Why does gripe water work so fast

As such, it is up to the caregiver to decide whether to try either remedy and see which, if either, works best for the child. If a baby appears in more general discomfort, gripe water might be the better option. However, there is no guarantee that either will make a difference. Caregivers should remember that there is always a possibility their child could react negatively to any new remedy. Gripe water products can contain many different ingredients.

Be sure to check the label of gripe water to see what it contains. Do not use products that contain alcohol. Also, some gripe water ingredients remain untested in babies. Ask a doctor to be sure ingredients are safe for a baby before using them. A new, untried remedy could also cause an allergic reaction.

Caregivers should learn the signs that might indicate an infant is having an allergic reaction. If a caregiver suspects an allergic reaction, they should stop using the medicine immediately and seek advice from a doctor. Caregivers should make sure they give the correct dosage, store gripe water and gas drops according to the instructions, and check that they are within their use-by date.

Doing so will also reduce the risk of the remedy causing any upset to the infant. More research is necessary to understand why colic occurs and which treatments can help reduce the symptoms of this condition.

As well as gas drops and gripe water, other home remedies include:. Some people find that noises that mimic the sounds babies hear inside the womb can help soothe and calm babies who are crying from colic. Noise from household appliances, such as hoovers and hairdryers, may have a similar effect. Some young babies who are upset because of the discomfort and pain that colic causes like to be held and rocked rhythmically.

Some parents suggest that going for a drive or out for a walk with the baby in the buggy can help due to the gentle rocking motions. Putting the infant in a sling while walking around can provide comfort from movement and skin-to-skin contact. Some foods may pass through breast milk and could cause a fussier, gassier baby.

However, people who are breast-feeding should avoid randomly removing foods from their diet. Instead, look for patterns and try to identify if the baby becomes fussy after eating certain foods. Some people choose to avoid these foods while breast-feeding in an attempt to reduce colic symptoms in the infant. Most babies will need gripe water after feedings, when they get gassy from eating too fast or from gulping in air while feeding.

It is a good idea to wait 30 minutes after a feeding to administer Gripe Water, as this allows time for food to digest. Gripe water serving size is important to consider. The serving you use per application is based on the age of your baby.

This gel is gentle for baby to consume and helps ease gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic and fussiness. To administer, simply apply a small, pea-sized amount 0. Because gripe water is made with gentle herbal ingredients, there are likely to be no side effects when using this product.

Parents may notice that their babies become sleepy after administering gripe water. This is because babies who have been suffering from colic, extreme discomfort or gas are often exhausted due to the tension. Gripe water offers much-needed relief which will help them get some much-needed rest. As with any medicine, whether all-natural or otherwise, we recommend consulting with your pediatrician before giving your little one anything.

Stay in touch Sign up for our newsletter for tips on making parenthood a little less overwhelming. Expert advice delivered to your inbox. No thanks. X Close. Gripe water is used as a non-nutritive supplement to feeding, so in those cases, gripe water can be dangerous because it's being used to replace necessary feedings for babies.

And lastly, if a mother begins giving her baby gripe water right away, it could interfere with the baby's ability to breastfeed and decrease her own breast milk supply. If you have a baby who is unusually fussy, has problems with digestion, or you suspect has colic, it is best to work with a pediatrician or doctor to try to find a solution.

There may be an underlying medical condition, such as acid reflux or food sensitivity, that can be treated. If your doctor has ruled out these medical issues and your baby is still extremely fussy or colicky, there are some other remedies you can try before resorting to the use of gripe water.

Here are a few things that may help calm your baby:. Having a colicky baby can feel overwhelming and exhausting at times, but with time, most babies outgrow their colicky tendencies.

If your baby is fussy a great deal of the time, it's normal to look for solutions to ease their discomfort, especially if your doctor has ruled out larger issues like food allergies and acid reflux. If you're considering giving your baby gripe water, talk to your doctor about how to best use it and watch your baby for any potential side effects. Also, be careful not to use gripe water in place of a feeding.

Doing so could cause your baby to miss out on important nutrients they need to grow and develop. In the meantime, make sure you give yourself adequate breaks and that you engage in self care.

Having a fussy baby is hard but rest assured with time your baby will outgrow this stage and soon will be giggling instead of fussing.

Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Gripe water administration in infants months of age: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Diagn Res. Sung V. Infantile colic. Aust Prescr. Food and Drug Administration. Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock secondary to "gripe water" ingestion. Pediatr Infect Dis J. Adhisivam, B. Is gripe water baby-friendly? Lucassen, P. Colic in infants. BMJ Clinical Evidence , , Your Privacy Rights.