Overview
Are you looking for gripe water but unsure of which brand to pick?
Gripe water is a natural remedy that can work wonders on your baby’s colic, indigestion, and gas problems. It can also help with hiccups.
Some formulations also have probiotics to promote healthy digestion and better immune health.
In this article, we’ll review Wellements Organic Gripe Water and similar products. What are these products made of? Can babies have too much gripe water? What happens if your baby drinks too much?
Continue reading to find out.
What’s Colic?
Crying is a baby’s main form of communication. Still, there are times when babies might cry excessively for no apparent reason.
Sometimes, a prolonged, intense bout of crying and fussiness could be due to colic.
The exact cause of colic remains unknown, but it could be due to any of the following:
- Infrequent or inadequate burping
- Overfeeding
- Underfeeding
- Some food allergies or intolerance
- Still-developing digestive system
- Imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract
- Stress or anxiety
Gripe water is one of the over-the-counter herbal remedies marketed to help relieve your baby’s stomach discomfort.
What’s Gripe Water?
Gripe water is an herbal remedy made from different ingredients that may relieve stomach discomfort, fussiness, and colic.
What Ingredients Are In Gripe Water?
Different brands may have different formulations, but gripe water usually contains a mixture of the following herbal ingredients:
- Ginger
- Agave
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Licorice
- Lemon balm
- Cinnamon
Some parents choose to avoid gripe water formulations with the following ingredients:
- Alcohol
- Sugar or agave
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors and dyes
- Dairy
- Parabens (preservatives used in various food and personal care products)
- Gluten
Note that sodium bicarbonate is an ingredient that’s also used for gripe water. But it could interfere with the natural pH level in your child’s stomach. It might worsen colic symptoms because of its alkalinity (opposite of acidity).
So, some parents avoid gripe water with sodium bicarbonate unless their child’s pediatrician or a healthcare professional prescribes it.
Peppermint is also used in some formulations. But some babies might experience worsened reflux symptoms because of this ingredient.
Uses Of Gripe Water
Like other formulations, Wellements Organic Gripe Water may be used as a herbal remedy for the following:
- Colic
- Fussiness
- Hiccups
- Gas relief
- Teething
- Occasional stomach discomfort
- Other tummy troubles
Wellements Organic Gripe Water
Pricing/Options
- Organic Gripe Water, 4 fl oz: $12.49
- Organic Probiotic Gripe Water, 4 fl oz: $24.99
- Night Time Gripe Water, 4 fl oz: $12.49
- Organic Gripe Water Combo Pack (Organic Gripe Water & Organic Night Time Gripe Water, 4 fl oz each bottle): $19.99
Night Time Gripe Water has lemon balm, chamomile, and organic passionflower which can have calming effects.
Organic Probiotic Gripe Water contains Lactospore® (Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5866). Probiotics (also called “good gut bacteria”) may help ease colic by promoting better digestion and a healthier tummy.
Ingredients
- Water
- Organic ginger root extract (Zingiber officinale)
- Organic fennel seed extract (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Organic agave nectar
- Organic lemon juice concentrate
- Organic glycerin
- Organic lemon juice powder
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Organic chamomile flower extract
Key Features
This gripe water is made from organic ingredients and doesn’t contain:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Soy
- Dyes or artificial colors
- Parabens
- Artificial flavors
- Chemical preservatives
- Additives
Does Wellements gripe water have alcohol? This product is free from alcohol.
Note that no matter which Wellements Gripe Water product you pick, you’ll have to put it in the fridge after opening. The bottle should be discarded after one month of opening, even if there’s still a lot of liquid inside. Make sure to add a note on the bottle of the date you should discard it.
Wellements has explained that their products are free of any preservatives, so they easily spoil if not put in the fridge after opening.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It’s made from USDA-certified-organic products.
- Production is certified as Climate Pledge Friendly, given to brands or manufacturers that commit to helping preserve the natural world.
- Orders made on wellements.com are shipped within the next business day.
- Regular orders are expected to arrive within five to seven business days, but you can opt for express two-day delivery.
- The company accepts returns of products bought from their website within 365 days after receiving the item. Email them at [email protected] or call 800-255-2690.
Cons
- It must be refrigerated after opening.
- It should be discarded one month after opening.
- It has sodium bicarbonate, an ingredient that could worsen colic symptoms in some children.
- Wellements only ships to continental US addresses, excluding PO boxes.
Product Recall
- None
Recommended Dosage
Shake the bottle before use.
Use the dispenser provided with this herbal remedy to give your baby gripe water up to six times a day.
The recommended dosage is as follows:
- Newborns and infants, zero to one month old: ½ tsp
- Babies, from one to six months old: 1 tsp
- Children, from six months and older: 2 tsp
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“My newborn has been having hiccups since the womb. Now it scared him a little and he cried when it keeps him awake. This instantly takes the hiccups away for him.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
“It almost instantly helped my little guy handle dairy products much better. He used to get super gassy and spit up a lot when I had dairy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
“This took away my infant son’s gas, discomfort and hiccups within about 30 seconds to a minute after administering the recommended dose.” – Reviewer on Target.
Negative Reviews
“It made my baby super constipated both times I gave this to her. Wish it worked because I love all of Wellements other products!” – Reviewer on Target.
“I had it in the fridge and it went bad after 3 weeks. I didn’t think to check it, it looked fine but my daughter gave a face as I have her some. Normally she loves it. I quickly tasted it and it tasted rotten.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
“Lemon is an ingredient so baby puckers in distress even when it’s mixed with breastmilk.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Other Gripe Water Products Can You Choose?
The following are other gripe water products that you can also consider:
Other Organic Gripe Water
- ChildLife Essentials Organic Gripe Water – $14.33 (2 fl oz)
Best Day & Night-Time Gripe Water Set
- Little Remedies Daytime and Nighttime Gripe Water (4 fl oz per bottle): $15.49
Clinically Supported Gripe Water Formula
- Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water – $16.10 (4 fl oz)
Gripe Water Gel
- Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water Gel – $10.99 (0.53 oz)
Best Grip Water With Peruvian Bark
- Colic Calm Plus Gripe Water – $23.95 (2 fl oz)
Best Value Gripe Water
- Colic-Ease Gripe Water – $19.49 (7 fl oz)
Continue reading for more information about these gripe water products:
ChildLife Essentials Organic Gripe Water
Pricing/Options:
- One bottle, 2 fl oz: $14.33
Key Features:
- It’s made from natural ingredients.
- It doesn’t have sodium bicarbonate.
- It’s alcohol-free, preservative-free, paraben-free, and allergen-free.
Ingredients:
- Organic ginger root
- Organic dill essential oil
- Organic kiwifruit extract
- Organic fennel seed essential oil
- Organic vegetable glycerin
- Purified water
Pros
- It’s free from chemicals and preservatives.
- It doesn’t contain alcohol, milk, soy, wheat, eggs, yeast, corn, artificial colors or sweeteners, or chemical preservatives such as sorbates, benzoates, or parabens.
Cons
- It might taste too bitter for babies.
Product Recall
- None
What Customers Say: Positive Reviews
“Our pediatrician told us to be careful with gripe water as some brands tend to have ingredients that do may do more harm than good. And she also said that as a general rule to look for gripe water with as fewer ingredients as possible.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Customers Say: Negative Reviews
“Taste is too bitter for my newborn-made her gag so I could not use it after trying twice.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Little Remedies Daytime and Nighttime Gripe Water
Pricing/Options:
- One bottle, 4 fl oz: $9.44
- Pack of three (4 fl oz per bottle): $32.97
- Combo pack (Daytime and Nighttime Gripe Water, 4 fl oz per bottle): $15.49
Key Features:
- It doesn’t have sodium bicarbonate which could reduce stomach acids. But because it’s basic (opposite of acidic), it can change the stomach’s pH levels.
- It’s made from gluten-free and paraben-free ingredients.
- This special pack has two types of gripe water products for daytime and nighttime use.
Ingredients:
- Organic agave syrup
- Natural ginger flavor
- Fennel
- Purified water
- Vegetable glycerin
- Potassium sorbate
- Citric acid
- Xanthan gum
Pros
- This dietary supplement has no artificial dyes, artificial flavors, alcohol, gluten, parabens, or sodium bicarbonate.
Cons
- It contains potassium sorbate and citric acid, chemical preservatives.
- It contains agave syrup, a refined sugar that is not healthy for babies to consume, especially on a regular basis. It could change your baby’s palate and make them prone to a sweet tooth later in life, leading to potential issues like cavities, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.
Product Recall
- None
What Customers Say: Positive Reviews
“This stuff is pure magic. It has helped with late night hiccups as well as fussiness due to gas at night.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Customers Say: Negative Reviews
“Do not buy this product. My pediatrician forbids this, she said the ingredients make the baby sleep but in a very not healthy way.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water
Pricing/Options:
- One bottle, 4 fl oz: $16.10
Key Features:
- Clinically supported formula according to the company’s website.
- It has a natural berry flavor.
Ingredients:
- Organic agave syrup
- Chamomile flower extract
- Fennel seed extract
- Lemon balm aerial extract
- Ginger root extract
- Water
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
- Potassium sorbate
Pros
- It may help ease occasional stomach discomfort and gas.
Cons
- It can only be used for babies who are two weeks old and above.
- It uses chemical preservatives for improved shelf life.
- It contains ‘natural flavors,’ which most likely include chemicals.
- It contains agave syrup, a refined sugar.
Product Recall
- None
What Customers Say: Positive Reviews
“Our youngest was born with bad reflux and gas so it was really difficult for him to sleep well at night. The gripe water definitely aided in his sleep quality being a bit better. Plus he liked the flavor of it.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Customers Say: Negative Reviews
“Didn’t work for our child. He remained gassy. What helped? Gas drops made it easier for him to pass gas.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water Gel
Pricing/Options:
- Organic Gripe Water Gel, 0.53 oz: $10.99
- Organic Gripe Water Gel (Night Time), 0.53 oz: $10.99
- Gripe Water (Original), 4 fl oz: $12.99
- Night-Time Gripe Water, 4 fl oz: $13.49
Does Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water Have Alcohol?
- It’s 100% vegan and vegetarian.
- This product has no alcohol, dyes, parabens, added sugar, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.
Ingredients Can Include:
- Organic ginger extract
- Organic chamomile extract
- Organic fennel extract
- Organic lemon balm extract
- Organic passionflower extract
- Purified water
- Organic vegetable glycerin
- Citrus bioflavonoid extract
- Citric acid
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Xanthan gum
- Potassium sorbate
Pros
- It’s free from the “top eight allergens” (eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soybean).
- NSF-certified (National Sanitation Foundation) to meet standards for quality, safety, and label claims.
Cons
- It has preservatives.
- It should be discarded six weeks after opening.
Product Recall
- None
What Customers Say: Positive Reviews
“First night using it and baby girl is out like a light. She has reflux and nighttime is horrible for her. Gave half a serving to her (she’s only 3 weeks) prior to feeding her and she’s been peacefully asleep since.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Customers Say: Negative Reviews
“The first time I gave my 2-month-old this she threw up an hour later. I summed it up to coincidence and decided to try it again. This time she was gagging and choking like crazy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Colic Calm Plus Gripe Water
Pricing/Options:
- Colic Calm Plus, one bottle: 2 fl oz: $23.95
- Colic Calm, one bottle: 2 fl oz: $18.95
Key Features:
- Non-alcoholic.
- It’s free of sugar, sodium bicarbonate, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, or animal products.
Ingredients:
- Aloe
- Giant fennel
- Peruvian bark
- Blackthorne
- Caraway
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Magnesium phosphate
- Ginger
- Lemon Balm
- Peppermint
- Vegetable carbon
- Benzoic acid
- Citric Acid
- Glycerin
- Potassium citrate
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Purified water
- Xylitol
Pros
- It contains Peruvian bark, a homeopathic remedy that may help relieve bloating and other digestive issues.
Cons
- It has preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and other additives.
- It’s more expensive than other alternatives.
Product Recall
- None
What Customers Say: Positive Reviews
“We’ve tried everything and I mean EVERYTHING to help my little one’s gas and this has been the only thing that has made a difference. I give it to her before a feed and by the time she’s done eating, not only does she burp MUCH easier but gets complete relief from her trapped gas.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Customers Say: Negative Reviews
“Well, we were hoping for a miracle with this product but unfortunately it made our colicky baby much worse, which I didn’t think was possible.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Colic-Ease Gripe Water
Pricing/Options:
- One bottle, 7 fl oz: $19.49
Key Features:
- This antacid is made with some natural ingredients and is non-alcoholic.
Ingredients:
- Dill weed seed oil
- Caraway seed oil
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Clove bud oil
- Cardamom seed oil
- Deionized water
- Fructose
- Polysorbate 80 (emulsifier) from seaweeds
- Sodium benzoate (preservative)
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
This gripe water doesn’t contain:
- Gluten
- Parabens
- Sugar
- Starch
- Glycerin
- Dairy
- Tree nuts
- Yeast
- Sodium bisulfate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Alcohol
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors
- Artificial sweeteners
Pros
- It’s both an infant sugar-free dietary supplement and an antacid.
- It doesn’t require refrigeration.
- Priced below $20 and at 7 fl oz per bottle, this gripe water can offer the best value for your money compared with the other products we reviewed.
Cons
- It has preservatives and other additives.
- It contains xylitol, a processed sugar alcohol that may cause digestive upset in some babies.
Product Recall
- None
What Customers Say: Positive Reviews
“Our son had really bad gas at 1 month and then acid reflux at 2 months. We tried other brands and none were as effective as this.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
What Customers Say: Negative Reviews
“I’m not sure it helped us, and my 3-week old daughter had terrible allergy from Colic Ease! I’m not going to buy it anymore!!!” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Summary & Recommendations
There are plenty of gripe water products for you to choose from, but here are our recommendations:
Choose Wellements Gripe Water if:
- You prefer gripe water made from organic ingredients.
- You prefer gripe water that’s free from parabens, preservatives, soy, dairy, gluten, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives.
Don’t choose Wellements Gripe Water if:
- You prefer a product that lasts longer than one month.
- You prefer gripe water with no sodium carbonate.
Other products you can try:
- ChildLife Essentials Organic Gripe Water – $14.33 (2 fl oz)
- Little Remedies Gripe Water – $9.44 (4 fl oz)
- Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Gripe Water – $16.10 (4 fl oz)
- Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water Gel – $10.99 (0.53 oz)
- Colic Calm Plus Gripe Water – $23.95 (2 fl oz)
- Colic-Ease Gripe Water – $19.49 (7 fl oz)
Gripe Water FAQs
Why Gripe Water Is Not Recommended?
Gripe water doesn’t have FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval.
It’s important to consult your baby’s pediatrician before giving them anything, particularly if they are less than one month old.
How Long Does It Take Before The Gripe Water Will Work?
Different brands have different formulations, so it might take just a minute or two for one to work, but 30 minutes or more for another.
What Happens If My Baby Drinks Too Much Gripe Water?
Drinking too much gripe water could interfere with your baby’s feeding ability because it gives them a false feeling of fullness. They may not feel hungry for milk because their stomach is full.
Too much gripe water could worsen your baby’s fussiness or stomach discomfort in formulations with sodium bicarbonate or alcohol.
Side Effects Of Gripe Water
The following are some of the possible side effects of using gripe water:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
Watch out for allergy symptoms after giving your baby any kind of medication, dietary supplement, or herbal remedy. Allergic reactions include the following:
- Watery eyes
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
Discontinue use and immediately seek medical assistance, especially if your child is experiencing breathing difficulties.
Alternatives To Using Gripe Water For Babies
Some parents use gripe water to soothe their colicky babies. But you can also try these other methods to help ease your baby’s colic symptoms:
- Changing your baby’s formula (some babies may be more sensitive to cow’s milk)
- Switching to anti-colic baby bottles and nipples
- Burping your baby properly
- Swaddling your baby in a warm blanket
- Keeping your baby in an upright or semi-upright position while feeding
- If you’re breastfeeding your baby, you might need to make some dietary changes to avoid foods with wheat, dairy, peanuts, soy, and fish.
Essential Oils For Colic
A gentle tummy massage using these EOs (essential oils) may also help relieve colic:
- German chamomile
- Roman chamomile
- Lavender
You can start introducing EOs slowly, using just one oil at a time. Make sure to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before introducing a new EO. Always watch out for allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Don’t apply undiluted EOs directly on your child’s skin. Here’s a rule of thumb for dilution with carrier oils for use with children:
- Below 3 months old: Don’t use EOs
- 3-6 months old: 1 drop EO per 2.5 tbsp carrier oil
- 6-24 months old: 2-4 drops EO per 2 tbsp carrier oil
- 2-7 years old: 6-8 drops EO per 2 tbsp carrier oil
- 7+ years old: 12-15 drops EO per 2 tbsp carrier oil
Note: Consult your pediatrician before introducing essential oils to your child.
