How Does Gripe Water Help Baby Colic?

It's normal for babies to have a fussy period, usually in the evenings, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org, but about one in every five fussy babies develops full-blown colic. Babies with colic scream around the clock, often inconsolably, and may suffer from gas or have bloated stomachs. It's hard for parents to see their babies in such obvious discomfort, so it's understandable that a parent will try just about anything to ease the pain -- including giving the baby gripe water.

  1. Causes of Colic

    • The exact cause of colic is unknown, according to HealthyChildren.org, but doctors believe that it might be triggered by an immature nervous system, a high sensitivity to stimulation or in breastfeeding babies, a sensitivity to something the baby's mother is eating. In rare cases, colic is caused by a reaction to the milk protein in formula or by an illness. Colicky behavior usually starts to diminish by about 4 months of age, but it can last until the baby is around 6 months old in some cases. One thing that colicky babies usually have in common is excess gas, which is why parents often reach for gripe water.

    About Gripe Water

    • Gripe water is a mixture of herbs and other natural ingredients dissolved in deionized water. Common ingredients include ginger and fennel extract, dill and bicarbonate, all of which individually can have soothing effects on gas and stomach pain. Traditional recipes included alcohol -- which may explain all of the old wives' tales about how effective it was at getting babies to sleep -- but most commercial formulas no longer contain alcohol, according to the WebMD website. Fructose is sometimes added to sweeten the liquid. Application is with a dropper, and the amount -- and exact ingredients -- vary depending on the brand.

    No Scientific Support

    • Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of gripe water to soothe colicky babies, according a Los Angeles Times article. Still, it is safe to use, and the ingredients may help calm the stomachs of mildly upset babies. Babies with severe colic, however, are unlikely to be cured with gripe water.

    Other Colic Treatments

    • There are other ways of soothing a colicky baby that might be more helpful than giving him gripe water. The motion of a stroller, rocking or even placing a baby carrier on the dryer while it is on -- be sure to stand near it and steady it -- can help ease the baby's discomfort. Nursing mothers can try eliminating things that are known to cause irritation or gas, such as caffeine and milk products. Babies self-soothe by sucking, so introducing your infant to a pacifier may also help. Finally, enlist the help of family and friends so that you can get a break -- it's not easy parenting a colicky baby, and sometimes it really does take a village.

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