How Safe Is Gripe Water for Babies?

Gas and tummy troubles are almost always par for the course in newborns and babies.Parents desperate to find some form of relief for their tiny new arrivals often have gripe water recommended by their pediatrician as one potential remedy to try.

How does gripe water work to relieve gas bubbles and is it safe for your child?How it stacks up against other baby gas remedies is what you should know about gripe water.

There are over-the-counter liquid supplements of herbs and sodium bicarbonate, like gripe water.

Along with claims that it eases gas pains and other stomach problems, gripe water is also marketed as a remedy for teething pain, as well as other common baby issues.

There isn't much hard evidence that gripe water is good for little tummies.

Some of the ingredients in gripe water formulas can help relieve gas and stomach pain, and it may be beneficial for infants with colic, which is thought to be caused by gas in certain cases.

Some experts think gripe water is good for babies because it tastes sweet.

gripe water is different from baby gas drops.Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that can help gas pass.

Gas drops are not proven to be effective.They are not likely to cause any potential side effects, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The original gripe water, first used by nannies and moms in England in the 1850s, contained alcohol, which people used to think relaxed babies were.

Even though experts don't fully understand how gripe water might help soothe tummy troubles, it's thought that ingredients like dill, fennel and ginger can help with gas relief and stomach discomfort.

If you want to give it a try, be sure to get the green light from your baby's doctor first to make sure that he or she is on board with giving gripe water.

If you get your doctor's approval, you should only use gripe water if other gas relief methods, like abdominal massage, tummy time or leg bicycling, don't seem to be making your baby more comfortable.

Since gripe water products aren't regulated by the FDA, you should have your doctor confirm that the brand you're using is okay.Before you give it to your baby, make sure you check the packaging for instructions on how much to give and how often.Four doses a day is the general limit, but only under the care of your doctor.

If your doctor says gripe water is fine for your baby and it seems to work, you should stop using it by the time your little one is 4 to 6 months old.

Some parents notice that their babies seem sleepy after drinking gripe water.Does gripe water make babies sleepy?Probably not.

All that fussing tires babies out, to the point where they eventually end up falling asleep, whether they are given gripe water or not.

It is worth watching for possible allergies.While gripe water isn't likely to cause an allergic reaction, you should still be on the lookout for symptoms of an allergy such as hives, itching, watery eyes, vomiting or diarrhea.If you see any of these signs, call your doctor.

If you have a life-threatening allergy symptom like swelling of the lips or tongue, it's time to call the police.

It depends on the brand and ingredients.If you want to give your baby a remedy, you should always ask your doctor for a recommendation.

Other formulas, including those labeled "natural" or " homeopathic", contain a variety of other ingredients that may be unsafe.

It might not be the best choice to make gout water with sucrose.Sugar can harm your baby's teeth.You don't want your baby to be soothed by sweets.You should always check with your doctor about a specific brand of water.Let him or her know if it doesn't work.

If you try gripe water with your doctor's approval, it should never be given in large quantities to a baby or used as a substitute for food.Only breast milk or formula should be fed to infants this age.

If you don't like using gripe water to calm your child's cries, there are other things you can do.

If your LO is having a hard time sleeping, you can use the gentle formula that works quickly.The water contains 100 percent vegan ingredients.The herbal mixture has no alcohol or Parabens, making it a safer option for relief of gas, hiccup, and teething.

There is a soothing formula called Little Remedies Gripe Water.The ginger root extract, the fennel seed extract and the vegetable glycerin work together to cure gas and hiccups.If your baby is having tummy troubles, they can take it directly from the dispenser.The gripe water set comes with two portable bottles that are great for impromptu trips to grandma's house or airplane travel.

Getting a good night's sleep is important, but a bout of colic could keep you and your LO up for a while.Wellements Organic Nighttime Gripe Water is designed to relieve stomach pain.fennel seed extract, ginger root extract and chamomile flower extract can be used to ease pain and improve rest.This formula is free from artificial colors andPreservatives.