As the digestive system of a newborn is immature, tummy troubles and gas are common. As a first-time mom, it can be stressful to see your baby in pain due to discomfort from gas. So, mommies keep searching for natural medicines that will provide quick relief to their babies. Gripe water for newborn babies is one such popular remedy to get rid of stomach discomfort. But do you know what it is and how it can benefit your little one?
Should You Give Gripe Water to Soothe a Fussy Baby?
You must have heard from an experienced family member that gripe water is effective in relieving gas bubbles. But what do pediatricians say about it? Can it cause any harm to your baby? I had the same questions in mind when I was skeptical about giving gripe water to my baby. So, I researched and sought the advice of my trusted pediatrician. Now I’ll try my best to clear all your doubts regarding gripe water for babies.
Gripe Water for Newborn: What Is It?
Gripe water is an excellent herbal supplement which you will get in liquid form. It is available in health food outlets, grocery stores, and pharmacies. There are many brands selling gripe water, and they market it as a product that solves stomach issues. But will gripe water work for colic? Yes, it addresses several common issues in babies like hiccups, colic, and teething pain.
Find peace for you and your baby with our comprehensive guide on how to soothe a crying baby, offering various techniques and tips.
Interesting Fact:
28 percent of babies worldwide deal with colic for the first few months. The symptoms subside when a baby is one year old.
Is Gripe Water Safe for Newborns?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Gripe water for infants falls under the category of dietary supplements.
Trivia:
The FDA has disapproved several gripe water formulas as alcohol is present in them. So, the best thing is to get gripe water that’s devoid of alcohol as it’s toxic for breastfeeding babies.
How to Give Gripe Water to a Baby to Bid Adieu to Tummy Troubles
If you have never given gripe water to your baby before, keep these three things in mind:
1. Check the gripe water ingredients
As babies are delicate, you must check the list of ingredients. Irrespective of where you buy gripe water, prefer brands that are sucrose-free and alcohol-free. You should also avoid getting a product that contains vegetable carbon (as it causes constipation).
2. Go through the instructions
Before you tear open the box, you must go through the label carefully. Different brands have diverse instructions on giving gripe water to an infant that’s on breast milk. Some companies recommend giving gripe water only after your baby is one 1 month old. The instructions column will also mention how much gripe water for newborn babies is the correct dose.
3. Discuss with your doctor
You should also take your pediatrician’s opinion as he will always suggest what’s the best for your growing baby. He will specify the gripe water dosage for newborn. Once the doctor gives a green signal, you can remain stress-free.
Explore alternative solutions with our guide on newborn constipation
Will There Be Side Effects of Gripe Water for Newborn?
If your baby is allergic to certain ingredients in gripe water, you might notice some allergic reactions like:
· Itchiness
· Swelling of the tongue or lips
· Hives
· Vomiting
· Watery eyes
The above-mentioned symptoms should serve as evidence that gripe water is not an ideal solution for your baby.
When is the right time to start giving gripe water to a baby?
Can I give my newborn gripe water?” is a recurring question anxious moms ask their doctors. The answer is simple. Gripe water 2 week old is not a great idea. Your little one needs to be at least 4 weeks old.
Are There Any Reliable Alternatives to Gripe Water for Gas Relief?
Colic is a recurring problem and its remedies are many. To relieve baby’s gas, you can try some other techniques that give quick results.
- Swaddle your baby in a cozy blanket and rock it back and forth. This will make your child less fussy.
- Limit background noises and play some melodious tunes or calming music.
- Wear your baby in a chest-to-chest carrier for the first few months. Your infant will stay calm if it’s close to you.
- A warm bath is another home remedy to ease stomach problems in babies.
- As you are breastfeeding, whatever you eat affects your baby. So, you may remove certain items from your postpartum diet. These include fish, peanuts, dairy, soy, and wheat.
- When you feed your baby, make sure it is upright to keep gas and colic issues at bay.
- Frequent burping decreases swallowed air. You can help your baby burp by gently patting on its back.
- Do you give breast milk or formula to your child? Colic symptoms may also be because of a particular formula if your baby’s sensitive to cow’s milk. In that case, switch to some soy-based formula which is considered safe.
Understand the normal frequency and what to expect regarding how often a newborn should poop to keep track of their digestive health.
Parting Thoughts
Excessive fussiness and crying are distressing for the baby and the mother. However, remember that colicky babies don’t stay like that forever. Luckily, colic symptoms generally get better when the baby is 3-4 months old. Till then, you can rely on gripe water and other safe remedies for easing gas pains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is gripe water made of?
A liquid supplement of herbs and sodium bicarbonate, gripe water contains various ingredients. The commonly found herbs in gripe water are fennel, chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, ginger, dill, and lemon balm).
Q. How is gripe water used for newborns?
As gripe water is a liquid medicine, giving it to a babe won’t be a hassle. For feeding gripe water to your baby, you can take a dropper and gently push it into the mouth. Wait for the baby to swallow the supplement before you give more.
Ensure you’re handling your little one correctly by exploring our 8 safest ways to handle a newborn baby, prioritizing their comfort and safety.
