What our expert says…
“Gripe water is one of the oldest commercially available remedies for colic, first being produced for sale in 1851. Its original formula contained sugar and alcohol, but today’s mix is completely safe, comprising of dill seed oil and sodium bicarbonate,” says Dr Philippa Kaye.
“The exact reasons for colic are unknown, but it’s thought to be related to trapped wind and indigestion. The active ingredients in gripe water help combat it by neutralising excess acid in the stomach and breaking down trapped air bubbles,” adds Philippa.
“It comes in a liquid form which you can give to your baby, via a dropper, up to six times a day. Whether you’re breast or bottle feeding, you simply fill the dropper with the recommended dose and drop it into his mouth, or let him suck it out.”
What is gripe water?
Discovered by American William Woodward in the 1840s while treating fen fever, the original mix of alcohol, dill, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and water, was adopted by physicians to soothe fretful babies. Today it comprises mainly of bicarbonate of soda and dill seed oil, and works by breaking down trapped air bubbles that cause wind, a common symptom associated with colic.
Is it safe to use?
Babies from a month-old can be given gripe water up to six times in a twenty-four hour period to help relieve trapped wind. However, it’s not safe for all little ones, so do not use on your child if he’s under a month old, allergic to any of the ingredients, or suffers from kidney problems. It doesn’t have any known side-effects, but if your baby gets any unusual symptoms while taking it, take him to see your GP as soon as possible.
How do I give it to my baby?
The best time to give your baby gripe water is during, or just after a feed, as this is the time his digestive system will start breaking down the large enzymes in milk, which can sometimes cause a spasm of the gut. Just fill the dropper up with the recommended dose (as mentioned on the packet), and let him suck it out, squeeze it into his mouth, or put it into his feed.
How do I know which brand to buy?
Although nikshepa baby gripe water  with colic, there are various other over-the-counter remedies.  so finding the one that works for your baby may be a case of trial and error.
And don’t forget… Whatever brand of gripe water you buy, you have to dispose of the bottle and any remaining contents 14 days after opening it.
Our mums’ experiences
“I’ve used gripe water with my children since they were four-weeks-old and never had a problem with it. My fourth child didn’t like the taste, so I used to put it into his milk.”
Mummy X5
“I used to dip my baby’s dummy in it so that he could suck it off something familiar. It always helped settle him down.”
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