Gripe water is a traditional over-the-counter remedy used for infant colic, gas, and fussiness. Modern products range from herbal blends to homeopathic or supplement formulations. Evidence of benefit is limited and formulations differ, so parents should check labels (avoid alcohol and sodium bicarbonate), try nonmedicinal soothing first, and consult a pediatrician for persistent or concerning symptoms.

Why babies with colic upset parents

Watching an inconsolable infant is distressing. Crying that looks like pain - pulling legs up, clenching fists, turning red - is often labeled "colic." Pediatricians generally say colic is common and usually not a sign of a dangerous illness, but it is stressful for families and can be triggered or prolonged by gas, swallowed air, feeding technique, or an immature nervous system.

If crying is continuous, sudden, or accompanied by fever, poor feeding, vomiting, or lethargy, seek medical evaluation.

What gripe water is and how people use it

Gripe water is a traditional, over-the-counter remedy first marketed in England in the 19th century. Modern products vary widely. Some contain herbal extracts such as fennel, chamomile, or ginger; others contain simple sweetened saline or homeopathic blends. Many contemporary brands advertise "alcohol-free" formulas, while older recipes did include alcohol and sodium bicarbonate.

Users give gripe water by mouth to soothe fussing, hiccups, mild gas, or teething discomfort. Parents report rapid calming in some babies, but evidence from clinical trials is limited and inconsistent.

Safety: what to check on the label

Because formulations vary, the single practical rule is: read the label. Specifically look for and avoid or discuss with your pediatrician any product that contains:

  • Alcohol (any alcohol in infant products is best avoided).1
  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which some clinicians recommend avoiding in infants.
  • Excessive added sugar or sweeteners.
Also check preservative and ingredient lists for allergens or components you prefer to avoid. If the product is marketed as a homeopathic remedy or a dietary supplement, it is not the same as an FDA-approved drug; regulation and quality control can differ. 2

Practical advice for parents

  • Start with nonmedicinal soothing first: feeding, burping, swaddling, white noise, upright time after feeding, and gentle tummy massage.
  • If you try gripe water, use only a pediatrician-recommended brand, follow label dosing, and monitor your baby for changes.
  • Discuss persistent crying with your pediatrician before regular use of any remedy.

Bottom line

Gripe water remains a widely used, traditional option for fussy infants, but its ingredients and quality vary. It may help some babies, but it is not a proven cure for colic. Prioritize safety: read labels, avoid alcohol and baking soda, use conservative dosing, and consult your child's healthcare provider for ongoing or severe symptoms.

  1. Confirm original Woodward's gripe water alcohol content percentage and historical formula (source: product archives or manufacturer records). [[CHECK]]
  2. Verify current FDA stance and regulatory guidance on gripe water, including how homeopathic and dietary supplement gripe water products are regulated as of 2025. [[CHECK]]
  3. Confirm specific safety advisories or recalls for gripe water brands (if any) since 2010 to present. [[CHECK]]

FAQs about Gripe Water

Is gripe water safe for my baby?
Safety depends on the product. Check the label: avoid formulas that contain alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, or excessive sugar. Use only small, label-recommended doses and talk to your pediatrician before giving gripe water routinely.
Will gripe water stop colic?
Some parents report it helps soothe babies, but clinical evidence is limited. Nonmedicinal measures (feeding changes, burping, swaddling, white noise) are recommended first; gripe water may be tried as an occasional adjunct under pediatric guidance.
Are all gripe water products the same?
No. Formulations vary widely - herbal extracts, homeopathic blends, sugar or saline bases - and regulatory classification differs. Read ingredient lists and choose brands recommended by your pediatrician.
When should I see a doctor instead of using gripe water?
Seek immediate medical care for fever, poor feeding, vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, breathing problems, or lethargy. Consult your pediatrician for any persistent, worsening, or unusual crying.
Can adults use gripe water for digestion?
Some adult users report mild relief from indigestion, but adult digestive issues should be evaluated and treated with evidence-based options. Use adult-targeted products rather than infant formulations.