Can you give newborns gas drops

Some still include sugar and alcohol, though most are now sugar and alcohol-free. Gripe water also usually contains sodium bicarbonate, thought to help relieve colic symptoms by offsetting stomach acid. Gas drops contain simethicone. This active ingredient breaks up larger gas bubbles into smaller ones, which are more comfortable for a baby to pass. Caregivers can give the drops directly to a baby or mix them in with formula or expressed breast milk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that gas drops are safe to give to newborn babies, and adverse side effects are rare. However, if a baby is also taking thyroid hormone medication, do not give them gas drops as simethicone can interact with this type of medication. Doctors may prescribe thyroid hormone medication for conditions, such as congenital hypothyroidism , where the thyroid gland is underdeveloped.

Several users of parent-to-parent forums have recommended both gripe water and gas drops as remedies for colic. However, no scientific evidence shows either of them to work. As such, it is up to the caregiver to decide whether to try either remedy and see which, if either, works best for the child. 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. Caregivers should remember that there is always a possibility their child could react negatively to any new remedy.

Gripe water products can contain many different ingredients. Be sure to check the label of gripe water to see what it contains. Do not use products that contain alcohol. Also, some gripe water ingredients remain untested in babies.

Ask a doctor to be sure ingredients are safe for a baby before using them. A new, untried remedy could also cause an allergic reaction. Caregivers should learn the signs that might indicate an infant is having an allergic reaction.

If a caregiver suspects an allergic reaction, they should stop using the medicine immediately and seek advice from a doctor. Caregivers should make sure they give the correct dosage, store gripe water and gas drops according to the instructions, and check that they are within their use-by date. Doing so will also reduce the risk of the remedy causing any upset to the infant.

More research is necessary to understand why colic occurs and which treatments can help reduce the symptoms of this condition. In This Article. Decoding Crying.

View Sources. Lauren Crosby , M. Mayo Clinic, Colic , January Mayo Clinic, What Are Probiotics? Cochrane Library, Dietary modifications for infantile colic , October National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi versus placebo for the symptoms of bloating in patients with functional bowel disorders: a double-blind study , July National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, A randomised clinical trial RCT of a symbiotic mixture in patients with irritable bowel syndrome IBS : effects on symptoms, colonic transit and quality of life , August National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Simethicone in the treatment of infant colic: a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial , July August First Year.

First Year Groups. Bottle Feeding. Go to Your Baby's Age. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Turn on Animations. Our Sponsors Log in Register. Log in Register. Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention. Family Life. Health Issues. Tips and Tools. Our Mission. Colic is defined by frequent bouts of crying — not caused by a medical issue — in the evening for three or more hours, and on a regular basis….

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Parenthood Baby Gripe Water vs. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Gripe water Gas drops How to choose Call a doctor Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is colic? Gripe water explained.