Gripe water is a liquid solution for infant discomforts. While many parents consider it a go-to remedy for fussiness, it is generally not recommended for treating constipation. Its actions and ingredients alleviate issues different from hardened or infrequent stools.
What Gripe Water Is For
Gripe water is traditionally used to provide relief from common infant digestive issues such as gas, colic, and hiccups. It soothes fussiness associated with these conditions. Ingredients vary by brand, but commonly include herbal components like dill oil, fennel, ginger, chamomile, lemon balm, and sodium bicarbonate.
These ingredients are thought to work by calming the digestive tract and helping to expel trapped gas. A sweet taste in many formulations may also contribute to a soothing effect. While some historical versions contained alcohol or sugar, modern gripe waters typically omit alcohol to ensure safety.
Why Gripe Water Does Not Help Constipation
Constipation in infants is characterized by hard or dry stools, or infrequent bowel movements. Gripe water’s ingredients are formulated to alleviate gas and muscle spasms, not to soften stool or stimulate bowel movements directly. The product does not contain laxative properties or fiber, which are necessary components for addressing constipation effectively.
Scientific evidence supporting gripe water’s effectiveness for constipation is limited. Some research suggests that infants given gripe water were more likely to experience constipation and vomiting. While sodium bicarbonate, a common ingredient, acts as an antacid, it does not typically resolve the root cause of constipation, as infant stomach discomfort is not always due to excess acid.
Gentle Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation
Several gentle approaches can help alleviate infant constipation. For formula-fed babies under six months experiencing hard stools, offering approximately one ounce of water can be beneficial. For infants one month and older, small quantities of diluted fruit juices such as pear, prune, or apple juice (one to two ounces, up to four ounces daily) may be given, as the natural sugars can help soften stools. For babies who have started solid foods, increasing their fiber intake with pureed fruits like peaches, pears, prunes, or apricots, along with vegetables such as broccoli or carrots, and whole-grain cereals like oatmeal, can be effective. Ensuring formula is correctly prepared, by measuring water first before adding powder, can also prevent contributing to constipation.
Physical methods can also provide relief. Gently massaging the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise circular motion around the navel can help stimulate intestinal movement. Performing “bicycle leg” exercises, where the baby’s legs are gently moved towards their chest, can help encourage bowel movements. A warm bath can also relax abdominal muscles and ease discomfort, potentially aiding in stool passage. If constipation persists, or if symptoms include vomiting, irritability, abdominal bloating, or blood in the stool, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. This is particularly important for infants under four months who consistently have hard stools or fewer than three bowel movements per week.