The truth about gripe water

Babies are often colicky, gassy and fussy in the first few months as your newborn's digestive system is developing.    

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My firstborn bundle of boy, Otis, was impossibly cute (to me, anyway), and I spent hours staring at his beautiful little toes and perfect tiny eyelashes … before he started crying non-stop after every feed, his chubby cheeks lava-red and streaked with tears.

He was an incredibly gassy newborn, partly due to my fast letdown of breast milk when feeding. As is fairly common with first-time mums, I panic-Googled “colic symptoms”, “soothing techniques”, and “gas pain” at all hours, searching for a miracle cure for his infant gas.

Gripe water often came up in my searches, especially in my online mothers’ groups. But is it a miracle cure or a myth for our fussy babies?

What is gripe water?

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Gripe water is an over-the-counter liquid supplement positioned as a ‘herbal remedy’ for gassy or colicky babies. Gripe water ingredients vary by brand but often include fennel, ginger, chamomile and sodium bicarbonate.

It originated in England in the 1850s and first contained alcohol and sugar – no wonder the tiny tots dropped off to sleep after a baby margarita. Of course, today, it is definitely not okay to give alcohol to your baby!

Gripe water claims to relieve stomach discomfort by soothing the digestive system and helping to expel gas bubbles that can cause fussiness (or what has been coined ‘colic’) in babies.

While many parents swear by it, there’s a lot of dispute over its effectiveness, safety and even necessity. In other words, many professionals have a gripe with gripe water (sorry, we had to.)

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The case against gripe water

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Science doesn’t stand by it

Gripe water’s claims in treating tummy troubles or excessive crying in babies are largely unproven.

The ingredients—like fennel, ginger, and chamomile—are traditionally used for digestive discomfort, but there’s no concrete proof that they work effectively (or are safe) in the amounts used in gripe water.

Over-the-counter colic ‘treatments’ are also generally criticised for their lack of scientific evidence. Mainly because we now understand colic as a behavioural pattern, rather than a sickness (more on that later.)

Lack of standardisation and regulation

Gripe water isn’t regulated the same way medicines are. This means that what’s in the bottle can vary a lot from brand to brand. One bottle might have different ingredients or concentrations than another, which makes it pretty unreliable. It can feel like flying blind with something that’s supposed to help your baby.

Risk for allergic reactions

The question often asked is, “Is gripe water baby-friendly?”

Even though gripe water contains herbs like fennel and chamomile, which are generally fine for adults, babies can be a different story. Some of these ingredients might cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in your little one. If you do choose to use gripe water, watch for allergy symptoms.

Masking other issues

Sometimes, what seems like colic or gas might actually be something else. If you’re just using gripe water to cover up the symptoms, you might miss out on addressing a more serious problem. Persistent fussiness could be a sign of reflux or another issue that needs a doctor’s attention, so it’s better to be cautious.

You can’t cure colic

Colic isn’t a disease or diagnosis, nor does it usually stem from one. It’s a normal behavioural pattern where your baby’s crying might ‘peak’ around 6 to 8 weeks and slowly lessen by the time they reach 3 months. This is a developmental stage as your little one adjusts to the outside world.

So, colic isn’t necessarily something you can ‘treat’ or ‘fix.’

Yes, this time is hard; there’s no denying it. Everything in you might want a solution to treat the sleepless nights, discomfort and distress – but this is a normal (albeit challenging) part of parenthood. There’s no need to turn to the medicine cabinet and give your baby gripe water or any other shaky solutions.

Ride the wave, and if you are concerned about your baby’s crying, chat with a medical professional.

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Alternatives to gripe water

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For gassy tummies

It’s worth trying some non-medicinal things for your baby’s tummy problems before you make a beeline for the pharmacy. Tummy time helps reduce the baby’s gas by gently putting pressure on the abdomen, encouraging the release of trapped air.

Similarly, a gentle belly massage can stimulate the digestive system and help move gas through the intestines more easily. Swaddling, on the other hand, provides comfort and security, which can help relax the baby and reduce fussiness, potentially alleviating gas-related discomfort. (Bonus: you’ll never get over how cute your baby burrito looks.)

If you’re breastfeeding, you could also try omitting common gas culprits like dairy, soy or caffeine from your diet.

What about ‘colic’?

As we mentioned, colic isn’t something that can just be ‘fixed.’ You can, however, help soothe and comfort your little one (which is really what they need.) Here are some things you can try.

• Swaddling: Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket to mimic the feeling of being in the womb, providing security and comfort.
• Soothing sounds: Use white noise or calming sounds to create a peaceful environment and help drown out other distractions.
• Rocking and movement: Gently rock or sway your baby using a rocking chair, baby swing, or by holding them in your arms.
• Warm bath: Offer a lukewarm bath to relax your baby and ease muscle tension.
• Dummies: Allow your baby to suck on a dummy for a soothing effect and to help calm them during crying episodes.
• Creating a calm environment: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and provide a peaceful space with gentle rocking or soft music.
• Responsive parenting: Pay attention to your baby’s cues and respond with patience and comfort to meet their needs and soothe their fussiness.

Should you contact a paediatrician?

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Babies cry. That’s what they do best (apart from making your heart melt with their little toes). But could your baby’s fussiness be a sign of something more serious?

When to consult a paediatrician

If your baby is consistently fussy and gassy for weeks and does not seem to improve as their digestive system matures, a paediatrician could be the next step. Persistent symptoms may indicate reflux or underlying issues that require professional medical evaluation and treatment. When in doubt, contact your GP first, and they can give you a referral.

Final word – is gripe worth the hype?

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Gripe water is not a proven solution for fussy babies and colic, and its effectiveness is not supported by scientific evidence.

As a first-time mum, a gassy baby felt like the end of the world – but, like with many stages of parenting, it abruptly ended. At four months, Otis stopped fussing after every feed. It felt like a miracle, but that miracle wasn’t gripe water; it was time.

Remember, every baby is different, and you know your baby better than anyone – but when in doubt, it never hurts to contact a health professional.

Sources

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Journal of pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, Is gripe water baby-friendly?, April 2012
Healthline, How to Use Gripe Water to Soothe Your Baby, October 2021
Cleveland Clinic, Why Gripe Water Isn’t the Best Answer for Your Fussy, Gassy or Colicky Baby, May 2023