Is Gripe Water Really Good for Babies? Let's Find Out Exactly

One of the biggest challenges for a mother or father with a newborn baby is to soothe a crying baby for hours on end. Sometimes the baby cries because he is hungry, or because his diaper is wet. But when the baby cries for no reason, especially in the evening, it feels very helpless. So, in times like these, many parents look to "Gripe Water" as a help. There is a belief in society that giving it to the baby will reduce the baby's stomachache and gas and make it feel better. But what exactly is this gripe water? Is it safe to give it to the baby? As a doctor, I will explain this to you today.

First, let's see what 'Colic' is.

Usually we can find the reason why a baby cries. But if a baby has 'colic', he cries continuously and loudly for no apparent reason. Even though these babies are fine during the day, this crying starts in the evening. He can cry like this for hours.

Think about it, this is like a little rule. We also call it the "rule of three."

• Crying for more than 3 hours a day.
• I cry like this at least 3 days a week.
• This situation has been going on for 3 weeks straight.

The behavior of a baby crying due to 'colic' is a little different.

• They cry very loudly , like they're screaming .
• It's very difficult to get a grip on, and it won't calm down at all.
• When you cry, your face may turn red , and sometimes you may even turn pale around your lips.
• They fold their knees to their chest , clench their fists, and stiffen their bodies.
• You can also send a message while crying, because when you cry, you swallow air.

Is 'Gripe Water' really safe?

Simply put, gripe water is a liquid made from herbs. Although it is marketed as a medicine, it has not been approved by major agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that there is no assurance about its safety or quality. It has not been scientifically proven to provide relief from a baby's stomachache.

What does gripe water contain?

Although there are many types of gripe water, the ingredients they contain are somewhat similar.

• Old Gripe Water: Gripe water made in the past contained things like alcohol , sugar, and baking soda . Alcohol is very dangerous for a newborn baby. Some gripe waters have as much as 9% alcohol. This can even cause addiction in the baby.
• Modern Gripe Water: Many gripe water brands today do not contain alcohol. Instead, they are heavily sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners . This sweetness may temporarily dull the baby's pain and make it feel calm. However, giving sugar to a newborn is not healthy at all.

In addition, things like fennel and ginger are added. Although these help in the digestion of adults, babies' digestive systems are very delicate. Therefore, it cannot be said that these are equally beneficial for babies.

Are there any side effects of 'gripe water'?

Yes, absolutely. As doctors, we say that you should not give a baby anything other than breast milk or formula until they are 4-6 months old . Gripe water also falls into this category.

• Germs and heavy metals: Since these are not regulated, germs can enter during production. Sometimes, they may even contain heavy metals that are very harmful to babies, such as lead and mercury.
• Allergic Reactions: Some babies may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in this product. If your baby has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or swelling of the lips or tongue , take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
• Vomiting and nausea: There have been reports of some babies vomiting after being given gripe water.

So what should we do about the baby's problem?

Instead of using gripe water, there are many safe ways you can try to calm your baby. Not all babies will be the same, so find what works best for your baby.

Things to try

• Change the way you feed your baby: Your baby is hungry. Offer breast milk or formula. If you are breastfeeding, some foods you eat (coffee, dairy, soy, eggs) can pass through your milk and cause problems for your baby. If you are feeding formula, talk to your doctor about switching to another type. Stop frequently during feedings and let your baby's stools pass.
• Calming movements: Babies love movement. Carry your baby for a walk, rock them in a rocking chair, or put them in a stroller and move around a bit. Some babies also calm down by going for a short ride in the car.
• Soft sounds: Talk to your baby, or play soft music that your baby likes. Some babies also find white noise calming.
• Reduce stimulation: Sometimes a baby cries because he can't handle the noise, light, or things around him. Swaddle him well, make him feel secure, dim the lights, and place him in his crib.

When should I see a doctor?

Although crying due to colic is normal, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.