Sir,
WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health. The “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” are the foundation of the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). According to the sixth step of BFHI, newborn infants should not be given food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.[1] Though WHO guidelines on infant and young child feeding do exist, in reality they are often not practiced. The beliefs and customs of people have a greater impact on the child rearing practices pushing the aforementioned guidelines to the back seat. One such irrational practice is the use of gripe water for infants on a routine basis and for colic.[2] Anything (including gripe water) other than breast milk administered to a baby during the first six months may increase the risk of introducing bacteria, causing allergies and irritating the baby's intestines. Gripe water just like any other prelacteal given soon after birth may cause delay in establishment of breastfeeding and reduce breast milk supply.
Woodward borrowed the formula, a combination of dill seed oil, sodium bicarbonate and alcohol, among other substances from physicians who were using solution in the 1840s to treat babies with “fen fever,” a form of malarial illness. It is serendipitous that a treatment Woodward designed for malaria is today a popular treatment for colic with an enormous commercial value.[3] A survey of 200 mothers in Sheffield revealed that babies were given gripe water by 64% of mothers within the first month.[4] According to a study from Nigeria, 30% of mothers used gripe water as self-medication to treat infants with colic while 43% doctors prescribed the same.[5] It is very obvious that gripe water has crossed borders and socioeconomic strata and is being liberally used by doctors and mothers.
It has been hypothesized that the alcohol content of gripe water provides a soothing effect.[3] In some of the other commercial gripe waters, the alcohol content has been as high as 9% making even adults to get addicted.[3,6] Though previously gripe water had alcohol in its composition, this is no longer a common constituent. A net search revealed that most brands of gripe water in Indian market are alcohol free but contain sodium bicarbonate, varying combinations of herbs or dill oil [Table 1]. Sodium bicarbonate in gripe water has no role as hyperacidity is not a cause for colic. Moreover, if given continuously and in large doses, it may cause alkalosis and milk alkali syndrome. One cannot presume that all herbal preparations are safe and free from side effects. The other possibility of the soothing effect of gripe water could be due to its sweet taste. The high sugar content of gripe water can harm the erupting teeth.[7] Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock secondary to “gripe water” ingestion has been reported in a nine-month-old girl.[8] In 2007, FDA confirmed the presence of cryptosporidium after investigating the illness of a six-week-old infant in Minnesota who consumed Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor and advised consumers to throw away bottles of the product.[9]
Table 1
Common gripe water brands available in Indian market
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To foster a strong belief in this product, attractive advertisem*nts including endorsem*nts are prominently placed in the media. “Trusted by generations of mothers in India” and “Granny gave mother and mother gave me” are examples of slogans for a popular brand. These advertisem*nts need to be curbed and we should ensure that no promotion for infant foods or drinks other than breast milk is done. Allopathic doctors should stop prescribing these non allopathic medications and laws should be made stringent to prevent over the counter access of the same.[10]
Footnotes
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
REFERENCES
1. Vallenas C, Savage F. Evidence for the ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Geneva: World Health Organization/CHD/98.9; 1998. pp. 48–61. [Google Scholar]
2. Puri RK, Khanna KK, Kumar G Ashok, Rao DC Prasada. Infant feeding and child rearing methods in Pondicherry, South India. Indian J Pediatr. 1976;43:323–32. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
3. Blumenthal I. The gripe water story. J R Soc Med. 2000;93:172–4. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
4. Illingworth C, Timmins J. Gripe water: What is it? Why is it given? Health Visit. 1990;63:378. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
5. Oshikoya KA, Senbanjo IO, Njokanma OF. Self medication for infants with colic in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC Pediatr. 2009;9:9. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
6. Levin S. Gripe water. S Afr Med J. 1968;42:753–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
7. Blumenthal I, Fenton D. A gripe about gripe water. Arch Dis Child. 1989;64:306–7. [Google Scholar]
8. Sas D, Enrione MA, Schwartz RH. Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock secondary to “gripewater” ingestion. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2004;23:176–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
FAQs
It could potentially worsen a baby's reflux symptoms. You should also avoid gripe water containing gluten, dairy, parabens, and vegetable carbon. Gripe water is not recommended for babies younger than 1 month. The digestive tract is sensitive and still developing at this age.
Is gripe water safe for newborns? ›
One such irrational practice is the use of gripe water for infants on a routine basis and for colic. [2] Anything (including gripe water) other than breast milk administered to a baby during the first six months may increase the risk of introducing bacteria, causing allergies and irritating the baby's intestines.
What is the maximum age for gripe water? ›
This Woodward's Gripe Water is only for babies from 1 - 12 months. 1 - 6 months old babies must have a 5 ml spoonful. 6 - 12 months old babies must be given two 5 ml spoonfuls. The best time to use Gripe Water is during or after a meal.
How much gripe water can a 3 month old have? ›
Dosage: - Infants one to six months old: One 5ml spoonful once during or after feeds and extra doses as needed. - Infants six months to one year: Two 5ml spoonfuls once during or after feeds and extra doses as needed.
Is gripe water better than gas drops? ›
If a baby's symptoms seem to stem more from gas pain, then gas drops might be more effective. If a baby appears in more general discomfort, gripe water might be the better option. However, there is no guarantee that either will make a difference.
Why don t pediatricians recommend gripe water? ›
The U.S. FDA does not consider gripe water safe for children. Wheat or dairy products in gripe water can upset the baby's stomach. Some formulations of gripe water consist of sucrose, which yet again can prove to be unsafe for children. The high sugar content in the gripe water can harm the erupting teeth.
What happens if I give my 1 week old gripe water? ›
While gripe water isn't likely to cause an allergic reaction, as with any new food or drink you introduce to your little one, you should still look out for symptoms of an allergy such as hives, itchiness, watery eyes, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your doctor if you see any of these signs in your baby.
Why is gripe water not recommended? ›
For instance, if given continuously and in large doses, gripe water containing sodium bicarbonate may cause milk-alkali syndrome—a condition marked by too much calcium in the blood that could lead to various degrees of kidney failure, according to research.
Is mommy's bliss gripe water safe? ›
Yes! Our Gripe Water is NSF Certified which means it has been independently tested and certified to meet standards for quality, safety and label claims. Learn more about our NSF Certified products here.
Is gripe water FDA approved? ›
Because it's an herbal remedy and not a medicine or food, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate gripe water. That means it hasn't been evaluated to be safe or effective.
Gripe water side effects are not common, but in rare circ*mstances babies under one month may experience vomiting, Fisher says. You should also watch for any possible indications of an allergy to gripe water for babies, including diarrhea, hives and itchy skin.
Why can't you give gripe water under 1 month? ›
You should also avoid gripe water containing gluten, dairy, parabens, and vegetable carbon. Gripe water is not recommended for babies younger than 1 month. The digestive tract is sensitive and still developing at this age.
What if baby doesn't burp and falls asleep? ›
A: If your baby falls asleep before burping, gently try to burp them while they are still drowsy. If unsuccessful, it's generally okay to let them sleep without forcing a burp. Ensure a comfortable sleeping position to prevent discomfort, and try burping after the next feeding.
Is mylicon or gripe water better? ›
Since gripe water claims aren't scientifically supported or FDA-evaluated, we can't in good conscience give you the go-ahead to use it on its own, let alone with gas drops. But if you're looking for something you can safely use time and again to help treat infant gas, Mylicon is the way to go.
What is a good alternative to gripe water for babies? ›
Alternatives to Gripe Water
- Gas Drops. You may buy gas drops with simethicone over the counter. ...
- Change in Feeding Techniques and Habits. Simple changes to your baby's feeding habits may often help ease gas and colic signs. ...
- Infant Massage and Tummy Time. ...
- Over-the-Counter Medications.
If your baby's stomach seems firm and they constantly draw their legs toward their stomach to relieve built-up gas, then gas drops may be a better option. If your baby seems to respond more to soothing techniques, gripe water may be the preferred treatment choice.
How often should you give gripe water to newborn? ›
Two weeks old to six weeks old: 1 mL up to 15 times a day. Six weeks old to ten weeks old: 2 mL up to 15 times a day. Ten weeks old to six months old: 5mL up to 6 times a day.
Is Mommy's bliss gripe water safe for newborns? ›
Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water is the #1 herbal supplement for occasional stomach discomfort from infant gas, colic‡, fussiness and hiccups*. Made with organic ginger, organic fennel and organic chamomile. Safe and gentle for babies.
How to relieve gas in a newborn? ›
Some positioning tips: Feed your baby as upright as possible; lay your child on their back and pedal their legs with your hands to help expel gas from below; if your child is awake after a feeding, place them on their belly. Increase tummy time.
How many times a day can a newborn drink gripe water? ›
For babies up to 12 months, a measurement of 5ml is enough, and it must not be administered more than three to four times a day. It is not recommended to use it on a baby that weighs less than 2.5kg.
