Gripe Water For Baby Colic - Hype Or Help?

One of the most talked-about treatments for baby colic is gripe water. This ancient preparation has been a long-standing remedy for colic for many years (the first were used back in the 18th century!), and although the ingredients vary from company to company, there are usually some common elements.

Herbal treatments do not work for every baby, there are many who do find relief by using gripe water. Here is a list of the typical ingredients you might find in most preparations to make it.

Common Ingredients:

Ginger - helps to soothe the digestive tract, anti-spasmodic properties.

Fennel - reduces hiccups and gassiness

Chamomile - relieves insomnia, nervous tension, and restlessness

Aloe - helps to relieve gas, cramping and bloating

Angelica - soothes upset stomachs and aids digestion

Dill - helps to improve appetite problems

Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) - reduces acidity in the stomach.

Not every gripe water preparation will have the same ingredients, nor will every formula have the same amounts of any ingredients that are shared in common. Because of this, and because herbal supplements can interact with medications, you should speak with your baby's doctor about any type of preparations you use.

Follow the dosing directions given by your baby's pediatrician, and take the time to document any changes in your baby's colic. Give the drops during a week or two to improve digestion and colicky symptoms before you switch brands.

While gripe water does not work for every baby, it may be worth a try if your doctor has found no evidence of allergies and your baby seems to be excessively gassy or colicky after meals. Colic that seems tied to fussiness or self-soothing problems in the middle of the night will be more likely to respond to other methods, rather than the use of gripe water. However, if you do not want to use baby gas drops like simethicone, gripe water preparations are an excellent choice for treating your baby's colic.

Whatever you do, do not self-medicate. Babies are resilient in many ways, but their health is a precious asset that should not be taken for granted. If you decide to try gripe water, do not do this without consulting with your treating pediatrician first.