Gripe Water: A Complete Guide for Parents

Gripe water is a popular over-the-counter liquid marketed to parents for infant colic, trapped wind, hiccups, and general fussiness. Despite its widespread use, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth countries, the evidence supporting its effectiveness remains weak, and formulations can vary significantly from one brand to the next. NetDoctor notes that in the UK, evidence that it works is weak, and it should not be treated as a proven or necessary colic remedy.

Many parents turn to gripe water when faced with a crying baby who seems uncomfortable. UK health authorities and pediatric experts emphasize that it should not be treated as a proven or necessary remedy for colic. Understanding what it contains, how it works, and the risks involved is essential before offering it to an infant. Mother&Baby reports that the NHS does not recommend it as a reliably effective colic treatment because evidence is limited.

What Is Gripe Water and How Does It Work?

• Gripe water has been used for over 150 years but lacks robust scientific evidence.
• Many modern formulations have removed alcohol and sucrose, but variations exist between brands and countries.
• Dosage guidelines vary by brand and the baby’s age; parents must always follow the specific product label.
• Parent reviews on forums show mixed results, with some reporting symptom relief and others seeing no effect.
• The NHS does not recommend gripe water for colic due to a lack of reliable evidence supporting its efficacy.
• Ingredients are not standardized, so safety and dosing differ between products.

What Are the Ingredients in Gripe Water?

Common Active Ingredients

Ingredients differ by brand and country. Common components include purified water, sodium bicarbonate (also called sodium hydrogen carbonate or baking soda), dill or fennel seed oil/extract, ginger, chamomile or lemon balm. Some products contain sweeteners like sugar or agave. Historically, Woodward’s original formulation contained alcohol, sugar, dill oil and sodium bicarbonate. GPnotebook notes that alcohol and sucrose were later removed from many UK formulations.

Alcohol and Sugar Content

Parents should read the entire label rather than assume that all gripe water is equivalent. Avoid products containing alcohol, added sugar or sucrose, and check for ingredients that could cause allergy or digestive problems. The Australian Pharmacist highlights that formulations vary substantially, and what is safe for one baby may not be suitable for another.

Is Gripe Water Safe for Newborns and Infants?

Regulatory Status and Oversight

Gripe water is not FDA approved (in the US) and is generally sold as a food/herbal product or homeopathic remedy rather than a rigorously tested medicine. In the UK, it is a non-prescription product. This means quality control and ingredient standardization are less strict than for licensed medicines. The Cleveland Clinic states it is not backed by scientific research and is not regulated as a medicine.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Modern alcohol-free products may be tolerated by some infants, but safety is not guaranteed. Variable formulations mean safety and dosing differ between products. Herbal ingredients may cause hives, vomiting, bowel changes or other allergic reactions. Excessive or repeated use of sodium bicarbonate may disturb sodium and acid–base balance. There is also a risk of feeding displacement, as babies under six months generally need breast milk or formula. Felix Hospital notes that ingredients and concentrations are not standardized.

When to Avoid Gripe Water

Do not give gripe water to a newborn unless a clinician specifically advises it. One UK-facing medical source advises against use below one month, while product labels may set different minimum ages. The safest practical approach is to follow the exact label and ask a pharmacist or GP before using it, especially in a premature baby or a child with kidney, feeding or gastrointestinal problems.

What Is the Recommended Gripe Water Dosage by Age?

There is no universal safe dose. The correct amount depends on the brand, ingredients, concentration and minimum-age instructions. Some products advertise doses such as 2.5–5 mL, but these figures must not be transferred between brands. A reported example gives 2.5 mL for babies under one month and 5 mL for babies under six months, but this is product-specific and should not be used as general guidance.

If a clinician or pharmacist agrees that a particular product is appropriate: use only the supplied syringe or a properly marked medicine measure. Follow the label’s age and maximum-frequency limits. Do not exceed the stated dose or combine it with other sodium-containing or herbal products. Stop and seek advice if vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness or worsening symptoms develop.

Does Gripe Water Actually Work for Colic and Gas?

What the Evidence Says

There is no compelling clinical evidence that commercial gripe water treats infant colic, gas, reflux, constipation or hiccups. The NHS notes that colic commonly improves with time and that gripe water has little supporting evidence. UK-oriented sources consistently report that it is not recommended as a reliably effective treatment.

Mixed Results from Studies

Some small trials have found potential benefits from particular preparations containing fennel, chamomile or lemon balm, but those studies tested standardized extracts or emulsions, not necessarily the commercial gripe-water products sold in shops. A 2015 study published in PubMed involving 335 infants in India found that gripe water did not prevent crying, adding to uncertainty about its effectiveness. Results therefore cannot be generalized to every brand.

How Has Gripe Water Changed Over Time?

1. 1850s: Original formula developed, often contained alcohol and sugar.
2. 1900s: Widespread use in UK and Commonwealth countries.
3. 1980s-1990s: Shift toward alcohol-free and low-sugar formulations due to safety concerns.
4. 2015: PubMed study shows gripe water is the most common non-nutritive substance given to infants in India.
5. 2020s: Ongoing debate on efficacy; Cleveland Clinic and NHS advise caution.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Gripe Water?

How Does Gripe Water Compare to Other Colic Remedies?

Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion, and many parents seek over-the-counter remedies for relief. Gripe water’s active ingredients have mild carminative properties (gas relief) but lack strong clinical trials. Alternative remedies include simethicone drops (a regulated anti-gas medication) and probiotics, which have mixed evidence. The Mayo Clinic recommends practical measures like paced feeding and gentle rocking before turning to supplements.

The NHS recommends against gripe water due to lack of evidence, while some pediatricians may tolerate it in older infants as a low-risk option if parents insist on trying something. Prompt medical assessment is needed for inconsolable crying with fever, breathing difficulty, or poor feeding.

For persistent gas issues, parents can explore other gentler approaches. Our guide to Newborn Gas Relief: Tips and Remedies covers feeding techniques and positioning that may help reduce discomfort without the need for supplements.

What Do Experts and Studies Say About Gripe Water?

Gripe water is sold as a remedy for colic, fussiness and gas. But it’s not FDA regulated or backed by scientific research.

Cleveland Clinic, November 2025

Gripe water (GW) administration to young infants. GW helps in digestion and prevents stomach ache. gripe water was the commonest (55%) non nutritive substance given to infants.

PubMed, Jain et al., 2015

Gripe water is a non-prescription product sold in many countries around the world to relieve colic and other gastrointestinal ailments.

Wikipedia

What Is the Bottom Line for Parents Considering Gripe Water?

Gripe water has not been convincingly shown to relieve colic, and there is no standard dose. In the UK, it is generally safer to avoid routine use, especially in newborns, and consult a pharmacist, GP or health visitor if considering a specific alcohol-free, sugar-free product. For persistent or severe crying, prompt medical assessment is needed to rule out underlying conditions. For a broader overview of colic, read our Colic Symptoms and Treatment Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions