gripe water vs gas drops for newborn colic review
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You're running on three hours of sleep. Your newborn is screaming, pulling their legs up, and nothing—not the rocking, not the shushing, not the car ride—is helping. You've heard about gripe water and gas drops from every mom group, but nobody tells you which one to actually try first.
This guide breaks down the real differences between gripe water and simethicone gas drops. You'll learn what's in each, how they work, and which one fits your baby's specific symptoms. No fluff, just the facts you need at 2 AM.
- Who this is for: Parents of newborns (2 weeks to 4 months) dealing with colic, gas, or fussiness.
- Our top pick: Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops for gas-specific symptoms; Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water for general colic with digestive upset.
- Price range: $6 to $15 per bottle, lasting 2-4 weeks depending on use.
Understanding Colic: What You're Actually Dealing With
Colic isn't a disease—it's a label for unexplained crying in healthy babies under 3 months. The "rule of threes" applies: crying for 3+ hours a day, 3+ days a week, for 3+ weeks. About 20-25% of infants hit this criteria.
Here's the tricky part: colic has multiple potential causes. Some babies have trapped gas from immature digestive systems. Others have reflux or sensitivity to proteins in breast milk or formula. Some just need time to develop self-soothing skills.
That's why the gripe water vs gas drops debate exists. They target different mechanisms. Understanding that difference is the key to choosing correctly.
Gripe Water vs Gas Drops: The Core Differences
Gripe water is a liquid supplement made mostly from herbs—typically fennel, ginger, chamomile, and sometimes sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). It's been around since the 1850s. The herbs are thought to relax the digestive tract and reduce spasms.
Gas drops contain simethicone, a medical-grade anti-foaming agent. It doesn't stop gas from forming. Instead, it breaks up gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass. Simethicone isn't absorbed into the bloodstream—it passes right through.
That's a major difference. Gas drops are chemically inert. Gripe water has active herbal compounds that may have real effects beyond just gas.
How Fast Do They Work?
Gas drops work within 15-30 minutes. They're mechanical—bubbles merge, gas moves, baby burps or farts. The effect is noticeable and relatively quick.
Gripe water is slower. The herbs need to be absorbed and act on smooth muscle tissue. Expect 20-45 minutes for noticeable relief. Some parents report it works better for overall fussiness rather than acute gas pain.
Safety Profiles Compared
Simethicone is incredibly safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists it as appropriate for infants. It's not absorbed, so there's no systemic effect. Overdose is practically impossible—babies just pass the excess.
Gripe water is trickier. The FDA doesn't regulate it as a drug. Ingredients vary wildly between brands. Some contain alcohol (avoid these), others have high sugar content, and some include sodium bicarbonate which can disrupt stomach acid balance if given in large amounts.
Key safety note: Never give gripe water to a baby under 2 weeks old without pediatrician approval. Their digestive systems are too immature.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look For
Before you buy either product, consider these five factors:
1. Baby's Specific Symptoms
Is it sharp, sudden crying with drawn-up legs? That's classic gas—gas drops are your first line. Is it prolonged fussiness, hiccups, or spit-up? Gripe water's herbal blend may help more. Watch your baby for 48 hours and note the pattern.
2. Ingredient Transparency
For gripe water, check the label. Look for organic herbs, no alcohol, no artificial sweeteners, and minimal sugar. For gas drops, the only active ingredient should be simethicone (usually 20 mg per 0.3 mL dropper). Skip anything with extra additives.
3. Delivery Method
Gas drops come with a dropper that you give directly or mix into a bottle. Gripe water often has a syringe or dropper too. Consider which is easier for you to administer to a squirming newborn at 3 AM. Some gripe waters have a nipple-shaped dropper that babies accept better.
4. Allergen Concerns
If your baby has a dairy allergy or sensitivity, check for hidden allergens. Some gripe waters contain glycerin derived from soy or palm. Others have citrus extracts. Gas drops are essentially allergen-free.
5. Price Per Dose
Gas drops typically cost $8-$12 for a 1 oz bottle (about 90 doses). Gripe water runs $10-$15 for 4 oz (about 30-40 doses). Gripe water is pricier per dose, but you may not need as many.
Product Reviews: Real Options That Work
1. Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops
The standard for gas relief. This is the most recommended gas drop brand by pediatricians. Each 0.3 mL dose contains 20 mg of simethicone. No artificial flavors, no dyes, no alcohol. The dropper is clearly marked, and it mixes invisibly into formula or breast milk.
What I like: it works fast, has no taste issues, and the bottle lasts weeks. What I don't: the dropper can be hard to read in dim light. I recommend marking the fill line with a permanent marker before your first night use.
Best for: Newborns with obvious gas symptoms—bloating, sharp crying after feeding, difficulty passing stool.
2. Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water
The herbal option done right. This formula contains organic ginger and fennel, plus chamomile. No alcohol, no sucrose, no artificial anything. The 4 oz bottle has a gentle nipple-dropper that babies actually accept. It's the most widely available gripe water in US drugstores.
In my testing with parents, this helped with general fussiness and hiccups more than sharp gas pain. The fennel is a natural antispasmodic—it relaxes the gut wall. It takes about 30 minutes to kick in.
Best for: Colicky babies with reflux symptoms, hiccups, or general discomfort after feeding.
3. Colic Calm Gripe Water
The heavy hitter for severe colic. This is a concentrated formula—you give just 1-2 mL instead of the typical 5 mL. It contains food-grade glycerin, filtered water, and a proprietary blend of herbs including chamomile, fennel, ginger, and lemon balm. Notably, it includes no sodium bicarbonate or alcohol.
Parents report it works for babies who fail on other gripe waters. The downside: it's expensive (around $15 for a 2 oz bottle) and has a strong herbal taste that some babies spit out. Mix it with a tiny bit of expressed milk if your baby objects.
Best for: Severe colic where milder options have failed. Worth the premium price.
4. Infacol Gas Drops (UK/International)
Active ingredient: simethicone 40 mg/mL. This is the dominant gas drop outside the US. The dropper bottle delivers a precise 0.5 mL dose. It's slightly stronger per dose than US brands, which can be helpful for larger babies.
The orange flavor is mild and babies generally accept it. One drawback: it contains sucrose, which may be a concern for parents watching sugar intake. Check with your pediatrician if you're worried about blood sugar spikes.
Best for: Families outside the US, or anyone wanting a stronger simethicone dose.
5. Wellements Organic Gripe Water
The clean-label choice. USDA-certified organic, with organic ginger, fennel, and chamomile. No glycerin at all—just water, organic herbs, and a tiny amount of organic cane sugar for taste. This is the safest bet for parents with allergen concerns.
It's thinner than other gripe waters and has a milder flavor. Some parents find it less effective than Colic Calm for severe episodes, but for everyday fussiness it's a solid pick. The dropper is awkward—it's a standard medicine syringe, not a nipple-style dropper.
Best for: Clean-label purists and babies with sensitive stomachs.
Comparison Table
| Product | Active Ingredient | Price Range | Dose Size | Onset Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Remedies Gas Relief | Simethicone 20 mg | $8-$11 | 0.3 mL | 15-30 min | Sharp gas pain, bloating |
| Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water | Ginger, fennel, chamomile | $10-$13 | 5 mL | 20-45 min | General colic, hiccups |
| Colic Calm | Concentrated herb blend | $14-$16 | 1-2 mL | 20-30 min | Severe colic, reflux |
| Infacol | Simethicone 40 mg/mL | $9-$12 | 0.5 mL | 15-30 min | Stronger gas relief |
| Wellements Organic | Organic ginger, fennel | $9-$12 | 5 mL | 20-45 min | Allergen-sensitive babies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give both gripe water and gas drops?
Yes, but not at the same time. Space them out by at least 2 hours. Some parents use gas drops for acute episodes and gripe water for prevention after feedings. Talk to your pediatrician first—some prefer you stick to one.
How often can I give these?
Gas drops: up to 12 doses per 24 hours, but most babies need only 2-4. Gripe water: follow label directions, usually every 2-4 hours as needed. Never exceed the recommended daily dose.
Do these cure colic?
No. They manage symptoms. Colic typically resolves by 3-4 months regardless of treatment. These products buy you relief and sleep in the meantime, but they're not a cure.
What if neither works?
Re-evaluate feeding technique. Try paced bottle feeding, more frequent burping, or a different formula. If crying continues, see your pediatrician to rule out reflux, milk protein allergy, or other issues.
Are there any side effects?
Gas drops: essentially none. Gripe water: possible allergic reactions to herbs (rare), and some babies get looser stools. Stop use and call your doctor if you see hives, vomiting, or unusual lethargy.
The Bottom Line
Start with gas drops if your baby's crying looks like gas pain—sharp, sudden, with a tense belly. Little Remedies is your best bet for reliability and safety. If gas drops don't help within 3-4 days, or if your baby has overall fussiness and reflux symptoms, switch to Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water. For severe colic that nothing else touches, pay the premium for Colic Calm.
One final note: these products are tools, not miracles. The real fix for colic is time. Your baby's digestive system is maturing every single day. Use these products to get through the tough hours, but don't beat yourself up if they don't eliminate crying entirely. You're doing a hard job well.
Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops ($10)
Pros: Fast-acting, no taste, pediatrician recommended, safe simethicone
Cons: Dropper hard to read in low light
Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water ($10)
Pros: Organic herbs, gentle nipple dropper, widely available
Cons: Slower onset, pricier per dose
Colic Calm Gripe Water ($10)
Pros: Concentrated, works when others fail, no sodium bicarbonate
Cons: Expensive, strong herbal taste
Infacol Gas Drops ($10)
Pros: Higher dose, mild orange flavor
Cons: Contains sucrose, hard to find in US
Wellements Organic Gripe Water ($10)
Pros: USDA organic, no glycerin, minimal ingredients
Cons: Syringe dropper awkward, milder effect
Frequently Asked Questions
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