Written by Pradeep
One of the most annoying problems of newborn is abdominal colic. New moms often do not understand the true cause of a crying baby. Many home remedies are recommended for soothing the colic. The most popular is gripe water-the herbal remedy for treating colic and teething problems.
Initially it was used extensively by the English grandmas in 1850, later it becomes famous in USA where it was prepared from bicarbonate, alcohol, dill, fennel, ginger and chamomile.
Nowadays gripe water is sold as an herbal supplement devoid of sucrose and alcohol. Sodium bicarbonate is generally the chief ingredient (though you should avoid this) and dill and fennel still continue to be an important part. Find out how and when to give gripe water for baby here.
What Is Gripe Water?
Is Gripe Water Safe For My Baby?
When Can I Give Gripe Water To My Baby?
How Does Gripe Water Work?
Gripe Water For Colic
What Is The Best Time To Give Gripe Water To A Baby?
Tips To Choose The Right Gripe Water
Mixing Gripe Water With Formula
Other Alternative To Treat Colic
Traditionally, gripe water composed of alcohol, dill seed oil and sodium bicarbonate. Though now alcohol is not generally used in manufacturing gripe water, yet sodium bicarbonate remains the active ingredient in many gripe water brands. However, one should opt for gripe water that is natural and made of organic herbs. Ginger, cardamom, lemon balm and fennel are the popular herbs that go in gripe water along with glycerin that lends it a sweet taste.
The safety of giving gripe water to babies depends on what it contains. Those containing alcohol are not good for baby’s consumption as it is unhealthy.
Originally discovered by an American William Woodward in 1840, gripe water was as an effective remedy for treating baby’s colic. It was and is still largely; approved by the physicians and was used for relieving distressed babies. Since it contained Dill and bicarbonate of soda, gripe water was helpful in breaking down the trapped bubbles of gas that caused colic. It’s use in babies has been considered safe, though some do debate over the safety of sodium bicarbonate in it.
Gripe water can be safely given to the baby as early as one month after the birth. Since milk is the main food of the tiny toddler, flatulence, gastric trouble and bloating are very common with babies. Gripe water is a unique herbal preparation effective in treating these tummy ailments.
Natural gripe water is made from herbs like aloe Vera, anise seeds, cardamom, chamomile, dill, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, purified water, and glycerin – all of which help the baby to pass gas. Gripe water aids in the digestion, soften the muscles, and make the baby feel comfortable if he is gassy. The gripe water helps in getting rid of gas or wind.
Colic is the most distressing situation for both the baby and the mother. Gripe water is effective only in relieving colic in babies, and has been used for centuries now. If the baby’s is crying due to colic, giving gripe water is useful, but if the distressed baby is not relieved even after administering gripe water, then it is clear that the cause is something else. So, without delay, consult your pediatrician for advice. Read more about Colic here.
The ideal time to give gripe water is immediately after a feed because this is the time when digestive system begins to disintegrate the milk enzymes and oftentimes spasms in the gut is common. Take a recommended dose of the gripe water in a dropper and squeeze it in the baby’s mouth or you can also add in the feed.
Woodwards gripe water was the pioneer in the field, and is now followed by other brands such as Hamdard’s gripe water, Dentinox, etc. are also available and are effective in mitigating the discomfort.
You must consult a doctor before giving your baby gripe water and make sure to stick to the recommended dosage only Here are some simple tips that will help you in selecting the best gripe water for your tiny bundle of joy:
Gripe water has the maximum effect when given as itself, so do not mix it with formula or breast milk. Most gripe waters have a pleasant, sweet taste and is liked by babies.
If you feel gripe water is not providing sufficient relief to your gassy baby, here are some easy and simple alternative to follow:
If the doctor suggests so, you can safely use gripe water for your baby and be sure for a prompt relief from colic!
U
urvashi
Sep 16, 2016
My baby is 20days can I give him gripwater
P
pruthi shivika
Jul 28, 2016
my doctor also recommended gripe water without sodium bicarbonate..quit woodwards gripe water after i google the side effects of sodium bicarbonate for babies and now using mother sparsh gripe water..its very effective..
U
urvashi
Sep 16, 2016
My baby is 20days can I give him gripwater
P
pruthi shivika
Jul 28, 2016
my doctor also recommended gripe water without sodium bicarbonate..quit woodwards gripe water after i google the side effects of sodium bicarbonate for babies and now using mother sparsh gripe water..its very effective..
A
ashmita
Jul 01, 2016
Hello...avoid gripe water with sodium bicarbonate....its really harmful...It alters the naturally created ph inside baby stomach...moreover it also get dissolved in blood and that is really harmful..
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