Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?Is It Safe?How to UseWhen to AvoidAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Is It Safe?
How to Use
When to Avoid
Alternatives
Gripe water is an over-the-counter (OTC) herbal supplement that is generally used as a remedy for fussiness in babies. Parents and caregivers often use it for colic, gas, andteething. Like othersupplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it.
This article explains what gripe water is, its safety, how to use it, when to avoid it, and alternatives.
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A Natural Remedy, But What Is Gripe Water?
Health Benefits of 10 Healing Herbs
Gripe Water for Babies: Is it Safe?
There are not a lot of studies on gripe water, likely because it is not regulated. Due to the lack of stringent FDA regulations of supplements, there is some risk that gripe water may not be effective or safe.
One study found that gripe water was ineffective and was sometimes associated with side effects, including:
Gripe Water Age Limit
When Not to Use Gripe Water
Other signs that fussiness may be due to something other than colic include:
What to Use Instead of Gripe Water
There are countless ways to address fussiness and colic in babies. Experts recommend trying the following:
Summary
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Breaking up the gas.
Jain K, Gunasekaran D, Venkatesh C, Soundararajan P.Gripe water administration in infants 1-6 months of age-A cross-sectional study.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(11):SC06-SC8. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13727.6738
National Capital Poison Center.Don’t give herbal supplements to infants.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Dietary supplements.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Colic and gas.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Colic relief tips for parents.
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