Gripe Water For Babies: Should You Be Giving Your Little One This?
Crying is the most commonly used mode of communication for your child. Your child cries when hungry, if their diaper has to be changed, or due to lack of sleep. Crying in babies is a sign of distress, and more often than not, it isn’t a cause for concern. However, sometimes, babies cry for no apparent reason. If your baby has been crying incessantly, the chances are that you’ve been asked to give them gripe water to help with the fussiness. This over-the-counter natural medication has been used since time immemorial, and many parents admit that it has helped soothe their inconsolable babies. But what exactly is gripe water, and is it the best bet when it comes to your little one? Let’s find out:
What Exactly Is Gripe Water?
For ages, mothers have sworn by the benefits of gripe water. Gripe water is essentially a natural, liquid supplement of sodium bicarbonate. It also has certain herbs such as chamomile, ginger, fennel, dill, peppermint, or lemon balm. The kind of herb that is added to it depends largely on the formula.
Gripe water has been a go-to remedy for babies who are suffering from colic. Colic is peculiar since it is not classified as a disease. Instead, it is defined as a period of prolonged crying even when the baby has been well fed or the diaper has been changed. It may seem like your baby is crying for no apparent reason, and nothing you do can bring relief. It is believed that gassiness and other stomach problems could be the cause of your child’s distress — this is where gripe water comes into the picture (1).
Gripe water is said to ease discomfort caused by gas or stomach issues. There is not enough evidence to support this, but from what we do have, it is believed that the ingredients in this solution can bring relief to your little one. Take, for example, the dill that is present in it — it provides relief to babies suffering from colic. It is also great for digestion, improving appetite, and flatulence (2). Ginger that is sometimes present in gripe water is also known for its digestive properties (3). Another important ingredient that is found in certain formulas of gripe water is fennel which is excellent for digestive problems. It is known to provide relief to babies who suffer from colic (4), (5).
Although many benefits have been attributed to gripe water, some experts believe that it helps with colic simply because it is sweet. Babies love things that taste sweet, and gripe water may potentially act as a pacifier (6).
Does Gripe Water Have Any Side Effects?
The safety of gripe water depends largely on the brand and the ingredients that go into making it. There are no known side effects. However, some gripe water brands use alcohol, which isn’t safe for your child. A few other brands also use sucrose in their gripe water. Excess sucrose can be harmful for your baby’s gums, so it is best to avoid such brands as well. Allowing your child to consume too much sugar can also cause a dependency, making your child rely on the gripe water for comfort (7).
Additionally, certain brands may claim to be homeopathic — these brands may have certain ingredients that are untreated or unsafe; try to avoid them. The best thing to do is consult your child’s pediatrician. A medical professional will be able to recommend a trusted brand with no side effects that is suitable for your child.
Keep in mind that gripe water is not a substitute for breast milk, nor is it a substitute for formula. Your baby’s primary diet should consist only of breast milk or formula or a combination of the two. Always give your baby gripe water in small quantities, never in large amounts. Has gripe water worked for your baby? Let us know in the comments below!
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