Any parent dealing with a child with colic knows how the sleepless nights can really take a toll on them emotionally and physically. While any parents will do anything to help bring their child some relief, when it comes to colic, it isn’t that easy.
Colic is a common problem that many children face. Colic is caused by abdominal problems that happen during infancy. Colic can also lead to painful gas and acid reflux. While there isn’t an easy fix for colic and other similar baby problems, there are some amazing products that are meant to help relieve some of the symptoms. One of the products that many parents swear by is gripe water. While grip water certainly isn’t a complete fix, it does help children who suffer from colic sleep better with less pain. Here is everything you need to know about gripe water so that you can soon start to bring your child some relief.
What is gripe water?
The first and most important thing to know about grip water is that it is perfectly safe to give your little one. This is true as long as you follow the instructions carefully and closely. The best thing about gripe water is that it doesn’t only have to be used to colic. Parents have been using gripe water to also help treat their child’s teething problems, gas and even hiccups.
Gripe water is a perfect blend of certain herbal supplements and other organic ingredients. The safe and fast acting water is gentle on little one’s tummies and is mainly made from 100% vegan ingredients. It will also help you to know that gripe water is often made without any unwanted additives, artificial flavors, colors, sugars, dairy, wheat or alcohol.
The secret to fast working gripe water is in the organic ginger and fennel. Ginger is an amazing ingredient that is used in many adult comfort products as well. This is because ginger is not only gentle on the stomach but actually works as a natural way to calm down the acid build up in your system. Ginger quickly relives certain painful problems that colic can cause like upset stomach and excessive gas. Ginger can even help with acid reflux making it a miracle product for parents dealing with a child who is currently suffering from painful colic.
Here are some common problems that gripe water has been known to help with. If your child is suffering from any of these problems, you should give gripe water a try. Here are some things to look out for:
- Reflux – Reflux is one of the more common side effects of colic. Reflux can not only be hard on the body but it can also lead to annoying hiccups as well as an increase in spit-up.
- Sour stomach – While a sour stomach is not as serious as some of the other symptoms, it certainly isn’t one that is fun for either the parent or child to deal with. A sour stomach can not only bring a bunch of discomfort for your child, it can also lead to acid build up and excessive gas.
- Teething – While every child has teething pains, some children experience more pain than others. You may not know this but extreme teething can cause your child to swallow more air than usual which will only aspirate their colic pains.
- Constipation – Constipation is one of the symptoms of colic that some parents don’t prepare for. Constipation is uncomfortable for any adult but for little ones, it can be extremely painful. This is because infant’s digestive systems are still small and underdeveloped.
- Excessive gas – While excessive gas is a symptom of colic, colic isn’t the only reason why your child might be dealing with this problem. Gas can also be due to how your child eats and what kind of bottle they may be using. Excessive gas is also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to acid reflux as well.
If your child is experiencing any of these problems either with or without colic, you might want to consider giving gripe water a try.
Is gripe water safe?
Gripe water is completely safe to give your child. Like any type of alternative medicine, you want to be sure that you are using it in moderation. This means that you should always follow the dosing instructions completely. This is because of the one ingredient in gripe water can be dangerous if given in too high of a dosage. This additive is Sodium Bicarbonate. While this chemical is found in many medications, it is only effective in small dosages.
Taking Sodium Bicarbonate in too high a dosage in too short of time can lead to alkalosis. Alkalosis is an increase of the fluids in the body which can sometimes cause weakness or cramping. Because your child is already dealing with painful colic, you don’t want to add any excessive discomfort.
One of the biggest questions that many parents have about gripe water is whether or not it is FDA approved. While FDA approval is extremely important, especially when it comes to products you are giving to your child, it isn’t always needed. Gripe water is not FDA approved but only because it doesn’t need it in order to be safe for your child. This is because grip water is technically listed as a dietary supplement and not an actual medication. Gripe water is held to the same medical standards as dietary supplements and multivitamins. Gripe water is not meant to be marketed to cure, diagnose or treat common diseases.
What exactly is in gripe water?
If you are still wary about giving gripe water to your child, it might help you to learn about what exactly is in gripe water. Here are some of the common ingredients that you will find in most gripe waters. It also might be helpful for you to know that like most things, gripe water has changed and advanced over the years. Way back when gripe water has unneeded additives like alcohol. Since then, experts have made gripe water safer for children. Each ingredient is perfectly safe for your child and has a positive effect on your child when used together. Here is what you can expect to find in gripe water:
- Ginger
- Fennel seeds
- Sweetener
- Potassium sorbate
- Dill extract
- Water
- Naturally selection of herbs
- Minerals
The best gripe water for your child
If you are planning on using gripe water for your child, you might be overwhelmed by how many choices are out there. Have no fear, I am here to help! Here are some of the best gripe waters that are backed by both doctor and parent recommendations.
Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water
No products found.
When making the list of the best gripe water that is available on the market, you can’t forget the number one selling gripe water of all time. The Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water has been trusted and used by parents to bring their child some relief for years. Not only does this gripe water help with colic it has been used to bring relief to other problems like hiccups, teething, and overall fussiness that can come from a variety of different infant problems. It might help you to know that the Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water comes highly recommended by pediatricians and is often boasted as the best gripe water that you can find.
The secret is in the award winning formula. This gripe water uses a combination of organic fennel seeds and ginger to deliver an amazing product for your little one. While you will love what is in this gripe water, you will equally love what isn’t in it. This product is made without any alcohol, parabens or harsh chemicals. The best part about this gripe water is that you don’t have to refrigerate it after opening which makes it perfect for travel. Parents who use this gripe water love how it is dairy-free so that babies who have tummies that are sensitive to milk can enjoy the benefits of this gripe water too.
Little Remedies Gripe Water
No products found.
If you are looking for an amazing gripe water that comes backed by a trusted brand name that you know, you should give the Little Remedies Gripe Water a chance. Little Remedies has always been making amazing baby products that always have your child’s health in mind first. This gripe water works to relive your child’s stomach discomfort gently and safely. This product isn’t only meant for little ones who suffer from colic either! Parents love to use this gripe water from other common problems like hiccups and teething as well. You will also love how the Little Remedies Gripe Water is gluten free too.
This 100% natural gripe water is made out of herbs and other essential nutrients in order to comfort any sour tummy. Not only is this product natural and safe, it is also really easy to use and even easier to dose properly. This gripe water comes with a little dosing syringe that shows you exactly how much to use at a time depending on your child’s age and size. Parents who use this gripe water also love how it is free of any dyes or flavors so that you can get all of the benefits without any of the unwanted extras.
Woodward’s Gripe Water
No products found.
Woodward’s Gripe Water is one of the best kept secrets in the parenting community. Parents have loved this all natural gripe water for their child’s tummy problems for years. The thing that sets this gripe water apart from others that are available on the market is the amazing taste. While most gripe waters are made without flavors or dyes, they can be flavorless which doesn’t always entice your baby to take their dosing. When it comes to flavor without unwanted additives, no other gripe water on the market can beat the Woodward’s Gripe Water.
The secret to this amazing gripe water is in the special oil blend that it is made up with. This is especially true when it comes to the dill herb. The combination of dill herb and Sodium Bicarbonate will bring almost instant relief to your baby. The science is simple! This special blend traps air bubbles and breaks them down before causing any disturbance your child’s tummy. Air bubbles are the main culprit when it comes to colic and acid reflux. Having a strong gripe water to counteract these air bubbles is a amazing asset to your child’s health. Also, parents who use this gripe water love how they come in individual little bottles so that the gripe water is always at its freshest.
Zarbee’s Naturals Gripe Water
When you are looking for a product that isn’t FDA approved, pediatrician approval means everything. This is where the Zarbee’s Natural Gripe Water comes in handy. The product is not only safe and extremely effective at combating colic; it even comes highly recommended by pediatricians and medical professionals alike. This gripe water has been clinically proven to gently ease stomach discomfort caused by colic and excessive gas. This gripe water even helps to reduce fussiness caused by gas and teething. Like most other gripe waters, the Zarbee’s Naturals Gripe Water is made with a special combination of ginger and fennel. This gripe water even uses chamomile to help ease them into sleep. There is even a touch of lemon balm to help the flavor be more enjoyable.
You may have heard of this gripe water before because this is the first widely produced gripe water that is made in the US that is clinically supported and recommended. While other gripe waters use certain sugars and sweeteners to make the taste good enough for your child, this gripe water adds the perfect amount of sweetness naturally without any alcohol, dyes or even gluten. This gripe water also comes with a special little dropper which makes dosing easy so that you can be sure that you are giving your child the right amount each time. If you are still not sure that the Zarbee’s Naturals Gripe Water is right for your little one, it may make you feel better to know that this formula was developed by a pediatrician. This way you can be sure that it is the best one for your little guy or girl!
Wellement’s Organic Gripe Water
No products found.
If you like to live a fully natural and organic life and are hoping to pass your good habits over to your child, you should check out the Wellement’s Organic Gripe Water. This gripe waters promises to help ease stomach discomfort naturally and without any unwanted side effects. You will love to know that this gripe water is 100% natural and USDA certified organic. There are also no chemical preservatives. This gripe water is also free of any alcohol, dyes, flavors or soy. The Wellement’s Organic Gripe Water is also vegan and gluten free. Best of all, this gripe water is 1–% kosher which surely sets this gripe water apart from others on this list.
The Wellement’s Organic Gripe Water has even gone as far as to make their packaging without any plastics. This gripe water is mostly recognizable by its sturdy and BPA free glass bottles. Parents who use this gripe water prefer it over others because this one was made with little ones who have tummies that are extremely sensitive to certain foods in mind. This specially formulated gripe water is even perfect for infants who have immature or underdeveloped nervous and digestive systems. There is even a little guide to help you determine exactly how much to give your child depending on their age and size.
Bundle Gripe Water & Baby ZZZ’s Ultimate Combo by Gentle Care
Sometimes gripe water isn’t enough to bring comfort to your child,. Some parents have to use different types of gripe water in combination to bring their child relief. That’s where this bundle gripe water from Gentle Care comes in handy! This bundle kit has everything you need to keep your child’s digestive system running smoothly while also keeping uncomfortable side effects of colic at bay so that they can get a full night’s sleep. This all natural gripe water is safe and gentle and is highly recommended for travel. The formula is thicker than others available on the market which makes it easier for smaller babies to swallow and digest. The formula is made with fennel seeds, ginger and chamomile Parents who use this gripe water love the addition of lemon balm. This offers it a light and citrus flavor that little ones love.
When you buy the Gentle Care bundle, you get everything you need to bring your child some comfort. You get their two most popular versions of gripe water. Each is made with BPA free packaging and comes with easy to read instructions so that you can be sure to always give your child the right dose. While you get one standard gripe water, the sleepy time gripe water is the one that parents love the most. With the addition of chamomile, your child will not only have a settled stomach but will be gently eased to sleep which will not only bring comfort to your child but will also allow you to get the rest you need as a parent. This bundle even comes with a handy little head thermometer that allows you to keep tabs on your child’s health.
Can you make your own gripe water?
While there are many benefits that come out of buying gripe water that comes highly recommended by pediatricians, you can certainly make your own. Making gripe water is almost as simple as making yourself a nice cup of hot tea. First you will need to gather your ingredients. While it isn’t necessary, you should try to start your gripe water base with organic products only. You should even consider using fresh filtered water to start out with.
The products you will need to make safe and effective gripe water are:
- Filtered water
- Fennel Seeds
- Ginger
- Dill Weed
- Chamomile
Start by combining the fennel seeds, ginger root, dill weed and chamomile in a cheesecloth or pouch. Lay the pouch in the bottle of a glass jar or ceramic mug. It is important to only use something that can withstand heat and that is also BPA free. One the satchel is in the mug, fill the cup up with hot water. You want to let the gripe water steep completely before removing the sack. Once the mixture is made, let it cool completely before storing. It is important to remember that gripe water has a shelf life of up to four weeks so make sure to label your batch so that you know when it is time to toss.
The one important thing to remember if you are planning on making your own gripe water is that you still need to be careful when it comes to dosing. While you should always check with your pediatrician before starting your child on any new routine, a good rule of thumb is that 1 teaspoon or 5ml is the ideal amount for small babies. It is also important to note that you should always keep all of the utensils and cooking surfaces clean and sanitized before making your DIY gripe water.
Wrapping it up
There are few products available for parents that can naturally help ease your child’s suffering. Thankfully for you, gripe water is one of these products. Not only will you notice that your child can have a more enjoyable eating experience, and an even more enjoyable nighttime routine. Parents who have used gripe water have noticed a major change in their child’s behavior and comfort level. When it comes to your child, it is good to know that you can be a teaspoon away from some real comfort. Good luck and take care!
