Is Gripe water Safe for Babies and Infants?
Yes, gripe water is safe for babies and infants, except with some babies that may show some signs of allergic reactions or incompatibility. Also, when given in recommended dosage keeping in mind the age and weight of the baby. The gripe water was being used by our grand parents from many generations since 19th century. It was one of the oldest remedy for babies crying of discomfort due to gas, colic and teething issues.
As we know, Gripe water is a liquid form of supplement made from Sodium bicarbonate, that is Baking Soda and a mix of special herbs, which relieves any discomfort in babies tummy due to indigestion, teething, etc. which may cause gas and bloating. This upset stomach ailment specially in babies is designated towards immature digestive system which is still under development.
The special herbs, which contains Carminative agents, Sedative ingredients, Anti-inflammatory agents, Digestive herbs, etc. aids in relaxation of digestive tract and relieving gas and flatulence. This being a herbal formulation is therefore safe for babies, but it is important to keep the dosage and frequency in limit.
This is because, in rare cases some infants and babies may have immature or under-developed digestive tract which is responsible for slow digestion and slow metabolism.
Such babies may frequently show signs of gas and bloating even when breastfed. So, giving frequent doses of gripe water may not help. Also, some babies may show allergic responses when gripe water is given. This allergic reactions are actually not side effects but actually poor compatibility of babies body and its system.
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Gripe Water Side Effects:
This compatibility or so called side effects of gripe water are not common but, in some rare cases may include some incompatibility with your newborn baby.
After giving gripe water to your baby, you must carefully observe and check for following signs, if any:
- Vomiting, In some cases of babies less than 1 month old, due to immature digestive system
- Diarrhea
- Itchy Skin
- Watery Eyes
- Hives
- Swelling of lips or tongue
Therefore, after giving gripe water to your baby, you should check for any signs of allergic reactions, to assure the compatibility with your baby. The gripe water being herbal formulation, may not suit some of the babies, but most of the time its a quick relief remedy for babies suffering from stomach discomfort and colic symptoms. However, modern day gripe water being alcohol free are being manufactured under different names and with varying formulations so try and select the suitable brand that suits your baby.
If your baby is not showing sign of improvement after repeated dose of gripe water. You need to stop before giving any excess of recommended dose within 24 hrs.
Points to consider while giving Gripe water to babies:
- Always go for, alcohol-free gripe water, as it is not advised to give alcohol to new born babies.
- The Sodium bicarbonate present in gripe water, may influence the pH balance in your baby’s stomach, so any excessive gripe water should be avoided specially when baby is showing colic symptoms.
- Gripe water also contains sucrose as sugar to sweeten the gripe water. This may affect the tooth and gums when given in excess. Also, the baby may get addicted to sweet and temporarily reject breast milk or baby formula.
- It should be checked for any contamination, when its not stored or administered properly. Contaminated gripe water may lead to infections in babies.
- Always follow the instructions given on the product and pediatrician or a healthcare professional.
- The baby should be fed properly preferable breast milk and recommended baby formulations for babies younger than 1 month.
Avoid using any unregulated products in market which have undisclosed ingredients. FDA in US has declared gripe water as a supplement and not a medicine so it can be sold without any regulations. You are therefore bound to check for only standard and recommended brands of gripe water, like Woodwards, Mommys Bliss, etc.
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For your general knowledge, a list of ingredients used in different gripe water brands are given for your reference.
- Woodwards Gripe Water: Sodium hydrogen carbonate, terpeneless dill seed oil, Propylene Glycol, Glycerol, Maltitol, Nipasept (Sodium Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Sodium Ethyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Sodium Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate), Disodium Edetate
- Little Remedies Gripe Water: Zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract, foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed extract, purified water, agave vegetable glycerin, glycerin, natural ginger flavor, potassium sorbate, citric acid and xanthan gum.
- Wellements Organic Nighttime Gripe Water: Water, organic ginger root extract, organic fennel seed extract, organic chamomile flower extract, organic lemon balm leaf extract, organic passionflower flower extract, organic agave syrup, organic lemon juice concentrate, organic glycerin, organic lemon juice powder and sodium bicarbonate.
- Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water: Deionized water, vegetable glycerin, sodium bicarbonate, citrus bioflavonoid extract, citric acid, potassium sorbate, organic zingiber officinale (ginger root) extract, organic foeniculum vulgare (fennel seed) extract and natural fennel flavor.
Ingredients Source:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/,
https://www.forbes.com/
Conclusion
It is advised to check the ingredients of particular gripe water before and choose formulations that are made for infants and babies. Also, check for recommended dosage to avoid any chances of health risks associated with your babies compatibility and overdose if any. If any unusual signs or indications of any allergic symptoms are observed take immediate action and consult your health care provider or a pediatrician.
Though being natural and safe herbal supplement, parents must take precautionary measures while using gripe water for babies.
