Gripe Water For New Born And Babies: How And When To Give?
4 min read
There is nothing worse than seeing a crying baby who doesn’t seem to stop. To top it all if it’s not for hunger, sleep or diaper change and its painful, then the parents seem helpless. One such cry is when the baby is colic as that is the medium by which the baby connects. Colic is a situation in which the baby keeps crying consistently for few hours and its cause is not known and strangely no medications are provided as well. However, herbal treatment in the form of gripe water works wonders.
- What Is Gripe Water
- When To Use?
- Does Griper Water Give Infants Gas And Colic Relief?
- How Does Gripe Water Works?
- How And When To Give Gripe Water
- What Are The Ingredients In Gripe Water?
- How Many Times A Day Can You Give Gripe Water?
- Tips For Using Gripe Water
- Side Effects Of Gripe Water
- Alternatives For Gripe Water
What Is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is used for curing colic situations and also few gastric ailments related to intestines. It’s a herbal treatment which is sold in the liquid form and comes in a number of variants. Additionally can be even used for comforting from a teething pain, consistent hiccups or bloating.
When To Use?
Gripe water should be given to kids when they start feeling the pain. Generally the gripe water should be given half an hour after the baby has taken the feed or when the baby starts feeling gastric. It is advisable to wait for half an hour after the feed is over as it aids in digestion of food. However, if a baby is not able to take the feed due to gastric trouble, in that case the gripe water can be given prior to feed.
Does Griper Water Give Infants Gas And Colic Relief?
The reason behind colic is not scientifically proved, yet it is supposed to be caused by stomach pain or gastric trouble. Doctors do not however have a remedy for the same, but many parents gripe water to cure colic and gas troubles which seems to work for them.
How Does Gripe Water Works?
The liquid in the gripe water consists of few drops of ginger, fennel seeds and a concoction of sodium bicarbonate and these contribute to comfort under nauseatic/discomforting conditions caused by gas or any form of colic. It is believed that gripe water works in a span of five minutes once given.
How And When To Give Gripe Water
The gripe water box has a dropper provided which should be used. It is important that the baby is sitting straight, then we turn the baby’s head to one side and put the liquid slowly inside the baby’s cheek at the side of the mouth. Gripe water should ideally be given to a baby from three weeks till three months or till the baby surpasses the abdominal discomfort. Find more about giving gripe water to babies here.
What Are The Ingredients In Gripe Water?
Gripe water is an herbal cure and contains a mixture of the following herbs:
- Fennel seeds
- Ginger juice
- Cinnamon powder
- Lemon balm extracts
- Chamomile Oil
- Licorice root
Source: https://www.ehealthstar.com/is-gripe-water-for-infants-effective-and-safe.php
The gripe water has a good percentage (about 3.6%) alcohol, sugar, water, sodium bicarbonate and dill oil.
How Many Times A Day Can You Give Gripe Water?
Gripe water can be given to the infant or the baby about three times a day, 1.5ml each. This can only be done if the weight of the child exceeds 3.17kgs. Avoid giving daily if the baby gets uncomfortable. If there are no symptoms of gases, it is not mandatory to give the gripe water to the baby.
Tips For Using Gripe Water
- The gripe water should only be given to the child after a pediatric consultation.
- The gripe water given should be sucrose free as it helps in prevention of tooth decay.
- The usage and expiry of gripe water depends on the brand under which it is manufactured. Every brand which manufactures gripe water has diverse composition and strength.
- Gripe water is one of the safest and reliable cure for colic and bloating but it is advisable to be on the look -out for specific allergies which might be affecting few babies, if not all.
Side Effects Of Gripe Water
Gripe water has been existence since long and is also considered effective to relieve from colic pains and teething or even bloating. However, it is not devoid of the few side effects as below:
- Allergies – This can happen in the form of rashes, upset stomach, breathing difficulty and swelling of throat
- Disparity in the pH Level- The gripe water is potentially known to cure discomfort arising from upset tummy, but it also disturbs the innate acidity of the stomach if used persistently.
- Tooth Decaying- The composition of sugar in gripe water can result in cavity issues and even tooth decaying problems.
Alternatives For Gripe Water
If one is not comfortable giving gripe water to kids, different alternatives which can be sought to provide comfort to the baby are:
- Massaging the infant.
- Chamomile tea
- Wrapping up the baby and rocking it to sleep.
- Rubbing on the baby’s tummy when pressure is applied.
- Distracting the baby by singing or humming a song or a lullaby.
- Shifting the baby feed from the formula milk to any other as formula contains cow milk which is heavier to digest.
Thus, we can say that gripe water should be taken as a last resort because medical science has still not proved its safety for babies. However, parents can use it as a comforter as nothing soothes the disturbing parents when the baby sleeps peacefully.
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