Does your baby suffer from tummy upsets after feedings? If your little one is unhappy after meals, you are not alone. Fortunately, your baby doesn't have to continue suffering.
If you are looking for a solution to pain and distention after eating, you may want to consider using replacement water. It helps relieve an unstable stomach and provides relief from the inadequacies of an immature digestive system.
In this article you will find out what whining water is and what you would like in one of these products for your baby. We'll also break down what you should avoid and share with you what we believe are the best whining water brands currently on the market.
What Is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is a solution composed of water and herbs. It often contains dill and sometimes baking soda. Baking soda can help break down excess gas in the system that could be causing pain.
This solution is given to your baby orally. If you are purchasing commercially available whining water, you should carefully follow the directions given for dosing and administration after consulting with your pediatrician.
It is generally not recommended to give this remedy to babies who are less than one month old.
Are All Gripe Waters the Same?
There are some of these products to choose from. You might be tempted to grab one off the shelf without taking a good look at the ingredients. However, it is important to pay close attention to what the water is made of.
There are no fixed ingredients in these remedies (2). A variety of herbal supplements may appear, including:
Chamomile.
Ginger.
Fennel.
Dill.
Melissa.
Cinnamon.
If your child has known allergies or intolerances, be sure to stay away from products that contain them.
Gray water can also contain alcohol or sugar. To avoid bringing home one with inappropriate ingredients, be sure to only look at products designed for babies.
Other ingredients you should plan to avoid include:
Gluten.
Charcoal.
Dairy product.
Peppermint.
Does the product you are interested in contain sodium bicarbonate? Be sure to contact your pediatrician before using it.
The introduction of baking soda (baking soda) can negatively alter the pH in the baby's stomach and blood. However, it can also help provide gas relief (3).
Your child's doctor will be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of using water for your baby.
How Does Gripe Water Work?
Documentation on the use of this remedy dates back to the mid-1800s. People believed that water helps solve gastrointestinal problems in babies and brings digestive relief.
The original British recipe contained alcohol, which, at the time, was believed to be the most beneficial ingredient for relieving colic. Tests in the 1980s showed this was not the case and later removed alcohol from the ingredient list.
Gas is likely the culprit of your child's digestive discomfort. The purpose of this remedy is to help break that gas and relieve the pain that accompanies it.
The different ingredients in each particular product will shape exactly how this happens. If a formula includes fennel, the purpose is to add the necessary fiber to your baby's system.
Knowing what each ingredient's purpose is can help you determine which product is best for your baby:
Chamomile: A well-known antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile is often used to treat diarrhea and nausea. It is a natural way to treat motion sickness, vomiting, and colic.
Ginger: Ginger is well known for its stomach-calming abilities. Often used to treat nausea during pregnancy, it is also great for stimulating bile and saliva production. This can help your baby's body digest what has been eaten more easily.
Fennel: Rich in dietary fiber, fennel can help your baby digest and process any food eaten that may cause discomfort.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has long been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties (8).
Lemon balm: Lemon balm is believed to stimulate the body's systems. It can help protect the immune system and encourage good sleep, which can be restorative for the body (9).
There are many reasons why your baby may be producing excess gas. If a gripe water doesn't have an ingredient that meets your baby's needs, it may not be effective.
The Best Gripe Water Products of 2020
Now that you know a little more about whining water, I'll introduce you to some of my favorites. If you are considering this product, they are worth looking into.
1. Little Remedies Day and Night Gripe Water
Formulated to relieve your baby's stomach discomfort, this Little Remedies product includes a day and night formula. Both formulas are dye-free and contain no baking soda, parabens or gluten.
The nighttime formula uses chamomile and lemon balm to promote healthy sleep. Little Remedies advertises the product as effective for colic, gas, unexplained fussiness, and hiccups.
Designed to be safe even for babies, the Little Remedies formula is extremely gentle. It is based on a traditional 100 year European formula. This company prides itself on using the least amount of ingredients - this might be a good choice if you're dealing with food allergies or intolerances.
This water contains both fennel and ginger to aid your baby's digestive process. You will use little for each dose, which means your water will last you a long time. It doesn't need to be refrigerated between uses, so it can be a great choice to keep in your diaper bag.
- Limited ingredients will help you determine what works for your little one and what doesn't.
- The nighttime formula can help your baby sleep, even when he's not feeling well.
- It works quickly and can also be used for small children.
- The included dropper for dosing and administration can be difficult to use.
2. Wellements Organic Gripe Water
If you are looking for whining water with organic ingredients, Wellements can be a good option. It is marketed to provide relief from colic, gas, hiccups, and teething.
This product is USDA certified as organic and is also free of many additives found in other products. No alcohol, dyes, artificial flavors or dyes are used in this formula. You'll also find dairy, soy, gluten, and parabens.
In addition to being a viable choice for children who can tolerate limited ingredients, this product is both kosher and vegan.
I love that this Wellements product is made here in the United States. It is free of chemical preservatives. While I like the ingredients in mourning water to be natural, it means you'll need to refrigerate your bottle after opening.
As it is free of preservatives, this product does not have a long shelf life. You will need to plan to throw away any leftover products after four weeks. Additionally, this product contains sodium bicarbonate.
- Suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- The formula does not include sucralose or alcohol.
- Recommended by the pediatrician.
- You will need to discuss the use of baking soda with your doctor as it may not be recommended for a young child.
- It must be used within four weeks of opening.
- Since it needs to be refrigerated, you won't be able to carry it in your diaper bag without a cooler.
3. Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water
If you are looking for an all natural product for your baby, Zarbee's cricket water can be a great choice. Well known for its natural and effective products for babies and children, Zarbee's pays close attention to what ingredients are used and how they are purchased.
This formula includes chamomile, lemon balm, ginger and fennel. It also has no alcohol or dyes. It is paraben and gluten free and is recommended by pediatricians.
Lightly flavored with agave syrup for a bit of sweetness, this product does not include any artificial flavors. It is designed to be gentle and to deal with the pain associated with gas, colic, fussiness, and hiccups.
This formula is clinically supported and recommended for children two weeks of age and older. The man behind Zarbee's is both a father and a pediatrician. It strives to create safe and healthy products for your precious little one.
- There is no need to refrigerate the formula.
- The included dispenser is easy to use and allows for slow delivery.
- The inclusion of chamomile and lemon balm makes it a great choice for relieving nighttime discomfort.
- This product must be discarded after being opened for 90 days.
- The product can stain clothing.
4. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water
Recommended by the pediatrician, this product contains natural ingredients. Mommy's Bliss gripe water is a vegan formula, made with USDA certified organic ginger. It also has a natural flavor of fennel.
I love that this formula has no artificial colors or flavors. It is also paraben-free and alcohol-free. No dairy, soy, gluten, sucrose or harsh chemicals are used in this product.
Plus, for those eco-friendly moms, a big plus is that the packaging is made from recycled materials and doesn't include BPA.
This is a popular product for the occasional relief of gas and stomach upset for children. It is also safe to use with additional gas control methods, such as gas droplets.
If your pediatrician feels that baking soda is appropriate for treating your baby's discomfort, Mommy's Bliss can be a great option. While this is a natural formula, it doesn't need to be refrigerated, so it's great for when you're on the go.
- Mommy's Bliss can be stored at room temperature.
- Marketed appropriately for babies as young as two weeks of age.
- It can also be used by adults.
- This product must be discarded within six weeks of opening.
- More expensive than others on the market.
5. Colic Calm Relief
Are you looking for a product that is substantial enough to deal with the discomfort associated with colic? You may want to consider using Colic Calm.
Many companies claim that their water is recommended by a pediatrician and includes ingredients that have been shown to fight stomach ailments. Not many, however, can claim to be listed as a medicine by the FDA. It is a difficult classification to receive and Colic Calm made the list.
Colic Calm does not contain sugar, sodium bicarbonate or simethicone. It is also free from dairy, soy, gluten and animal products. There are no artificial colors or flavors included in the formula.
Unlike other whining waters, this one does not contain herbal extracts or oils. It uses natural ingredients, including chamomile, ginger, fennel and lemon balm. If other products haven't worked for your baby, this one might be worth trying.
For best results, this water should be used when symptoms arise. There is no reason to regularly dose preventively.
- This product is made in the USA and comes from an FDA inspected and approved facility.
- Colic Calm has been approved and recommended by many national organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, PBS, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Colic Calm does not create a habit and will not interfere with your baby's ability to learn to process and digest food.
- This product contains peppermint, which can cause stomach upset in some children. It also contains xylitol, a sweetener derived from plant matter.
6. Woodward’s Gripe Water
Treating your baby for digestive discomfort doesn't have to be expensive. If you're looking to provide your baby with some comfort - and you're doing it on a budget - you might want to consider trying Woodward's water.
This product is sugar-free and contains dill seed oil and baking soda to address the symptoms that accompany excess gas. It covers a variety of ailments, including colic and teething discomfort.
Woodward's has been sold in the UK for many generations and also has an adult formula. For best results, be sure to order the product specifically for babies.
Once opened, this product does not have a long shelf life. You will need to use or discard it after two weeks.
- Convenient and effective.
- Great for encouraging burps and relieving accumulated air in your baby's digestive system.
- Contains more chemicals than other products on the market.
7. Herbs for Kids Quiet Tummy Gripe Water
Have you been looking for a product to treat your child's tummy pains that uses natural herbs and recipes? A quiet tummy can be a good option. It is also suitable for small children.
Herbs for Kids is dedicated to making quality products for children. Their formulas conform to the rigorous standards of current commodity manufacturing practices. I love that they are able to balance their mission of producing quality herbal options for children without compromising their manufacturing principles.
An herbal supplement, Quiet Tummy includes extracts of fennel, ginger, chamomile and peppermint. It is alcohol-free, even though it contains sugar. Naturally sweetened with agave syrup, many children don't care about the taste.
- It can also be taken by adults for stomach pain.
- Safe to store at room temperature.
- The size of the dosage is larger than in other whiny waters.
Could Gripe Water Help Your Baby?
If you're not sure if your baby has digestive disorders, there are some pointers to look for:
- Pulling the knees up to the chest or stiffly extending them to their fullest extent - this is a classic behavior that accompanies a bloated or gaseous stomach in a young child.
- Urgent crying: You will quickly learn about your baby's crying in pain - there is a distinct difference between a cry of regret and one that is caused by pain. You probably won't be able to soothe the crying until the gas has passed, no matter how long you walk on the floor. Keeping the baby upright and providing comfort can help.
- A hard, distended stomach: This can be a sign that your baby is experiencing excess gas, which is causing the discomfort.
Never ignore blood in your baby's stool or the inability to urinate or stool. It can be a sign of a serious medical problem and should be addressed with an immediate visit to the pediatrician.
What Causes Excess Gas?
Are you wondering what causes your baby to produce excess gas? There is not just one reason for this. There are, however, some common reasons for gas:
- Your diet: If you breastfeed your baby, everything you consume is passed on to your baby. Beans, broccoli and other foods can be difficult for your baby to digest, leaving them gaseous.
- Your bottle: If you are feeding your baby from a bottle, be sure to keep it slightly raised. Hold your baby's head above the stomach and try to avoid any wheezing sounds - this can mean your baby is absorbing excess air, which will cause gas. The simplest way to avoid slurp is to make sure the nipple is always filled with milk or formula.
- Too much crying: Gas is created when your baby gets extra air When a baby cries, he swallows a huge amount of air, which will make the gaseous discomfort worse. If you know your baby is suffering from gas-related pains, try to avoid crying early.
- Don't belch frequently enough: Taking a break during meals to burp the baby can help remove excess gas - it can also help prevent the baby from spitting. If your baby is bottle-feeding, plan on burping after every ounce. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to burp your baby well in between sides and after breastfeeding is over.
Other Causes of Abdominal Discomfort
Gas and digestive discomfort can accompany other conditions as well. Digestive discomfort is also linked to the following:
- Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is a common problem for young children and is the result of an immature digestive system. Many babies will overcome the problem by the time they reach one year. While whining water can provide relief for your baby if acid reflux is the problem, there are also prescription medications available (14).
- Colic: Often used as an umbrella term to name a condition that causes stomach pain with no identifiable source, colic is something your baby generally outgrows after a few months. Treating symptoms with whining water can reduce discomfort (15).
- Food Sensitivity: Your baby may be sensitive to an enzyme in the formula you are using or, if breastfeeding, to some of the foods you are eating. If you notice a correlation between uncomfortable behaviors and consumed foods, consider cutting or limiting foods from your diet. If your formula is to blame, consult your pediatrician for advice on an alternative.
Soothe Those Tummy Troubles
Meal time doesn't have to be a nightmare. If your baby is experiencing meal times punctuated by pain and discomfort, you may find relief when you use water for taking.
While all of these products are recommended, we keep Little Remedies Day and Night Gripe Water on our shelves. We trust these products and love the separate night and day formulas. Keep in mind that it is always best to check with your baby's pediatrician before starting anything that is over the counter on your child.
Do you have experience with difficult meals? What worked for you? Was the water complaint on your favorite list?
We'd love to hear your suggestions and experiences in the comments section.
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