Discover the do’s and don’ts of mixing gripe water with formula, find out which ingredients to look for in gripe water products, and learn alternative ways to give it to your baby. Get the lowdown on gripe water and say goodbye to your baby’s discomfort in a breeze!
The products mentioned on this page were independently selected by Babycious editors. As an Amazon Associate, Babycious may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
Gas, colic, hiccups, fussiness, and the list goes on. When your baby is experiencing discomfort, you want to alleviate it as soon as possible and get your baby back to their happy, playful self. One popular remedy that many parents turn to is gripe water.
If you read the instructions on the back of your gripe water bottle, it will most likely tell you to give it to your baby using the included dispenser or dropper. However, your baby may not be a fan of how gripe water tastes, so you may be tempted to mix it with their formula to disguise the taste. So, can you mix gripe water with formula?
It is possible to mix gripe water with formula, but it may be less effective if it is not given in its concentrated form and you will not know how much of the recommended dose of gripe water your baby got if they don’t finish the bottle. Also, keep in mind that if your baby doesn’t like the taste of gripe water, it may impact the taste of the whole bottle, which is a common issue in mixing medications with other foods.
Maximizing the Benefits of Gripe Water for Your Baby: Dosage, Mixing, and Safety Tips
Here are some tips to get the most out of gripe water when you mix it in with your baby’s formula:
- Try mixing gripe water in a small amount of formula like 30 ml and give it to your baby first, then add more formula for them to drink. This way, your baby gets the full dose of gripe water without tasting it as much.
- Make sure you don’t go beyond the recommended dose for your baby’s age. Most gripe water products are labeled with dosage instructions to help you follow the right amount.
- Always check the ingredients of gripe water before using it. It should clearly disclose the active ingredients (usually fennel, ginger, dill, or a combination of other herbal extracts). It should also be free from alcohol, artificial colorants, and flavorings.
- Check with your pediatrician to make sure gripe water is safe for your baby, particularly if they have any underlying medical condition.
Not All Gripe Water Products are Equal
Gripe water is a remedy that has been around for decades and is still used today to help relieve some of the discomforts babies experience. However, it’s essential to note that not all gripe water products are the same. Some products may contain ingredients that could potentially be harmful to your baby. That’s why it’s important to always read the label before purchasing any gripe water product.
Here is an overview of some of the most used gripe water products with their disclosed ingredients :
| Mommy’s Bliss Original Gripe Water | Wellements Organic Gripe Water | CHILDLIFE ESSENTIALS Organic Gripe Water | LITTLE REMEDIES® Gripe Water with chamomile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Organic Ginger Root, and Organic Fennel Seed | Organic Ginger Root Extract, and Organic Fennel Seed Extract | Organic Ginger, Organic Kiwifruit Extract, Organic Dill, and Organic Fennel | Organic Agave Syrup, Ginger, Fennel Seed Extract, Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, and Chamomile Flower Extract |
| Other ingredients | Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Citrus Bioflavonoid Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Sorbate, and Natural Fennel Flavor | Water, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate, Organic Glycerin, Organic Lemon Juice Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Organic Chamomile Flower Extract | Purified Water, Glycerin, Corn Syrup, Maltodextrin, Natural Ginger Flavor, Citric Acid, Potassium Benzoate, and Xanthan Gum |
As you can see in the table above, there are different formulations for “gripe water”, but the most common active ingredients found in gripe water are :
- Chamomile flower heads extract (matricaria recutita)
- Fennel seeds extract (foeniculum vulgare)
- Lemon balm leaf extract (melissa officinalis)
- Ginger root extract (zingiber officinale)
All these are natural herbs that are known to help soothe stomach aches and relieve gas in babies. As long as your gripe water product has one or more of these extracts as active ingredients, it should be safe to give your baby.
Other gripe water products (like Woodward’s gripe water) may have Sodium Bicarbonate as the active ingredient. Sodium Bicarbonate is an alkali (antacid) that can help neutralize your baby’s stomach acid and effectively counteract discomforts due to acid reflux. However, it’s best to ask your pediatrician before giving your baby any gripe water product with Sodium Bicarbonate as the active ingredient.
Even if your gripe water is made with natural ingredients, only use it when needed and follow the dosage instructions on the label. If you’re not sure how much to give, consult your pediatrician for advice. Giving too much can be dangerous in some cases, so be sure to stick to the recommended dose.
Other Ways to Administer Gripe Water to your Baby
If you’re having trouble getting your baby to drink gripe water from the dispenser as recommended by the manufacturer, here are other ways to peacefully administer gripe water to your baby:
Using the bottle nipple
Here’s a trick that used to work with my daughter whenever I had to give her medicine: Hold your baby in your arms like you’re going to feed her, put the recommended dose of gripe water in the bottle nipple, and let her suck it out of the nipple. Then just follow with a normal feeding. This trick works especially on younger babies because their sucking reflux takes over before they really taste whatever is in the bottle nipple, and since it’s only a small amount, chances are it will all go down before any “spit it out” urge kicks in.
Using a silicone spoon
If your baby is too old for the bottle nipple trick, you can try administering gripe water with a silicone spoon. It’s easier to get the correct dose, and it will save you from any extra mess. Just fill the spoon with the recommended dose and let your baby suck it out.
Using the dispenser/syringe
Giving your baby gripe water using the included dispenser is the recommended way for good reason. It’s the easiest and most accurate way to get the right dose, which is important when it comes to administering any type of medicine. Here is how to get your baby to swallow the dose using a very simple trick: Lay your baby back on your lap and insert the dispenser into their mouth directing it to the side. Then, pinch your baby’s nose as you squirt the content of the dispenser inside their mouth, this will make them swallow it without any fuss.
Bottom Line
Gripe water is an age-old remedy that may help relieve discomforts associated with colic and other gas issues in babies. While it is possible to mix it with your baby’s formula, there are other effective ways to administer gripe water to your baby in its concentrated form to get the best results. Remember to always stick to the recommended doses and frequency of use, and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
By understanding the active ingredients in different types of gripe water, you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for your baby. Also, if you know any other ways to administer gripe water to your baby more peacefully, don’t hesitate to share it with us in the comments section below.
The purpose of this article is informative and educational only. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babycious may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
