Gripe Water Is A Popular Remedy For Fussy Babies, But Does It Really Work?

Soothing a fussy baby isn’t easy—especially when they can’t tell you what’s wrong. Gripe water is a remedy many parents reach for to help calm their baby's upset tummies and ease gassiness. If you’ve heard about it and are wondering whether it’s worth trying, we’re here to help you figure it out. 

We talked to Dr. Mona Amin, a board certified pediatrician and founder of PedsDocTalk to figure out what parents need to know about gripe water, how to use it properly and what else they can try to soothe their baby.

What is gripe water?

Baby gripe water is an over-the-counter product that’s marketed as a quick relief from gas pain and upset stomach, two extremely common issues for babies and their immature digestive systems. It's also said to help with things like hiccups and colic. The most important thing to keep in mind is that gripe water isn't medicine; it's an herbal remedy.

“It typically contains a mix of herbs like fennel, ginger or chamomile, along with a sweetener. Some brands may also include sodium bicarbonate,” says Dr. Mona. (Sodium bicarbonate is the fancy name for baking soda.) The exact ingredients can differ depending on the brand and some might also include agave to help it be more palatable.

You can find gripe water at any drugstore (like Walgreens and CVS), grocery stores (in the medicine or baby section), as well as retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon and in the Babylist Shop. In many cases, you can use your HSA or FSA funds to purchase gripe water, depending on the brand.

Does gripe water really work?

There's no evidence that gripe water is effective. “We don’t have strong data to support its effectiveness,” says Dr. Mona. While many parents swear by it, the "proof" of gripe water working is mostly anecdotal. Dr. Mona says it doesn’t hurt to give it a try, though it’s not her first strategy to soothe fussiness from gas or discomfort (more on that below!).

In terms of how you can tell if it's working or not, she says, “If [it’s] effective, parents may notice their baby becoming calmer, having fewer crying episodes, or passing gas more easily after a dose.” She adds it can be tricky to tell, though, since colic and gas discomfort tend to fluctuate and other things parents are likely already doing (like burping or position changes) may be helping.

Is gripe water safe?

The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't have an official position on gripe water, but it is not recommended for newborn babies younger than one month old.  We also want to note that gripe water isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which means the ingredients, quality and manufacturing standards can vary significantly between brands. This is why it's particularly important to choose products from reputable companies. 

It’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician before giving your baby any type of herbal supplement or medication.

How often can I give my baby gripe water?

“Most gripe water brands recommend giving it no more than a set number of times within a 24-hour period, typically up to four to six times,” says Dr. Mona. Be sure you read the specific instructions on the package and reach out to your baby’s pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns. Also keep in mind, you want to get to the root cause of your baby’s fussiness—gripe water isn’t a long-term solution.

What else can I try if my baby is fussy?

It can be hard to tell what’s causing your baby to be fussy. But if you suspect it’s a result of gas, gripe waster is just one potential remedy. “Instead of relying on gripe water, I encourage parents to consider other factors like feeding techniques [and] burping.” She notes that infants' digestive systems are brand new and may take time to mature. Before reaching for the gripe water, Dr. Mona recommends trying the following:

• Frequent burping during feeds

• Making sure your baby is latching properly while breastfeeding, or if bottle-feeding, using anti-colic bottles to reduce swallowing air ( reach out to a lactation consultant if you need support with this)

• Bicycle kicks and tummy time, which can also get things moving 

Another option worth considering is the FridaBaby Windi, affectionately known as "the gas-passer." This clever device is designed to physically release trapped gas from baby without requiring any medicine. It’s flexible and hollow, and there’s a built-in stopper that prevents you from inserting it into baby’s bottom too far—and it even whistles when it’s working. It may not be the most delightful moment of your parenting journey, but many parents swear the results are well worth it.

If gripe water sounds like something you want in your baby care stash, or you’re looking for something else to help your fussy baby, here are a few gripe water options made by reputable brands to help you narrow things down. 

Little Remedies 
Gripe Water

Add to Babylist

Babylist$8.59

Amazon$7.50

Walmart$8.97

Target$10.99

Wellements 
Organic Gripe Water Day/ Night Combo Pack

Add to Babylist

Amazon$23.99

Mommy's Bliss 
Gripe Water

Add to Babylist

amazon.com$10.97

Colic Calm 
Gripe Water

Add to Babylist

amazon.com$14.95