Gripe Water for Babies: Know the Dosage, Benefits and Side Effects

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

• 0Like

  Be the First to Like

  • Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  Share

If you’ve ever been around a newborn or spent time with a new parent, you’ve probably heard of gripe water - a natural remedy passed down through generations to soothe gassy babies and ease digestive distress.

Whether you’ve heard of it or used it yourself, this fine herbal remedy is a part of many baby care routines. In this blog, we’ll explore its origins, ingredients, how it works, and whether it’s safe for babies and lives up to its reputation as a go-to solution for baby bellyaches.

What is Gripe Water?

Gripe Water is a liquid supplement used to relieve digestive distress in infants and children. It contains a combination of ingredients like ginger, dill or fennel which are known for having soothing effects on the stomach and intestine. Doctors usually recommend giving gripe water to newborns to ease bloating, cramps and other discomforts related to digestive issues.

Note: Since not all babies respond the same way to gripe water, it’s advisable to consult a paediatrician before giving it to your little one.

Origin of Gripe Water

Did you know that the initial ingredients of gripe water contained alcohol and sugar, the two not-so-baby-friendly elements? It originated in 1851 when an English pharmacist, William Woodward developed a remedy to cure gastrointestinal discomfort in infants.

Inspired by the treatments for malaria and "fen fever" which was prevalent in Eastern England during the 1840s, Woodward originally included alcohol, sugar, sodium bicarbonate, and dill oil as primary ingredients in gripe water. This remedy soon became popular among physicians and parents and was registered as a trademark in 1876.

Ingredients in Gripe Water

Gripe water has evolved over the years, with its ingredients adapting to modern preferences and safety standards. Originally, in the 19th century, it included a combination of alcohol and herbs such as ginger and fennel, having soothing properties. This helped in relieving gas, colic and other stomach discomforts in babies.

As concerns about alcohol consumption grew, modern formulations replaced alcohol with sodium bicarbonate to neutralise stomach acid. In recent years, manufacturers have started producing natural, alcohol-free, and sugar-free formulations. They also add ingredients such as cinnamon and peppermint to enhance digestive comfort.

How Gripe Water Works?

Being a rich source of herbal ingredients such as ginger and sodium bicarbonate, gripe water works wonders for gastrointestinal problems in babies. It has a soothing effect on the baby’s stomach that helps in relieving the pain caused by gas or indigestion.

How to Use Gripe Water for Babies?

Here’s a general guide to using gripe water for babies

Check the Ingredients

Ensure the gripe water is suitable for your baby’s age and is free from harmful additives such as sugar or alcohol.

Follow Dosage Instructions

Use the recommended amount based on your baby’s age. Here’s a general guideline:

• 2 to 6 weeks: 1 ml
• 6 to 10 weeks: 2 ml
• 10 weeks to 12 months: 5 ml

Administer properly

Use a dropper to gently squeeze the liquid into your baby’s mouth. You can also mix it with breast milk or formula if required.

Consult a Pediatrician

Always consult a paediatrician before giving gripe water to babies with health conditions.

Observe reactions

In case your baby has adverse reactions to gripe water such as rashes or vomiting, discontinue its use if needed.

Uses of Gripe Water

Here are the common uses of gripe water:

Relieving Colic

Colic is a term used to describe excessive crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. It typically occurs in babies who are less than 3 months old. Gripe water works as an effective treatment for colic by relieving discomfort caused by gas or bloating.

Easing Teething Pain

Teething pain occurs when a baby’s first teeth start pushing through the gums. This process can be uncomfortable for them and often makes them cranky and fussy. Here, gripe water’s soothing ingredients can help in reducing the pain, making the teething process easier for babies.

Alleviating Hiccups

Hiccups are common in babies and often make them irritable and uncomfortable. While they usually disappear naturally, giving gripe water fastens the process by comforting the baby’s stomach and diaphragm, resulting in quick relief from hiccups.

Benefits of Using Gripe Water for Babies

Newborn babies undergo a series of physical changes and challenges in their early days, making them feel irritable and uncomfortable. Here are some ways in which gripe water can prove to be beneficial in easing their discomfort:

Helps Calm Crying

Digestive issues can be rough on babies, making them moody and emotional. A small dose of gripe water helps in soothing the discomfort caused by colic, gas or bloating. It helps your little one relax, allowing them to rest comfortably.

Alcohol-free Alternative

Since the ingredients of gripe water have evolved over the years keeping in mind the safety of the babies, it’s an alcohol-free alternative that provides quick relief from digestive issues making your little one’s life a little easier.

Non-invasive Option

Unlike medications that might require more hands-on treatment, gripe water can be given orally in small doses. This gentle approach allows parents to provide relief to their little ones without the need for invasive procedures.

Side Effects of Gripe Water

Some common side effects of gripe water include:

• Drowsiness
• Increases the risk of constipation in babies
• Can worsen the gastrointestinal issues in some infants
• Causes allergic reactions in some babies such as itching, swelling of the lips or tongue, watery eyes, hives and changes in breathing patterns
• In rare cases, gripe water has been found to contain harmful bacteria which can cause severe diarrhoea
• Gripe water contains sodium bicarbonate, which, if overconsumed, disrupts the acid-base balance in the body, leading to metabolic alkalosis

>>Read More: 7 Reasons Why Physical Activity is Important for Kids

Summing it Up!

Gripe Water is a natural remedy used for easing digestive issues in newborns. When used properly with the right dosage depending on your baby’s age, it can help in providing relief from a distressed stomach.

However, not all babies respond well to gripe water. Therefore, it’s a wise approach to consult a paediatrician before giving gripe water to your baby to ensure their safety and well-being.

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.