When babies develop tummy troubles, grandparents and other elders may encourage new moms to try gripe water. This remedy has been used for decades, although the ingredients have changed over the years. Its original formulation consisted of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), dill seed oil, and alcohol. Today, most of the best gripe water brands include natural ingredients such as ginger, fennel, chamomile, and other herbs that may reduce gassiness, colic, bothersome reflux, and other digestive problems. However, some versions contain ingredients that could worsen your infant’s symptoms, or cause constipation or vomiting. In this article, you’ll find our recommendations for the best gripe water, and a handy buyer’s guide to know which ingredients are safe or should be avoided.
How does gripe water work?
There are several theories on how some gripe water ingredients may be helpful in relieving your baby’s digestive issues.
For example, fennel has been shown to reduce colic symptoms. Ginger has anti-nausea properties, and also helps food move from the stomach to intestines more efficiently. Lemon balm has been shown to improve intestinal motility which can improve gassiness. An ingredient like chamomile may help calm and soothe your baby.
When choosing a gripe water, it is important to familiarize yourself with the commonly used ingredients. Parents should avoid ones that contain sodium bicarbonate which changes the acidic ph of the stomach. When high levels of it circulate in the bloodstream, it disrupts the body’s calcium balance, and can cause kidney damage. Aside from steering clear of harmful ingredients, the only way to know if grip water will help is to try it. You may find that certain brands work better than others depending on your baby’s specific symptoms.
For parents wondering if gripe water is actually helpful, the answer is: maybe. Most testimonials are anecdotal stories from parents who swear by it.
Research studies have not shown gripe water to be clinically effective. One study showed no relief of colic among the infants who were evaluated. The American Academy of Pediatrics categorizes gripe water with products like gas drops, but has not given an official endorsement. The FDA does not recommend gripe waters that are high in sugar, or that contain alcohol or sodium bicarbonate.
Best Gripe Water
Wellements and Garden of Life are the only options for organic gripe waters. All gripe waters on this list are labelled for newborns with the exception of Mommy’s Bliss (2 weeks+), Zarbees (2 weeks+), Colic Calm (6 months+), and Woodward’s (6 months+).
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water
The Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water is an all-natural formulation to soothe your baby. Its manufacturer claims their formulation has “clinically supported herbal ingredients can ease discomfort, fussiness, and gas.”
Zarbee’s gripe water contains fennel for colic, and ginger to aid digestion. It also has lemon balm and chamomile to soothe your little one. Agave syrup is added as a sweetener to make this gripe water more palatable. Although agave is a more natural option, it is high in “not so healthy” fructose. However, this product tastes good, so babies may prefer it over other formulations.
Like other Zarbee’s products, this was developed with babies’ health in mind. The formulation is free of any unnatural drugs or alcohol. It is also made without artificial flavors or sweeteners, dyes, parabens, and gluten.
The bottle has a mess-free top that fits well onto the included syringe. This means you won’t spill sticky medicine all over the outside of the bottle during use. Another benefit is that this product does not require refrigeration after opening. It can be used for up to 90 days so it’s more shelf-stable than other options.
However, these drops are a dark brown color which can easily stain fabrics. The consistency is also thicker than other gripe waters which can be hard for a newborn to swallow. It also does not blend well when mixed in formula because of the consistency.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- No harmful ingredients
- Contains ginger and fennel for colic and digestion
- Lemon balm and chamomile for antispasmodic activity
- Mess-free top
- Does not need refrigerated
- Lasts 90 days
Cons
- May stain clothing
- Consistency is very thick
Mommy’s Bliss Original Gripe Water
The Mommy’s Bliss Original Gripe Water is for relieving tummy problems, fussiness, gas, and colic. Although the label includes hiccups in the list of ailments, hiccups are considered normal in newborns and treatment is unnecessary. The main ingredients are organic ginger and fennel, herbs that are known for their tummy-settling properties. Fennel may also reduce colic symptoms.
While the sale of gripe water is not regulated by the FDA, Mommy’s Bliss gripe water is NSF-certified. An NSF certification means that the product has been independently evaluated, and found to meet quality and safety standards.
What is nice about this gripe water is its simple formulation. It contains 100% vegan ingredients, and its packaging is BPA-free and recyclable. The drops are also free of the top 8 allergens as well as artificial flavors and colors, yeast, alcohol, sucrose, dill, and petroleum by-products. Although refrigeration isn’t necessary, it should be used or discarded six weeks after opening.
Parents should be aware that this gripe water contains sodium bicarbonate. While this antacid may be helpful for adults, it is not recommended for infants. It ingredient may cause a pH imbalance that could worsen your baby’s symptoms or cause milk-alkali syndrome. Speak to your pediatrician before using this product.
In addition to Mommy’s Bliss daytime gripe water, there is also a nighttime version. The Mommy’s Bliss Nighttime Gripe Watercontains organic lemon balm, chamomile, and passionflower. These ingredients promote restful, restorative sleep.
Pros
- NSF-certified
- Available in daytime and nighttime formulations
- Vegan, made using organic ingredients
- Contains fennel
- Nighttime formula has ingredients for restful sleep
- No refrigeration required
- Packaging made from recycled materials
- BPA-free packaging
Cons
- Contains sodium bicarbonate
- Only good for six weeks after opening
Little Remedies Day and Night Gripe Water
This Little Remedies Day and Night Gripe Water is available in two different formulations: one for daytime use and another for nighttime. Both products are marketed as ones that relieve colic, gas, and hiccups. The nighttime formulation also helps with fussiness.
The Little Remedies gripe water omits any artificial dyes or gluten. It is also free of ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and peppermint that might cause harm. Peppermint can cause a baby to stop breathing if placed near the nose, and can worsen infant reflux.
Instead, the daytime version has ingredients like fennel to help with colic, and ginger to improve nausea and indigestion. The nighttime version contains fennel as well as chamomile and lemon balm to calm the stomach. These may help your baby get enough sleep. Both products contain an organic agave syrup sweetener to make it more appealing.
I prefer the larger size of the daytime drops (4 ounces) compared to 3 ounces of the nighttime formulation. I’m always running out of daytime medicines before nighttime ones when my kids are sick, especially since they spend more time awake than sleeping. Unfortunately, if you only want the nighttime version, you cannot purchase it separately.
This gripe water does not need refrigerating once opened. The dosing is up to six times a day for the daytime formulation, and 4 times a night for the other. Because it doesn’t need refrigeration, it’s easy to carry in a diaper bag. The open design of the top, however, makes it a little messy to administer.
Pros
- Can use up to 6 times during the day and 4 times at night
- More daytime medicine for more doses
- Contains ginger and fennel to help with digestion
- Doesn’t need refrigerating after opening
- Free of sodium bicarbonate, peppermint, artificial dyes, and gluten
- Lemon balm and chamomile help your baby rest better at night
Cons
- The top could be designed better
- Cannot buy the nighttime formulation separately
Wellements Organic Gripe Water
The Wellements Organic Gripe Water is manufacturer recommended for soothing gas, fussiness, and hiccups. It is 100% organic, and contains no sodium bicarbonate or unnecessary preservatives. The packaging is also an eco-friendly glass bottle instead of a plastic one.
The main ingredients in Wellements gripe water are fennel and ginger for digestion and easing stomach upset. It also contains organic lemon juice as a preservative, and chamomile extract. Chamomile has been found to reduce stomach aches and bowel irritability. It can also help a fussy baby to relax. This formulation is free of artificial flavors and colors, dyes, sucralose, alcohol, and parabens as well as soy, dairy, and gluten. This product is both vegan and kosher.
Due to the lack of preservatives, it must be refrigerated after opening. It is, therefore, not a good choice for carrying in your diaper bag unless you bring cool packs. This gripe water must be discarded within four weeks of opening. You’ll also need to shake it very well before use because sediment can settle on the bottom of the bottle.
Pros
- Contains 100% organic ingredients
- Vegan and kosher
- Sold in a glass bottle
- Contains a small amount of chamomile for relaxation
- Fennel and ginger for digestion
- No unnecessary ingredients
- Free of common allergens
Cons
- Needs refrigerating
- Forms sediment when the liquid settles
- Only good for four weeks after opening
Colic Calm Homeopathic Gripe Water
The Colic Calm Homeopathic Gripe Water is intended to manage symptoms like gas, bloating, hiccups, upset stomach, and colic. In addition to the herbs that are typically found in gripe waters, this blend also contains blackthorn, peppermint, caraway, and vegetable charcoal.
Blackthorn has antioxidant properties. Peppermint promotes intestinal contractions to reduce bloating, and provides relief from colic. However, it also relaxes the muscle at the top of the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter, and can worsen infant reflux. Caraway is thought to help with intestinal motility, and the vegetable carbon is intended to reduce stomach upset. Fennel, ginger, lemon balm, and chamomile all provide the same benefits as other gripe water’s on our list.
What you won’t find in this formulation are sugar, artificial dyes or flavors, or simethicone. The latter is a common ingredient of infant gas drops. It is also free of gluten, soy, dairy, wheat, and animal byproducts.
Colic Calm’s proprietary blend is considered a homeopathic medicine, At one time, it was recalled by the FDA. However, the product is currently registered under the FDA’s Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) for clinical safety.
The biggest downside of Colic Calm gripe water is its color. The vegetable charcoal makes the formulation black, and it easily stains your baby’s clothing. It also can give your baby darker stools. Additionally, it is best to avoid products that contain peppermint (like this one) if your baby has reflux.
Like Wellements gripe water this product forms sediment that settles at the bottom of the bottle, so you’ll need to shake well before each use. It should be stored out of direct sunlight, but does not require refrigeration. You should discard any unused product 60 days after opening.
Pros
- Listed in the HPUS
- Gentle blend of herbs
- Doesn’t require refrigeration
- Lasts 60 days after opening
Cons
- Contains peppermint which is bad for reflux
- Dark color stains clothing
Woodward’s Gripe Water
Woodward’s Gripe Water is a more traditional formulation of gripe water that contains dill. This herb has been used for years as an anti-spasmodic to reduce colic symptoms, but it also has antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, this product also contains sodium bicarbonate which can cause alkali problems in babies. It is, however, alcohol-free.
Woodward’s gripe water is a product of India, but still may be purchased in the United States. It is the “gripe water of choice” in India and the United Kingdom where it has been used by parents for generations. Its ingredients, however, have a limited shelf-life. This gripe water must be stored in a cool, dry place (not necessarily refrigerated but you should prevent it from overheating), and should be discarded within two weeks of opening. Thhe advantage of a small bottle size of only 1.4 ounces (compared to an average of 4 ounces in other brands) makes it more likely that you’ll be able to use it before the expiration date.
Pros
- Smaller bottle so less waste
- Uses “natural” ingredients
- Dill helps with stomach spasms to settle the stomach
- Has been used for generations in India and the UK
- No refrigeration necessary
- Free of alcohol and sugar
Cons
- Contains sodium bicarbonate
- Must discard within 2 weeks
Garden of Life Baby Gripe Water
The Garden of Life Baby Gripe Water helps with infant colic, gassiness, and general stomach discomfort. It is certified organic by the USDA and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It is also vegan and gluten-free.
The primary ingredients include fennel and ginger for digestion as well as chamomile and lemon balm to relax and soothe your baby. Aside from these herbs, the remaining ingredients are very basic, including water, organic lemon juice concentrate, and glycerine made from non-GMO corn. Despite the lemon juice to preserve freshness, it still must be refrigerated after opening. However, its shelf life is longer than other options, 60 days after opening.
One issue with more natural products like this one is that the coloring and consistency can be inconsistent. Sediment is also often present, so this gripe water will require you to shake it before using. I would also advise parents to record the date the bottle is opened as it may be difficult to tell when the product has expired.
Even though this gripe water is intended for daytime use, its calming ingredients are great for nighttime fussiness. However, it can only be given to your baby six times in a 24-hour period. No night version is available. To avoid too many doses earlier in the day, it is best to give it every four hours.
Pros
- Made with very few ingredients
- Good for digestion and gas
- Helps combat fussiness and soothes your baby
- No preservatives or extra ingredients
- Non-GMO formulation
- All certified USDA organic ingredients
- Lasts for 60 days after opening
Cons
- Color and consistency can vary
- Needs refrigerating once opened
- No available nighttime formulation
Colic-Ease Gripe Water
The Colic-Ease Gripe Water is for babies and parents. It may relieve discomfort caused by colic, acid reflux, gas, and diarrhea.
Colic-Ease gripe water is made with a proprietary blend of herbal oils, including dill seed oil which was used in the first gripe water formulations. Its other ingredients include caraway seed oil to relieve intestinal cramping and spasms, clove and cinnamon oil to fight viral and bacterial diarrhea, and cardamom seed oil for indigestion. While these ingredients create a strong odor, the flavor is mild, and most babies enjoy it.
This product is also formulated without any harsh ingredients. There are no artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors, and it is free of alcohol, yeast, parabens, and glycerin. It is also safe for infants who are allergic to soy, dairy, and tree nuts.
Colic-ease gripe water is packaged in 7 ounce bottle, much larger than most other brands. This isn’t a problem, however, because the product lasts up to six months after opening. You are likely to use all of it before needing to discard it.
Although this grip water does not contain artificial sweeteners, it does contain fructose. There are also emulsifiers to prevent sediment formation. Although fructose is made from fruit, it can still cause damage to babies erupting teeth if consumed frequently.
Pros
- Can be used for babies, children, and adults
- Uses a combination of herbs to reduce gas, stomach upset, and other problems
- Long shelf life
- Proprietary blend of natural oils by herbalists
- Doesn’t contain common allergens
- Comes in a big 7-ounce bottle
- Doesn’t need refrigerating after opening
- No sediment
Cons
- Strong smell
- Contains fruit sugar
Best for Instant Relief
Windi Gas and Colic Reliever
The Windi Gas and Colic Reliever by Frida Baby is a great alternative to treating gas if gripe water doesn’t work for your baby, or you want to try something else first. It was designed by a pediatric gastroenterologist to make it easier for parents to manage gas at home.
The Windi is a hollow tube that is inserted into your baby’s bottom to release built up gas. It’s narrow enough that it won’t hurt your baby, and long enough to go past the anal sphincter, the muscle at the end of the rectum. It also has a guard to prevent you from inserting it too far or causing injury. By pushing open the sphincter muscles, gas is expelled.
Windi tubes come in a pack of 10 because these BPA and latex-free tubes are single-use only. Although this is more sanitary, purchasing them can become expensive if used frequently to treat your baby’s gas.
Pros
- Stopper prevents you from inserting it too far
- Medicine-free remedy for gas
- Won’t upset your baby’s gut flora
- Designed by a pediatric gastroenterologist
- Very effective
- BPA and latex-free
- Sanitary
Cons
- Expensive
- Only works for gas
Best Gripe Water Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Mommy's Bliss Original Gripe Water | 9.7 | 9.4 | 22.90 |
| Colic-Ease Gripe Water | 9.6 | 9.0 | 21.89 |
| Colic Calm Homeopathic Gripe Water | 9.5 | 8.6 | 17.65 |
| Garden of Life Baby Gripe Water | 9.7 | 8.6 | 15.99 |
| Woodward's Gripe Water | 8.7 | 9.0 | 15.96 |
| Windi Gas and Colic Reliever | 9.9 | 9.0 | 12.74 |
| Wellements Organic Gripe Water | 9.8 | 9.2 | 9.99 |
| Zarbee's Naturals Baby Gripe Water | 3.9 | 9.2 | - |
| Little Remedies Day and Night Gripe Water | 5.1 | 9.4 | - |
How We Chose the Absolute Best Gripe Waters
Gentle Formula
There are many formulations of gripe water on the market. Parents should check labels and read the ingredient list to know what they are giving to their baby. It’s also important to understand what each ingredient does, and any potential side effects.
Some of the most common ingredients in gripe water include:
- Chamomile- Chamomile has a wide range of benefits, and is used to treat the cramping experienced with diarrhea, nausea, motion sickness, and vomiting. It also may help with colic. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as well.
- Fennel extract or oil- This herb has been shown to improve colic symptoms.
- Lemon balm- Lemon balm is used for its ability to reduce intestinal spasms. It is also calming, and has a restorative effect on the body.
- Cinnamon- Cinnamon has proven anti-inflammatory benefits. This can help an inflamed or irritated digestive tract.
- Ginger- Ginger helps to reduce nausea, stomach aches, and vomiting. You may have tried it if you struggled with morning sickness during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Ginger is a frequently recommended, natural treatment for nausea. In addition, it boosts the body’s production of saliva and bile, both of which are important components of the digestive process.
Effectiveness
Most clinical studies indicate that the believed benefits of gripe water are coincidental, and most medical authorities don’t endorse its use. If you wish to try a particular gripe water, consider reading parent reviews, and research the type and safety of its ingredients.
Each of the gripe water brands we chose for this list have been highly rated by parents who have used them for their infants.
Stability and Preservatives
Some gripe water brands use organic ingredients and omit traditional preservatives like parabens. Some versions are not very shelf-stable, and must be refrigerated. While this may not matter if you’re always at home, carrying some formulations in a diaper bag may require you to bring a cold pack.
You’ll also want to check the manufacturer’s instructions in regards to the product expiration date. To avoid wasting product and money, perhaps purchase a smaller bottle.
FAQs – Gripe Water
What is gripe water?
Gripe water is a traditional remedy that has been around since 1851.
Today, it is sold over-the-counter as a homeopathic stomach remedy for infants. Formulations vary by brand. Some gripe waters still include a few of the original ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate and dill seed oil. Others use a blend of herb oils or extracts. Chamomile, lemon balm, fennel, and dill are the most commonly used ingredients.
The only difference in gripe waters currently on the market is the omission of alcohol. Once the medical community realized the toxic effects of alcohol on infants, it was removed from all gripe water products.
What is gripe water used for?
Gripe water is typically used for infant digestive or tummy issues, particularly if they occur right after eating. It is generally thought to reduce gassiness or stomach discomfort.
Each formulation has a unique proprietary blend of ingredients with different intended effects. Manufacturers also market gripe water for conditions such as colic and teething, altough their effectiveness is unknown.
Is gripe water safe?
Generally speaking, most herbal gripe waters won’t cause harm to your baby. However, some pediatricians don’t recommend them because of the high sugar content, especially if your baby has teeth coming in. Formulations with sodium bicarbonate should be avoided as well as those that contain peppermint.
Certain formulations also contain dairy and gluten which should not be administered if your baby has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein or wheat allergy. If you prefer products that are free of parabens, you should choose a gripe water that is labelled as such.
If you decide to give your baby gripe water, look for brands that do not contain these ingredients. Also, speak to your baby’s healthcare provider first. Certain medical conditions may require treatment, and gripe water would be ineffective or harmful. Also, younger infants have immature digestive systems, and may not tolerate gripe water. In addition, some ingredients may upset the balance of microflora (good and bad bacteria) in your baby’s digestive tract. This can lead to more symptoms or problems.
Gripe water can also worsen certain conditions. For example, sodium bicarbonate disrupts the stomach’s natural acidic pH which is necessary for proper digestion. Peppermint should be avoided if your baby has gastroesophageal reflux because it makes the condition worse.
It is always possible for an infant to develop an allergic reaction to one or more of the gripe water ingredients. If you notice hives, itchiness, or vomiting, stop using the product, and seek medical attention. Swelling of the lips or mouth and changes in breathing indicate a severe reaction. You should take your baby to the emergency room if the reaction is severe.
Is gripe water the same as gas drops?
Gripe water is not the same as infant gas drops. While gripe water may help with an upset tummy, gas drops are going to be more effective if your baby is struggling with gassiness.
Gas drops contain simethicone, an anti-foaming agent that works by breaking up bubbles within the intestines. Once these bubbles are broken up, they should pass easier. This is especially beneficial to babies who don’t burp well or have trouble digesting certain foods.
