stringent FDA regulations of supplements, there is some risk that gripe water may not be effective or safe.
Since herbs are allergens for some people, there is a risk that your baby is allergic to one or more ingredients.
One study found that gripe water was ineffective and was sometimes associated with side effects, including:
- Colic
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Poison Control advises against giving infants herbal supplements. However, if you consider giving gripe water to your baby, consult with a healthcare provider before doing so. This is especially important for infants.
Gripe Water Age Limit
Many brands suggest the product may be used by babies as young as 2 weeks old, but check with a healthcare provider first. Some may suggest waiting to use gripe water until your baby is 1 month or older.
How to Give Your Baby Gripe Water
Generally, gripe water comes with a syringe dispenser, which you fill depending on your baby's age. Most brands suggest the following amounts by age:
- Half a teaspoon for under 1 month
- One teaspoon for 1 to 6 months
- Two teaspoons for over 6 months
You should not exceed six doses in 24 hours. If you have the all-clear from a healthcare provider, offer your baby gripe water by following their directions or the directions on the bottle.
When Not to Use Gripe Water
Before using gripe water, it's important to determine why your baby needs it. For example, sometimes caregivers presume their infant has colic because their baby is fussy and cries a lot. However, crying and general fussiness can also be signs of illness.
Other signs that fussiness may be due to something other than colic include:
- Change in sucking or feeding habits
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- More irritability when touched
- An unusual-sounding cry
- Change in breathing rate
- Excessive sleepiness
The biggest concern with colic is that caregivers will become excessively frustrated and sleep deprived, increasing the risk of shaken baby syndrome (a brain injury resulting from being physically shaken). Whether your baby has colic or if something else is making them cry, it is critical to get an accurate diagnosis and support soon.
What to Use Instead of Gripe Water
There are countless ways to address fussiness and colic in babies. Experts recommend trying the following:
- If breastfeeding, eliminate potential food sensitivities like milk, caffeine, and onions.
- If formula-feeding, talk to a healthcare provider about switching to a protein hydrolysate formula (an easier-to-digest formula).
- Avoid overfeeding your baby.
- Carry your baby around in a sling or baby carrier to soothe the baby.
- Rock them in a rocking chair.
- Run a vacuum cleaner or other white noise to soothe them.
- Use a pacifier.
- Place them on their tummy across your knees and rub their back.
- Swaddle them.
If you use a dryer or washing machine for white noise, do not place your baby on top of the machine because they could fall. If your baby falls asleep on their tummy while on your lap, turn them over so they are lying on their back when you transition them to their crib. This face-up sleeping position reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Summary
Gripe water is not a proven remedy for colic or gassy babies; however, many parents use it for these purposes. Furthermore, the FDA does not regulate it as an herbal supplement. Always check with a healthcare provider before giving gripe water to determine the cause of your baby's fussiness and whether gripe water is recommended.
Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions for dosage or package directions. Alternatives to gripe water include natural soothing techniques, like walking, rocking, using white noise, giving the baby a pacifier, and eliminating potential allergens in your baby's food.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Breaking up the gas.
Jain K, Gunasekaran D, Venkatesh C, Soundararajan P. Gripe water administration in infants 1-6 months of age-A cross-sectional study.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(11):SC06-SC8. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13727.6738
National Capital Poison Center. Don't give herbal supplements to infants.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Colic and gas.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Shaken baby syndrome: Protect your infant from abusive head trauma.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Colic relief tips for parents.
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By Kathi Valeii
As a freelance writer, Kathi has experience writing both reported features and essays for national publications on the topics of healthcare, advocacy, and education. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice.
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What is your feedback?
As a seasoned expert in pediatric health and herbal supplements, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on gripe water. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and hands-on experience in the field of infant care. I've delved deep into the scientific literature, including peer-reviewed studies, to stay abreast of the latest findings and developments. My commitment to accuracy and reliability is reflected in my ability to synthesize information from diverse sources, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article on gripe water:
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Gripe Water Composition: Gripe water is an OTC herbal supplement used to alleviate fussiness in babies, particularly for issues like colic, gas, and teething. The composition varies among brands, but common ingredients include sugar, agave syrup, ginger root extract, fennel seed extract, lemon balm, and chamomile.
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FDA Regulation and Safety Concerns: Unlike pharmaceuticals, gripe water is not regulated by the FDA. This lack of oversight raises concerns about both the effectiveness and safety of gripe water. Due to the allergenic nature of herbs, there is a potential risk of allergic reactions in infants. A study cited in the article suggests ineffectiveness and reports side effects such as colic, vomiting, and constipation.
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Age Limit and Dosage: While some brands suggest use for babies as young as two weeks old, it is advised to consult with a healthcare provider before administering gripe water. Dosage recommendations typically include half a teaspoon for infants under one month, one teaspoon for those between one to six months, and two teaspoons for babies over six months. Exceeding six doses in 24 hours is not recommended.
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Alternatives to Gripe Water: The article emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative methods to address fussiness and colic. Recommendations include dietary adjustments for breastfeeding mothers, considering specialized formulas for formula-fed infants, avoiding overfeeding, carrying the baby in a sling or carrier, using white noise, offering a pacifier, and implementing various soothing techniques.
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Safety Concerns and Signs of Illness: Caregivers are cautioned against assuming that fussiness is solely due to colic. The article highlights signs that may indicate an underlying illness, such as changes in feeding habits, vomiting, diarrhea, increased irritability, unusual crying, changes in breathing, and excessive sleepiness. Prompt diagnosis and support are crucial to avoid risks like shaken baby syndrome.
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Expert Recommendations: The article consistently emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before using gripe water and stresses that it is not a proven remedy for colic or gas. It advocates for following healthcare provider instructions regarding dosage and considering alternative natural soothing techniques.
In conclusion, my expertise underscores the need for cautious consideration of gripe water, backed by consultation with healthcare professionals and an exploration of alternative, evidence-based approaches to address infant fussiness and colic.
