Gripe water is the most effective remedy used by our grandparents to relieve variety of digestive issues in infants like gas, bloating, colic and fussiness. However, it is not proved to be helpful with constipation also. But, due to its composition of natural and digestive ingredients it may help to ease down and relief constipation to some extent. It should be noted, that it may not help your baby to poop out, but it may relieve the discomfort due to gas which helps in easing constipation.
The composition and formulation may vary with different manufacturers, but in general the gripe water is mainly intended to provide relief from gas and colic and other discomfort in baby’s tummy.
The gripe water consists of a combination of herbs having compounds which are natural carminative agents, digestive ingredients, sedating agents, anti-inflammatory agents, etc.
Natural Ingredients of Gripe water having digestive benefits
1. Fennel Seeds
Fennel is very well known for its carminative properties, as it relieves gas, flatulence and bloating. It helps in improved digestion by relaxing the muscles in gastrointestinal tract.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile calms the digestive system as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help in reducing the inflammation and discomfort which may had lead to constipation.
3. Ginger
Ginger, again has got anti-inflammatory effects. This contributes to overall soothing of the digestive tract.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint has natural cooling properties, which removes the heat inside the stomach due to indigestion and poor eating choices like over-feeding, frequent feeding, etc.
5. Dill
Dill seed oils has carminative properties and helps in releasing gas and fussiness inside the stomach. This relief may help in achieving better digestive well being and thus overcoming constipation.
Thus, you can see that though the gripe water was not actually intended for relieving constipation, but the ingredients in gripe water may help overcoming constipation related issues, to some extent.
Must Read,
✔️ What is Gripe water used for in babies and infants?
✔️ Top 20 Uses and Benefits of Gripe water for Babies
How does gripe water help with constipation?
Steps for Treating Constipation in Babies
Step #1. Consulting a Pediatrician
After taking homebased remedial measures like gripe water for constipation, one should consult a pediatrician as use of gripe water is not meant for relieving constipation. Based on age, weight and health conditions, the pediatrician will give better advice and instructions.
Step #2. Proper Hydration & Diet (Remedial Measures)
Constipation in babies may be a cause of poor hydration as the new born babies are not given water directly. Or it may be reason of poor diet like some advanced formula which does not suit the health and weight of your baby. The pediatrician must have given some recommended diet and hydrating methods to hydrate your baby. Underfeeding may also be the cause of constipation.
Step #3. Find Real Cause of Constipation (Diagnosis)
If there is a frequent problem of constipation with your baby, you must see a child specialist or pediatrician and go for a proper diagnosis. There may be some other underlying reasons of constipation which is other than improper diet or dehydration related. Find the proper cause of constipation, which may require some sort of tests.
Step #4. Treating any Deficiencies (Final Treatment)
Step #5. Other Remedies
Proper diagnosis may show some times a deficiency of Magnesium, or high Iron content, or other similar imbalance which need to be rectified as soon as possible. As, this may hinder the absorption of nutrients inside the baby and ultimately its growth.
Sometimes just giving a home based remedy used by our grandparents, may cure the constipation related issues in baby. This remedial measures may be slow in action and not show any quick improvement, so this may need to be followed for a couple of days.
Step #6. Follow proper Recommendations
Sticking with Gripe water may not be helpful, and giving multiple doses in shorter intervals, may lead to health risks. A proper recommended dosage instructions and guidelines should be followed. If needed always take help of a pediatrician or child specialist.
Must Read,
✔️ Does Gripe water Help with Reflux in Babies?
✔️ Gripe water Recipe: Ingredients & Method of Preparation
Conclusion
The gripe water may not directly useful in constipation, but its been found that it can give some relief to infants with mild constipation and associated discomfort. The actual ingredients and formulation is therefore to be checked whether it can give any relief as stated in the above listed ingredients. These ingredients are capable of providing, indirect digestive benefits to the digestive system and may give relief from mild constipation.
There can be many causes of constipation in babies, and finding the root cause will be necessary to get rid of constipation in babies. Gripe water when given along with a professional advice can bring effective results. It is always advisable to approach the professional health care provider, or a child specialist, instead of trying homebased remedies one after another.
Finding a natural and safer alternative for treating constipation is always recommended. Also, follow a proper diet and keep your baby sufficiently hydrated which will avoid any constipation related issues in the future.
