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Gripe Water Instructions

Gripe water is a commonly used home remedy to relieve discomfort in infants caused by gastrointestinal pain, stomach ailments, hiccups, colic, reflux, and teething. The ingredients of gripe water vary slightly with each brand, but the common ingredients include sodium bicarbonate, fennel seed extract, ginger seed extract, and chamomile extract flower. There are numerous brands of gripe water available over-the-counter in the United States, including Vitabase, ColicCalm, Colic-Ease, and Baby's Bliss.

  1. Vitabase Organic Gripe Water

    • Vitabase indicates a serving size of one teaspoon that it claims can provide four hours of relief for symptoms of sleeplessness, hiccups, crying, teething, and unmanageable fussing. It is suggested to shake the bottle well before use. The gripe water can be administered directly with the use of a dropper or mixed with the contents of a bottle. The product can be safely administered up to six times in a 24 hour period. After the product is opened, it must be refrigerated.

    ColicCalm

    • ColicCalm touts itself as "the first homeopathic gripe water" and is the only one that is regulated as a homeopathic medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The suggested use of ColicCalm is to relive symptoms of colic, gas, and reflux. The package includes an oral dispenser, and directions indicate to shake the bottle well prior to each use. At the onset of symptoms, the dispenser should be filled to the half-teaspoon level and administered slowly into the mouth between the gums and cheek. Dosage can be repeated every half hour for up to three times, but should not exceed six times in a 24 hour period. A pediatrician can recommend a modified dosage schedule if necessary. After the product is administered, the dispenser should be cleaned and air dried.

    Colic-Ease Gripe Water

    • Colic-Ease recommends the administration of its gripe water with a medication dispenser at a dosage of one teaspoon (5 ml) for relief of colicky pains. Use of the Numi-Med Medication Dispenser is "highly recommended". One dosage can be given every half-hour, but no more than six doses should be administered in a 24 hour period. Colic-Ease suggests administration should coincide with a feeding (administration can be before, during, or after the meal). After opening, the bottle should be stored at room temperature and not in direct sunlight.

    Baby's Bliss Gripe Water

    • Baby's Bliss recommends different dosage sizes depending on the age of the baby: two weeks to one month is a half-teaspoon (2.5 ml); one to six months is one teaspoon (5 ml); and over six months is two teaspoons (10 ml). The bottle should be shaken well before administration. No recommendations are made regarding dosage intervals, but no more than six dosages should be administered within a 24 hour period. Baby's Bliss recommends discarding the bottle four weeks after it is initially opened.

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