Gripe water is a natural herbal-based remedy for babies who have colic, stomach ailments, acid reflux or teething pain. The reason it works is because the herbs are chosen to ease pain, and calm the entire digestive system. There are different formulations, but the ingredients may include glycerin, sodium bicarbonate, and herbal oils, extracts or homeopathic blends, such as dill, cloves, fennel, ginger, chamomile, caraway, peppermint, aloe, lemon balm, blackthorn and vegetable charcoal. It's given to an infant using a dropper.
Treatment
Step 1
Shake the bottle well.
Step 2
Use the provided dropper to extract one dose from the bottle--generally 1/2 tsp. for infants up to 1 month of age, and up to 1 tsp. for babies up to 6 months old, but check the label to ensure you're giving your baby the correct dose.
Step 3
Hold your baby in your arms face up, or lay him down in his bed or another safe surface.
Step 4
Dispense the measured amount slowly into the baby's mouth, between his cheek and gums, or add it to a bottle of breast milk or formula and feed him the bottle.
Follow-Up
Step 1
Wash the dispenser with soap and hot water, rinse well, and let it dry after each use.
Step 2
Repeat if required every 30 minutes to 4 hours. Do not give your baby more than six doses in a 24-hour period.
Step 3
Store the closed bottle at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Step 4
Discard the unused portion within 6 weeks to 6 months after opening, according to the manufacturer's directions.
