Which gripe water

One cannot presume that all herbal preparations are safe and free from side effects. The other possibility of the soothing effect of gripe water could be due to its sweet taste. The high sugar content of gripe water can harm the erupting teeth. To foster a strong belief in this product, attractive advertisements including endorsements are prominently placed in the media. These advertisements need to be curbed and we should ensure that no promotion for infant foods or drinks other than breast milk is done.

Allopathic doctors should stop prescribing these non allopathic medications and laws should be made stringent to prevent over the counter access of the same. Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Journal List J Pharmacol Pharmacother v. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer. Address for correspondence: B. E-mail: ku. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.

This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Sir, WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Open in a separate window. Colic is frustrating and often scary for parents with a new baby. Otherwise healthy babies with colic can cry for at least three hours a day for three or more days a week with no known cause.

In the past, doctors speculated that colic was caused by an infant having stomach pain or upset, though this has not been proven. However, parents considering using gripe water as a colic remedy should consult their pediatrician first. Colic is a condition that causes an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant to cry intensely for 3 or more hours per day for 3 or more days per week. Babies with colic will cry inconsolably and may clench their fists and curl their legs during the crying episodes.

Colic starts when a baby is around weeks old and may last until a baby is around 4 months old. Doctors do not know the exact cause of colic, but one explanation is that some babies are more sensitive to stimulation from their environment than others. This overstimulation causes them stress , which in turn makes them cry. As the babies get a little older, they become better able to soothe themselves and cry less often. Other conditions, such as gassiness, can also cause a baby to cry in a similar way to a baby with colic.

Gripe water is a mixture of water, baking soda, and herbs that many parents use as a remedy for colic and stomach upsets in babies. In theory, these herbs should help ease gas, thus relieving the discomfort that is causing the baby to cry. Gripe water has been around for a long time. It was first used in the s in England to treat a malarial disease known as fen fever. The original mixture of baking soda, alcohol, and herbs became popular with British mothers and nannies by the s.

Many thought that gripe water helped calm a fussy baby, which is probably due primarily to the alcohol. Today, alcohol is not a component of gripe water as scientists know that giving alcohol to a baby can be extremely dangerous. Ingredients in gripe water vary by brand. All gripe waters contain a mixture of herbs and water.

Most include sodium bicarbonate. When choosing a gripe water, parents should read the ingredients listed. Some ingredients to avoid include:. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Registry Builder New. Gripe Water for Newborns and Babies. Medically Reviewed by Micah Resnick, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Gripe water can provide natural relief for baby — and you — from gas and tummy troubles that are typical for newborns and infants. Back to Top. In This Article. Decoding Crying. View Sources. Micah Resnick, M. Mayo Clinic, Simethicone Oral Route , Mayo Clinic, Colic , February First Year.

First Year Groups. Bottle Feeding. Go to Your Baby's Age. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Your Baby's Vision Development. Have a Gassy Baby? How to Soothe Colic in Babies.