Seeing your baby cry from tummy pain is heartbreaking. When my little one screamed in discomfort after feedings, I felt helpless. I wanted a natural solution, so I turned to gripe water.
However, the first bottle I bought didn’t help at all. I almost gave up on it entirely.
After researching how this “miracle cure” actually works, I realized not all formulas are created equal. If one brand fails, another with different ingredients might be the magic fix your baby needs.
In this guide, we break down how gripe water works, which ingredients target specific symptoms, and safety tips every parent should know. We also share our top seven picks for the best gripe water to help you soothe your fussy baby and get some much-needed rest.
- For those with dietary restrictions
- Doesn’t include sucralose or alcohol
- Pediatrician recommended
- Dispenser allows slow administration
- No refrigeration needed
- Paraben-free & gluten-free
- Can be kept at room temperature
- USDA-certified organic ginger
- Can also be used by adults
- FDA-inspected & approved
- Recommended by many national organizations
- Won’t interfere with digestive process
- Affordable and effective
- Great for encouraging burps
- Relieves air build-up
- Can be taken by adults
- Safe at room temperature
- Alcohol-free
What Is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is an herbal supplement used to soothe stomach discomfort in infants. While recipes vary, most are a blend of water and herbs like dill, fennel, and ginger. Some formulas also contain sodium bicarbonate, which acts as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid.
You administer the liquid orally using a dropper or syringe. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new supplement and follow the dosage instructions on the package carefully. Most brands recommend waiting until your baby is at least two weeks or one month old before use (1).
How Gripe Water Soothes Tummy Troubles
Parents have used this remedy since the mid-1800s to treat digestive issues (2). The goal is to break up gas bubbles and relax the intestinal muscles.
Original recipes contained alcohol to sedate colicky babies. Fortunately, research in the 1980s led to the removal of alcohol from modern formulas. Today, safe and effective gripe water relies on specific herbs to do the heavy lifting.
Here is how common ingredients help your baby:
- Chamomile: This flower is famous for its calming properties. It acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to settle nausea, colic, and general fussiness.
- Ginger: Ginger warms the stomach and stimulates digestion. It promotes bile and saliva production, which helps food move through the system smoothly.
- Fennel: Packed with fiber, fennel seeds help relax the muscles in the intestines to release trapped gas.
- Cinnamon: This spice creates a warming sensation and offers anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe irritation.
- Lemon Balm: Part of the mint family, lemon balm supports the immune system and encourages restful sleep.
If your baby doesn’t respond to one brand, check the label. You might need a formula with a different dominant herb to address your child’s specific issue.
Signs Your Baby Needs Gripe Water
Babies cry for many reasons, but digestive pain has distinct signals. Look for these clues to determine if gas is the culprit:
- Clenched Body Language: Watch for legs pulled up tight against the chest or legs rigidly extended. Fists are often clenched tight.
- High-Pitched Crying: Pain cries are urgent and sharp. Standard soothing techniques like rocking or walking likely won’t work until the gas passes.
- Hard Tummy: If your baby’s belly feels firm, round, or distended, they are likely dealing with trapped air.
Warning: Never ignore blood in the stool, vomiting, or a fever. These require immediate medical attention from your pediatrician.
Product Reviews
We analyzed ingredient lists, safety certifications, and parent reviews to find the most effective soothing solutions. Here are our top 7 picks.
Little Remedies Day and Night Gripe Water
Best Gripe Water for Round-the-Clock Care
Little Remedies offers a convenient dual-pack designed to handle fussiness at any hour. The set includes a daytime formula and a nighttime version, both free from dyes, gluten, parabens, and sodium bicarbonate.
The daytime liquid focuses on ginger and fennel to aid digestion. The nighttime formula adds chamomile and lemon balm to help calm your baby for sleep. Parents appreciate that it tackles colic, gas, and even annoying hiccups without harsh chemicals.
The formula is concentrated, so the dosage volume is small. This makes it much easier to get your baby to swallow it compared to brands requiring large doses. It does not require refrigeration, making it a solid choice for diaper bags.
Pros
- Minimal Dosing: The small volume is easier for infants to swallow.
- Sleep Support: The night formula includes calming herbs to encourage rest.
- Travel Friendly: No refrigeration is needed, so it is perfect for on-the-go parents.
Cons
- Dropper Issues: The included syringe can be messy or difficult to control.
Our Ratings
Wellements Organic Gripe Water
Best Organic Gripe Water
Wellements is the gold standard for parents seeking USDA-certified organic ingredients. This formula targets gas, colic, teething pain, and hiccups without using unnecessary fillers.
The ingredient list is incredibly clean. It is free from alcohol, dyes, artificial flavors, parabens, dairy, soy, and gluten. It is also certified vegan and kosher. Because it lacks chemical preservatives, this is one of the few gripe waters that must be refrigerated after opening.
You need to discard the bottle four weeks after opening it. While this might seem inconvenient, it ensures your baby consumes a fresh, preservative-free product. It does contain sodium bicarbonate, which helps balance stomach acidity.
Pros
- Certified Organic: Uses high-quality, USDA-certified ingredients.
- Clean Formula: Free from common allergens and artificial preservatives.
- Trusted Brand: Highly recommended by pediatricians for sensitive tummies.
Cons
- Short Shelf Life: Expires four weeks after opening due to lack of preservatives.
- Requires Cooling: Must be kept in the fridge, limiting portability.
Our Ratings
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water
Best All-Natural Gripe Water
Zarbee’s was founded by a pediatrician and father, so the focus is on safe, effective, and natural relief. This gripe water uses a blend of chamomile, lemon balm, ginger, and fennel to settle upset stomachs.
The formula is free from alcohol, dyes, parabens, and gluten. Unlike some competitors that use sucrose, Zarbee’s sweetens the mix with agave syrup. It is thick and generally well-tolerated by infants aged two weeks and older.
The packaging includes a clearly marked oral syringe for precise dosing. Since it does not require refrigeration, you can keep a bottle next to the crib for middle-of-the-night emergencies.
Pros
- Shelf Stable: Does not require refrigeration after opening.
- Gentle Herbs: Uses a broad blend of herbs for comprehensive relief.
- Easy Dosing: The included dispenser helps prevent spills.
Cons
- Short Life: Must be used within 90 days of opening.
- Staining: The dark liquid can stain bibs and clothing.
Our Ratings
Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water
Best Gripe Water with Sodium Bicarbonate
Mommy’s Bliss is a household name for good reason. This vegan formula combines organic ginger and fennel with sodium bicarbonate to tackle gas bubbles quickly.
Safety is a priority here. The formula is free from artificial colors, flavors, alcohol, and parabens. It is also safe for babies with common allergies to dairy, soy, or gluten. We appreciate the eco-friendly approach, as the packaging is BPA-free and made from recycled materials.
This gripe water is safe to use in conjunction with gas drops (simethicone) if your doctor approves. It is shelf-stable, making it a convenient option for travel or daycare.
Pros
- Room Temp Storage: No fridge needed, so it is always ready to use.
- Newborn Safe: Suitable for babies as young as two weeks old.
- Family Friendly: Gentle enough for babies, but effective enough for adults too.
Cons
- Price: Often costs slightly more per ounce than generic brands.
Our Ratings
Colic Calm Relief
Best Gripe Water for Colic
When standard gripe water fails, many parents turn to Colic Calm. It is unique because it is FDA-listed as a medicine, a distinction most supplements lack.
The standout ingredient is vegetable charcoal (Carbo Vegetabilis). This inactive ingredient travels through the gut to collect gas and toxins, which are then passed out of the body. Note: This makes the liquid jet black, so do not be alarmed if you see dark stools; it is temporary and harmless.
The formula also includes chamomile, fennel, ginger, and lemon balm. It avoids sugar, sodium bicarbonate, and simethicone. Because of the charcoal, it works differently than other brands and is often the “heavy lifter” for severe colic.
Pros
- FDA Listed: Manufactured in an FDA-inspected facility.
- Unique Action: Uses vegetable charcoal to adsorb gas.
- Non-Habit Forming: Does not interfere with your baby’s natural digestion.
Cons
- Mess Factor: The black liquid will permanently stain clothes and carpets.
- Peppermint: Contains peppermint, which can irritate some sensitive stomachs.
Our Ratings
Woodward’s Gripe Water
Best Budget Buy
Woodward’s is the original gripe water brand and has been around for generations. If you need a cost-effective solution that has stood the test of time, this is a strong contender.
This modern version is sugar-free and alcohol-free. It relies on dill seed oil and sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acid and break up gas bubbles. It is frequently used during teething periods as well.
Be aware of the expiration window. Once you open the bottle, you must use it or discard it within 14 days. This is a shorter window than most other brands, so buy the bottle size that matches your usage needs.
Pros
- Budget Friendly: An affordable option for frequent use.
- Effective: Encourages burping to relieve pressure quickly.
Cons
- Ingredients: Contains more preservatives than organic competitors.
- Short Shelf Life: Must be tossed two weeks after opening.
Our Ratings
Herbs for Kids Quiet Tummy Gripe Water
Best Gripe Water for Digestive Support
If you prefer a holistic herbal supplement over a standard pharmacy formula, check out Quiet Tummy. Herbs for Kids focuses on high-quality herbal extracts to support overall digestive health.
This blend contains extracts of fennel, ginger, chamomile, and peppermint. It is alcohol-free but uses agave syrup for sweetness. The taste is generally pleasant, making it easier to administer to picky babies.
Keep in mind that the dosage volume is larger than some concentrated brands. You might need to give more liquid to get the full effect, which can be tricky with a squirmy infant.
Pros
- Versatile: Effective for both infants and adults.
- Convenient: Safe to store at room temperature.
Cons
- Large Dose: Requires a higher volume of liquid per serving.
- Sweetener: Contains agave syrup, which some parents prefer to avoid.
Our Ratings
Gripe Water FAQs
Do Pediatricians Recommend Gripe Water?
Some pediatricians recommend gripe water as a natural remedy for colic and gas, while others are skeptical due to inconsistent formulations. Always ask your doctor before introducing it to rule out other medical causes for your baby’s crying.
Can Babies Have a Bad Reaction to Gripe Water?
Yes, though it is rare. Babies can be allergic to specific herbs or ingredients like gluten or soy found in some brands. Signs of a reaction include hives, vomiting, or increased fussiness; stop use immediately if these occur.
Does Gripe Water Help Baby Poop?
Gripe water is not a laxative. However, ingredients like fennel and ginger can stimulate digestion and relax intestinal muscles, which might inadvertently help your baby pass a stool if they are backed up from gas.
Does Gripe Water Need to Be Refrigerated?
It depends on the preservatives used. Organic brands usually require refrigeration and have a short shelf life (around 4 weeks), while brands with preservatives are often shelf-stable. Always read the storage instructions on the box.
What Is a Better Alternative to Gripe Water?
Simethicone gas drops are a popular medical alternative that breaks down gas bubbles directly. Probiotics can also help build gut health over time. Physical techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and swaddling are effective non-medical options.
Which Gripe Water Is Best for Newborn Babies?
Look for formulas specifically marked as safe for newborns (2 weeks+). Avoid products with alcohol, sugar, or charcoal for very young infants unless directed by a doctor. Simple formulas with ginger and fennel are usually the gentlest starting point.
What Is the Difference Between Gripe Water and Gas Drops?
Gas drops contain simethicone, a medication that physically breaks down gas bubbles in the stomach. Gripe water is an herbal supplement that uses natural ingredients to soothe the stomach and relax muscles. Gas drops target gas specifically, while gripe water treats general colic and fussiness.
