Is gripe water REALLY safe for my baby?

Have you ever wondered if gripe water for babies is safe? If you grew up in India, you’re probably familiar with the famous ad for Woodward’s Gripe Water, where mothers from different generations swear by its effectiveness in soothing colic and crying. But is it really safe? Let’s explore this question and discover the truth behind gripe water’s safety for our little ones

When I was in the pediatric ward, I often heard frustrated mothers sharing how their babies would still cry despite giving them gripe water. It got me thinking about the safety of gripe water for babies. The experienced pediatricians in our unit consistently advised against using it, so I followed their guidance and never gave it to my own children. This raises an important question:

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Is Gripe Water for Babies REALLY Safe?

What is Gripe Water?

Gripe water, invented by William Woodward in the 1800s, was initially created to treat “fen fever,” a disease affecting babies in marshy areas. Woodward was inspired by a concoction used by doctors and discovered that gripe water not only addressed fen fever but also provided relief for gastric troubles and soothing effects for crying babies. He patented the name, and gripe water for babies quickly became a household term.

Contents of Gripe Water

Woodward’s gripe water, traditionally used for babies with colic and discomfort, contained dill seed oil, sodium bicarbonate, and alcohol. However, modern gripe water for babies no longer includes alcohol. Instead, it often has a high sugar content to provide soothing effects. In India, gripe water companies may add herbs and oils with claimed properties to soothe babies.

How does gripe water help relieve colic?

There is very little scientific evidence to prove the efficiency of gripe water, although the ill effects of its ingredients are documented. The efficacy of gripe water may be attributed to the following causes:

1. Alcohol – Alcohol was considered to be the main reason behind the soothing effects of gripe water. Back in the old days, the alcohol content was so high that even adults were known to get addicted.

2. Sugar – Gripe water can be very high in sugar, and studies have shown that sugar solutions may be effective in soothing colic. However, the high sugar content can damage the baby’s erupting teeth.

3. Dill Oil – The word ‘dill’ is derived from the Norwegian word for ‘to lull’. Dill oil has been found to ease pain caused by excessive gas in the intestines.

Although gripe water’s ingredient list often features sodium bicarbonate, it doesn’t have much of an effect in curing colic. On the other hand,  excessive sodium bicarbonate may result in alkalosis.

Safe Ways of Dealing with Colic in Babies

Now that you know what gripe water actually contains, you must be wondering how new parents are supposed to deal with an incessantly crying baby. Few things can make one feel as helpless! But there is actually a lot you can do, none of which involve questionable ingredients or chemicals.

1. Offer physical comfort

There are many ways you can soothe your baby’s discomfort, simply by holding him in different ways. Try holding them horizontally in your arms, upright against  your shoulder or on their tummies balanced on your arm.

2. Adjust feeding positions

Most of the time, colic is just due to gassiness resulting from a lot of swallowed air. When feeding, try to keep baby as upright as possible. Smaller, frequent feedings may be easier on his tummy. When breastfeeding, let the baby drain one breast completely first. This will ensure that he gets the thicker, fatty hindmilk along with the thin foremilk, keeping him fuller for longer. Be sure to burp him at regular intervals during feeding and soon after.

3. Use the correct burping technique

It is important to burp the baby properly so that all the trapped air is released. Place a burp cloth on your shoulder and hold your baby upright against it. Gently, rub their lower back in a circular motion or tap gently till they burp. You’ll hear a burping sound, and in some cases, they may spit out a little milk.

4. Use slow, repetitive movements

Slow, rhythmic movements tend to soothe babies, which is why so many cots and cradles have swinging or rocking mechanisms. You can either take the baby on a car drive, or push her around your house in her pram for a while. Gently rocking her in your arms should also work, unless you are getting agitated as well. Some babies seem to get soothed when held on top of a washing machine on a gentle cycle.

5. Limit stimulating environments

During the first few months, babies need a lot of peace, love and reassurance. Too much stimulation can upset them, especially if they’re constantly passed around from one person to another or put down and picked up a lot. Make sure that he is dry, well fed and well rested all the time. Avoid loud noises and stick to white noise – it has been found to work for many babies.

Just because something is being done by a majority of people doesn’t make it right! Even though doctors these days refrain from prescribing gripe water, they often get requests for it. The WHO doesn’t advice anything for a baby other than breast milk for the first six months – not even gripe water. So, educate yourself about the ingredients in what you’re feeding your child – better safe than sorry!