Parents and caregivers often use it for colic, gas, andteething.
Like othersupplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it.
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A Natural Remedy, But What Is Gripe Water?
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Gripe water ingredients vary by brand.
However, they commonly contain some mixture of the following:
Gripe water is different from gas drops.
Infant gas drops are an OTC medication that containssimethiconeto treat gas.
They work by breaking up your baby’s gas.
Gripe water is also not alaxative.
In other words, if your baby is constipated, it will not help them poop.
Gripe Water for Babies: Is it Safe?
There are not a lot of studies on gripe water, likely because it is not regulated.
Some may suggest waiting to use gripe water until your baby is 1 month or older.
Most brands suggest the following amounts by age:
You should not exceed six doses in 24 hours.
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.
This face-up sleeping position reduces the risk ofsudden infant death syndrome(SIDS).
Furthermore, the FDA does not regulate it as an herbal supplement.
Always follow a healthcare provider’s instructions for dosage or package directions.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Breaking up the gas.
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.
