What exactly is gripe water, anyway?

But what exactly is gripe water, and could it be right for you and your little one? Let’s explore the ins and outs of this widely touted tummy tamer to discover why it’s the best-selling natural remedy for infant colic and gas.

A soother with staying power

Gripe water first appeared as a remedy for infant stomach upset in the 19th century, and it quickly became popular among parents throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, India, and the Caribbean. Different variations have sprung up around the world; however, most contain sodium bicarbonate and herbs like ginger and fennel, which are historically known to ease discomfort caused by stomach gas.

Parents have been using gripe water to soothe and calm their babies for generations, and it’s still just as well-loved today. In fact, the gripe water formula made by Mommy’s Bliss is the number-one-selling natural supplement for infant colic and gas relief. It’s been used effectively by millions of parents with fussy, colicky babies at home.

How does it work?

When babies are born, their tiny bodies are still developing. Their fledgling digestive systems don’t always function as effectively as they should. Many infants experience uncomfortable gas buildup that can cause them to cry and fuss for long stretches of time. Infants may also hiccup for prolonged periods if they swallow too much air while feeding, and all those abdominal contractions can be tough on delicate tummies.

Babies who cry for at least three hours a day, three or more times a week, might have colic. While there’s still no definitive cause, more and more research suggests that digestive upset is the root of the issue. Giving a baby gripe water helps relieve gas pressure and the buildup of air that causes hiccups. Gripe water’s blend of herbal ingredients helps settle babies’ stomachs while being gentle enough to use during the earliest months of life.

Is it safe?

Gripe water is made with natural ingredients and mild herbs that are gentle enough for a baby’s developing digestive system. However, not all gripe water is made the same, so be sure to read the labels. As with any supplement, it is always a good idea to consult your baby’s doctor before administering anything new.

Mommy’s Bliss makes their gripe water with organic herbal ingredients, like ginger and fennel, and it doesn’t contain any gluten, alcohol, added sugar, dairy, soy, or parabens. It’s also NSF Certified, meaning it has been independently tested and certified to meet standards for quality, safety, and label claims.

Why ginger and fennel?

Ginger root has been used to treat nausea and digestive issues for thousands of years, and today’s research is beginning to confirm its positive effects. It’s known to be an effective carminative—a substance that relieves excessive gas buildup in the digestive system. A knobby root with a pleasantly sweet and spicy taste, it’s also one of the most widely consumed culinary spices in the world, found in everything from curries and candies to the famous “sick day” staple: ginger ale.

In many parts of the world, people chew on fennel seeds or drink fennel tea after meals to aid digestion and prevent gas. It is said to help the muscles of the gastrointestinal system relax, reducing gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. Many people love fennel’s sweet, licorice taste, and it’s considered mild and gentle.

How do you use it?

Gripe water comes in liquid form and can be fed directly to your baby using a dropper, syringe, or empty bottle. For best results, don’t dilute the gripe water with formula or other liquids.

The most common time to give babies gripe water is after a meal (we recommend waiting 30 minutes to give your baby time to digest). Babies tend to become gassy after feedings from eating too fast or gulping too much air. But mealtime isn’t the only time a baby may experience tummy troubles. Thankfully, when you choose a gentle formula like Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water, it is safe to be used up to six times per day.

Be prepared for anything

Keeping gripe water on hand can help you feel prepared to tame fussiness before it even starts or offer gentle relief after tummy troubles kick in.

Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water is the number-one-selling supplement for infant colic and gas, helping to soothe millions of tiny tummies—and anxious parents—with gentle, herbal ingredients. Want to add this time-tested remedy to your fussiness relief kit? Tap below to save $3 on your purchase from Mommy’s Bliss.