What is water for infections?

Gripe water is a herbal liquid that aims to calm baby’s gas, colic, hiccups and fussiness. The original recipe for colic water comes from a doctor in Nottingham, England. In the 1800s, they used a mixture of dill seed oil, sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, and other substances to treat malaria symptoms in children.

A pharmacist named William Woodward discovered that this mixture seemed to relieve gastrointestinal disturbances in infants. He may have taken the name “flu” from “water colic,” which is what doctors at the time called an upset stomach.

Today, colic water is a popular remedy for colic. Having a baby who cries inconsolably day and night can leave parents desperate for solutions – and sleep. Parents around the world use pain water to soothe their fussy babies, even though there’s no research to show it works.

How does gripe water work?

It is not clear whether flu water can help babies, as it is not a proven cure. Because it is sold as a dietary supplement and not a drug, it is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

“When a product is not regulated by the FDA, you can never be 100% sure what you are getting, how it is made, or exactly how it will affect the human body,” says Liz Donner, Ph.D. med., pediatrics hospitalist and member of the BabyCenter medical advisory board. “For this reason, I don’t routinely recommend snack water. However, some parents find it very effective without any noticeable side effects. I wouldn’t necessarily convince those families to stop using it, either.”

Babies with colic cry or fuss for no apparent reason. Experts don’t know exactly what causes colic, but fussiness can stem from digestive issues like gas or extra sensitivity to formula or breast milk.

“Water was a lifesaver for my firstborn,” he says BabyCenter Community a member of Jiji24. “She was having cramps and that was the only thing that helped, besides the gas drops.”

At first, doctors assumed that the babies’ relief was caused by water because of its high alcohol content. In the past, some formulations contained as much as 9% alcohol. (The water was so drunk that some parents got hooked on the stuff.)

Fortunately, there is no alcohol on the market today. They contain various herbs and often the antacid sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Since acidity has not been proven to cause cramps, it probably doesn’t help much. But dill in some formulations can help relieve gas and abdominal pain – one study found that dill essential oil helped C-section mothers with gas and intestinal pain.

Most of the water’s anti-infection effects seem to come from its sweetness, which babies find soothing. (According to studies, sugar water made a colicky baby less picky.) Today’s pain relievers usually don’t contain sugar, but they may contain sweeteners like agave. Also, some of the plants found in the water (like fennel) are naturally sweet.

Can I give colic water to a newborn?

Always talk to your baby’s healthcare provider before giving colic water to your newborn. There is no evidence to show that it helps with cramps, and it can hurt.

In one study, colic water did not improve colic symptoms, but babies who took it had more vomiting and constipation.

Is flue water safe?

It is difficult to say whether semolina water is safe. Some experts warn against using colic water (and giving your baby any herbal teas or medicines) because it is impossible to know the strength, dosage and quality of the herbs in these products.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, children have developed seizures and infections from herbal teas and medicines, lead and mercury poisoning from traditional medicines, and liver damage from dietary supplements. Herbal medicines can also cause an allergic reaction.

When a product is not regulated by the FDA, you can never be 100% sure what you are getting. However, some parents find that semolina water is very effective without any noticeable side effects.

– Dr. Liz Donner, pediatrician

In the past few decades, major brands of flu water in the United States have been recalled for contamination with a parasite that causes intestinal infections and for containing an undissolved ingredient.

However, water sold in the US is unlikely to harm your baby. If you want to try colic water, talk to your baby’s doctor first.

How to give your baby water for colic

If your pediatrician has given you the green light to give water to your baby, follow the steps listed on the bottle. Ingredients vary by brand, so dosages and directions for use are not all the same.

For example, Mommy’s Bliss gripe water instructs caregivers to administer 1 milliliter up to 15 times daily for infants 2 to 6 weeks old, while Little Remedies suggests 2.5 mL for infants 2 to 4 weeks old up to six times daily.

You will need to use a syringe to give your baby colic water, which should be included in the package.

Ingredients of Gripe water

What’s in a flu shot depends on the brand you buy, but the ingredients usually include water, baking soda, and various herbs. Some flu waters also contain sweeteners.

Here’s what you’re likely to find:

• Ginger root extract
• Fennel seed extract
• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• Chamomile flower extract
• Lemon balm leaf extract
• Passionflower extract
• Preservatives
• Water
• Agave or other sweeteners

Side effects of Flu water

Because the FDA doesn’t regulate side effects, companies aren’t required to list side effects, so you won’t find them on the side of the bottle—or even listed online.

The risks associated with water color are mainly due to the unknown nature of the liquid entering your baby’s system. Most likely, your baby only ate breast milk and/or formula, so you don’t know if she is allergic to any of the ingredients in the colic water.

If you notice swelling of the lips, sneezing, wheezing or coughing, or a red itchy rash after taking colic water, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.

Alternatives for water capture

If you have a particularly picky baby, a good place to start is with a visit to your baby’s doctor. An examination can rule out possible causes of cramps, such as allergies or intestinal problems.

Colic is one of those infant ailments that doesn’t have a quick fix or simple solution – although it usually lessens over time and disappears by the time babies are 4 months old. Here are some things you can try:

“My baby had bad reflux and GI issues,” he says BabyCenter Community member of Goldash23. “We tried a few times, but honestly, I couldn’t tell if it worked. We had better luck with gas droplets.”

You can also try comfort measures. Rocking or swaddling, baby carrying and white noise from your dryer or vacuum (or white noise machine) can be soothing to a fussy baby.

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