It usually starts with fussiness after a feed. Then come the wriggles, clenched fists, and hours of inconsolable crying. If you’re a new parent, colic and tummy troubles can feel like a cruel mystery—especially when your baby can’t tell you what’s wrong.
For generations, families have turned to gripe water—a sweet-tasting herbal liquid said to calm a baby’s digestive discomfort. It’s often the first home remedy new parents hear about in parenting WhatsApp groups or from well-meaning relatives.
27% of urban parents in India use gripe water before consulting a doctor for infant colic or gas. But does it actually work? And is it safe?
In this guide, we’ll unpack the benefits, dosage, and safety of gripe water, along with expert-backed tips on what to look out for, so you can make informed decisions with your paediatrician’s support.
What is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is an over-the-counter liquid supplement specifically formulated for infants. It typically contains a blend of water, sodium bicarbonate, and various herbs such as ginger, fennel, chamomile, and lemon balm. These ingredients work together to alleviate stomach discomfort and other digestive issues commonly experienced by babies.
How Gripe Water Works
The combination of sodium bicarbonate and herbal ingredients in gripe water is the key to its effectiveness. Herbs like ginger and fennel are known for their calming effects on the stomach, helping to relieve gas buildup and soothe hiccups. This makes it easier for babies to pass gas and experience more comfortable bowel movements. With a better understanding of how gripe water works, let’s explore its common uses and benefits.
Common Uses and Benefits of Gripe Water for Babies
1. Colic
Colic is characterised by prolonged crying episodes in otherwise healthy babies. Gripe water is often used to soothe colic symptoms, as it is believed to help ease stomach pain and gassiness, which are thought to contribute to the discomfort.
2. Mild Stomach Upset
Gripe water is effective in alleviating mild stomach upsets, such as nausea and general fussiness.
3. Crying and Fussy Babies
Excessive crying and fussiness in babies can often be attributed to stomach discomfort. By calming the baby’s tummy troubles, gripe water can help reduce crying and fussiness, leading to a more content and comfortable infant.
How to Use Gripe Water for Babies
Using gripe water correctly is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the remedy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Consultation
- Always consult your paediatrician before administering gripe water to your baby.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of gripe water varies depending on your baby’s age and the specific brand being used. Below is a general guideline:
- 2 to 6 weeks: 1 mL, up to 15 times a day
- 6 to 10 weeks: 2 mL, up to 15 times a day
- 10 weeks to 12 months: 5 mL, up to 6 times a day
It’s crucial to read and follow the instructions on the packaging and seek personalised guidance from your paediatrician to ensure the correct dosage for your baby.
Timing
To maximise effectiveness, follow these timing recommendations:
- Administer gripe water 30 minutes after feeding to allow time for digestion. This helps prevent gas pain and discomfort.
- Alternatively, you can give gripe water immediately after feeding if your baby experiences immediate digestive issues.
Consistency in timing can help establish a routine and provide regular relief for your baby.
Method
Follow these steps to administer gripe water safely:
- Shake the bottle well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Use the provided syringe or medicine dropper to measure the correct dosage for your baby’s age.
- Hold your baby upright to prevent choking.
- Place the dropper against the inside of your baby’s cheek and slowly dispense the gripe water.
- Ensure your baby is calm and upright throughout the process to encourage proper swallowing.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively use gripe water to ease your baby’s discomfort.
Risk of Gripe Water
- Some studies suggest that gripe water may increase the risk of constipation in babies.
- Choose alcohol- and sugar-free formulations to minimise potential adverse effects.
- Be cautious of additives and consult with your paediatrician before use
- Monitor your baby for any unusual side effects and seek medical advice if fussiness or tummy issues persist
- Ensure gripe water does not interact with any other medications your baby is taking
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Gripe Water
To ensure the safe and effective use of gripe water, keep the following points in mind:
1. Consult a Doctor
- Always consult your baby’s doctor before giving gripe water to confirm it is safe and appropriate for your little one.
2. Check Ingredients
- Review the ingredients carefully. Avoid gripe water containing added sugar, alcohol, parabens, or other potential allergens.
- Consider vegan or organic options if necessary.
3. Follow Dosage Instructions
- Adhere to the recommended dosage instructions on the label, which typically suggest no more than six doses per day.
4. Age Recommendations
- Most gripe water products are not recommended for babies under 1 month old; always check the specific product guidelines.
5. Proper Storage
- Store gripe water in a cool, dry location and replace it by the manufacturer’s suggested date to avoid contamination.
Are There Any Alternatives to Gripe Water?
Other options include gas drops, which contain simethicone which helps break up gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines. It makes the bubbles combine into bigger ones, which are easier for your baby to pass as burps or gas.
Best Gripe Water for Babies
Gripe water is a popular remedy for soothing digestive issues in babies, such as colic, gas, and hiccups. Here are some of the top gripe water products available in India, each with its unique ingredients and benefits:
| Product | Key Ingredients | Age Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Abbott Gripe Water 150ml | Dill Oil, Ginger Oleoresin | 1 month+ |
| Austro Gripe Water 150ml | Carminatives | 1 month+ |
| Dabur Gripe Water 125ml | Sarjikakshara, Satahva (Soya Oil) | Newborn+ |
| Himalaya Gripe Water Liquid 120 ML | Dill Seed Oil, Sarjikakshara, Fennel Seed Oil | Newborn+ |
| Mother Sparsh Ayurvedic Gripe Water 120ml | Saunf, Pudina, Ajwain, Jatamansi | Newborn+ |
| Syncom Gripe Water Lotion 150 ML | Dill Oil, Fennel Oil, Ginger Oil | 1 month+ |
| Woodward Gripe Water 200ml | Sarjikarkaksha, Graveolens oil | 1 month+ |
Let’s take a closer look at each of these gripe water products and their unique features.
Abbott Gripe Water
Abbott Gripe Water is a trusted choice for relieving colic, gas, and stomach discomfort in babies. It contains a blend of dill oil, ginger oleoresin, and other ingredients which work together to soothe the baby’s digestive system. This gripe water is suitable for infants aged 1 month and above.
Austro Gripe Water
Austro Gripe Water is another popular option that helps alleviate digestive issues in babies. Its key ingredients have natural calming properties. This gripe water is recommended for babies aged 1 month and older.
Dabur Gripe Water
Dabur Gripe Water is an ayurvedic formulation that provides relief from colic, gas, and stomach discomfort in infants. It contains a blend of traditional herbs like saunf, ajwain, dill oil, and pudina satva.
Himalaya Gripe Water Liquid
Himalaya Gripe Water is a gentle and effective solution for managing colic and digestive discomfort in babies. It contains a combination of dill seed oil, sarjikakshara, and fennel seed oil, which help soothe the stomach and reduce gas formation.
Mother Sparsh Ayurvedic Gripe Water
Mother Sparsh Ayurvedic Gripe Water is a natural remedy that helps relieve colic, gas, and stomach discomfort in babies. It is made with a blend of ayurvedic herbs like saunf, pudina, ajwain, and jatamansi, which have digestive and calming properties.
Syncom Gripe Water Lotion
Syncom Gripe Water Lotion is a soothing formulation that provides relief from colic, gas, and stomach discomfort in infants. It contains amazing ingredients that work together to calm the baby’s digestive system. This gripe water is recommended for babies aged 1 month and above.
Woodward Gripe Water
Woodward’s Gripe Water is a well-known remedy for relieving wind and gripe in babies. It contains dill seed oil and sodium hydrogen carbonate, which help break down trapped air bubbles and neutralise acid in the stomach. This gripe water is alcohol-free and sugar-free, making it safe for infants aged 1 month to 12 months.
Takeaway
While gripe water may offer short-term relief for mild digestive discomfort, there is limited scientific proof of its effectiveness. In fact, a growing number of paediatric associations now recommend pausing its use until more safety data becomes available.
If your baby is fussy or colicky, start with the basics: burping after every feed, tummy time, and a calm feeding environment. And remember—always consult your paediatrician before trying any remedy. What works for one baby may not be safe or suitable for another.
See your doctor if your baby has:
- Persistent crying after feeds
- Arching of the back (may suggest reflux)
- Bloody stools or vomiting
- Swelling of the tummy
- Rash, hives, or breathing difficulty
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Always consult your paediatrician before giving gripe water to babies. If approved, follow the package instructions, typically administering it 10 minutes after feeding, with dosages varying by age and brand.
No, gripe water is not regulated, and its safety and effectiveness are not guaranteed. It can pose risks, including contamination, allergic reactions, and metabolic alkalosis.
There is no definitive timeline for how quickly gripe water works, as its efficacy is not well-studied. Some parents report immediate relief, while others see no benefit.
There is no conclusive evidence that gripe water is better than gas drops. Both have their own pros and cons, and the choice depends on individual circumstances and paediatric advice.
Possible side effects include allergic reactions, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, metabolic alkalosis, and interactions with other medications. Rarely, it can cause severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
There is no universally “best” gripe water for babies, as formulations vary by brand. Choose a product free from harmful ingredients, and always consult your paediatrician before use.
There are no specific age limits, but gripe water is generally not recommended for babies under 1 month. Always consult your paediatrician before administering gripe water to your baby.
Gripe water is an herbal-based solution, often containing ingredients like dill or fennel. Colic drops (like simethicone) are pharmaceutical products that break down gas bubbles. The former has limited scientific backing, while the latter is often doctor-recommended and more studied.
Yes, some babies may feel temporarily full after gripe water, which might reduce their milk intake if given too close to a feed. It’s best to time it at least 30 minutes apart and monitor your baby’s hunger cues.
Babies can react to the taste of herbal liquids. If your baby spits it out or becomes fussy after administration, discontinue use and speak to your paediatrician before trying another formulation.
While gripe water doesn’t directly affect breast milk, if given too frequently, it may mask hunger cues, leading to shorter or skipped breastfeeding sessions.
Look for certifications like FSSAI approval (in India), check if it’s sugar- and alcohol-free, and avoid products with artificial preservatives or colours. Always buy from trusted pharmacies or reputed brands.