Infants often experience gas buildup because their internal organs are still developing. The buildup can cause discomfort, leading to crying and fussiness. Babies cannot relieve all pressure on their own. Gripe water is a potential solution.
Gripe water has been used for infant gas and colic relief for centuries. If you do not use organic gripe water, consider its many benefits for your little one.
1. Relieves Gas
Gripe water is commonly used as an herbal supplement to treat infant gas and general fussiness. Many variations of gripe water contain ginger and fennel, two ingredients known to ease discomfort from stomach gas.
The soothing water may settle gas buildup in the digestive system, helping calm an upset little one. Parents also don't mind using the supplement because it rarely contains parabens, dairy, soy, or gluten.
However, as with any dietary supplement, you should speak to your child's pediatrician before changing their diet. Your little one is unique, and they deserve individual consideration, even if gripe water is common and considered safe to use.
2. Battles Constipation
Gas can cause significant discomfort for your little one. It is common for severe cases of gas and the accompanying pain to cause other symptoms, like constipation.
Constipation can result from dietary choices, but it can also result from constricted colon muscles. When gas causes pain, the muscles in the digestive tract tense up, making it more challenging for regular bowel movements.
Gripe water helps relieve gas in the digestive system. The pain eases as the gas pressure reduces and the muscles relax. Therefore, gripe water can help little ones pass stools much easier without the discomfort related to gas.
3. Eases Teething Pain
While gripe water is a known digestive supplement, many mothers claim the water can also soothe babies coping with teething pain. The common thought is that ginger and fennel in the water help to soothe inflamed gums. The sugar in the water can also encourage your little one to take the treatment.
Dentists also suggest that gripe water can help soothe upset stomachs related to teething. Every parent knows babies drool a lot when teething. An enzyme in the saliva often upsets the stomach, and the water can help to counteract its effects.
4. Calms Colic
For those unfamiliar, colic is a period of frequent, intense, and prolonged crying in an infant. The condition seems to occur for no reason, and there is little anyone can do to soothe the affected baby.
Colic is challenging for both the parents and the child, especially since most symptoms occur at night. Parents and children can become sleep-deprived, which can lead to other problems.
While no concrete evidence exists that gripe water can soothe colic symptoms, many parents still swear by the supplement. The idea is the ingredients of the water help alleviate other physical symptoms, allowing the baby to calm down and relax.
5. Gets Rid of Hiccups
Hiccups result from involuntary muscle spasms in the diaphragm. Excess gas can cause hiccups because it puts extra pressure on the diaphragm.
Because hiccups can result from gas, gripe water may relieve the condition — the ingredients of the water help to settle and resolve gas in the stomach. As gas pressure resolves, there is less pressure on the diaphragm, potentially stopping hiccups.
The effectiveness of gripe water may depend on when you give it to your little one. Some parents suggest giving your baby gripe water about 30 minutes before feeding to reduce the risk of gas or fussiness.
Gripe water can help soothe an upset stomach, gas, colic, and even hiccups. Still, before you use any gripe water product, talk to your child's pediatrician.