Best Gripe Water for Babies
Need a remedy to soothe a fussy baby? Gripe water could help.
Prior to having a baby, if you’d have asked us what gripe water was, we’d have looked at you with a puzzled expression. But, as is the case with so many things when it comes to being a brand-new parent—turns out there’s a lot you just don’t know until you’re deep in the trenches with a fussy newborn on three hours of sleep. And many parents swear by gripe water as a solution for calming a crying, colicky baby.
What is gripe water?
Baby gripe water is marketed as a quick relief from gas pain and upset stomach, two extremely common issues when it comes to babies and their immature digestive systems. It’s also said to help with things like hiccups and colic.
Gripe water is an old-fashioned remedy that’s been around for hundreds of years. Today, it’s evolved into an over-the-counter supplement, available online and off the shelf in pharmacies and pretty much anywhere else that sells things for babies. Common ingredients might include sodium bicarbonate and herbs that are typically used to alleviate stomach pain (think things like chamomile, peppermint, fennel, ginger and lemon balm), but the exact ingredients can differ depending on the brand. It might also include agave to give it a sweet taste (not medicine-y) to help it be more palatable.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that gripe water isn’t medicine; it’s an herbal remedy.
But does gripe water really work? Unfortunately, the jury’s still out on that one. While many parents swear by it, the evidence behind gripe water is mostly anecdotal.
Is gripe water safe?
The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t have an official position on gripe water, but it definitely shouldn’t be given to newborn babies younger than one month old. Check with your pediatrician before giving your baby any type of herbal supplement or medication, and that you carefully read all of the ingredients and the instructions.
Loved by Parents
With the highest number of customer reviews on Amazon, Little Remedies helps to relieve upset stomach from gas, colic, fussiness or hiccups. There’s no sodium bicarbonate or artificial flavors or dyes in this formula; instead, things like ginger and fennel help to aid with digestion. It’s also paraben- and gluten-free, and it’s made with vegan ingredients.
Settles Tiny Tummies
Mommy’s Bliss gripe water is formulated with no artificial colors or flavors and no gluten, dairy or soy. Just like Little Remedies, this gripe water contains organic fennel seed extract and ginger extract as the main active ingredients. And it’s made in the USA.
Certified Organic
If you’re looking for a gripe water that contains sodium bicarbonate, Wellements is the way to go. This formula is free of chemicals, preservatives and parabens and is made without artificial ingredients. And it’s the only gripe water brand on this list made of certified USDA organic ingredients. Wellements also has a comprehensive bundle that could be helpful for addressing gassiness and more.
Soothes and Calms
Another gripe water that’s highly rated by parents, Colic Calm is a safe, gentle option for quick relief from tummy troubles. It’s made in the USA in an FDA-inspected facility, and the formula features a host of natural ingredients like lemon balm, fennel, caraway, blackthorn and more (no sodium bicarbonate). It’s completely free of sugar, soy, dairy, wheat/gluten and artificial flavors and colors to make sure it’s gentle on upset stomachs.
Also Consider...
If your little one seems to be having stomach discomfort and you can’t seem to figure out a solve, check out the Windi. Also known as “the gasspasser” (we swear!), it’s designed to free trapped gas from babies’ bottoms without using drops or medicine. It’s flexible and hollow, and there’s a built-in stopper that prevents you from inserting it too far—and it even whistles when it’s working. It may not be the most delightful moment of your parenting journey, but we swear the results are well worth it.