The Teething Troubles Every Parent Faces
Gripe water for teething is a common search for parents watching their little ones suffer. But does this herbal supplement work for teething, or is it just expensive sugar water?
Quick Answer for Gripe Water and Teething:
- Primary Use: Gripe water is for colic and gas, not direct teething pain.
- Scientific Evidence: No clinical studies prove it soothes teething discomfort.
- Safety Concerns: Can contain alcohol, sugar, or sodium bicarbonate.
- Better Alternatives: Chilled teething toys, gum massage, and pediatrician-approved pain relief.
- When to Use: Only after consulting a pediatrician and choosing safe formulations.
When your baby starts teething around 4-6 months, the pain from tiny teeth pushing through tender gums can lead to drooling, irritability, and sleepless nights.
Many parents turn to gripe water, a remedy dating back to the 1850s with soothing-sounding herbs like ginger and fennel. In fact, up to 64% of mothers in some studies have tried it to calm fussy babies.
However, gripe water was created for colic and digestive issues, not teething pain. While some brands market it for teething, the science doesn't back these claims.
I'm Gary Harutyunyan, and as a father who's steerd teething, I understand the desperation for a solution. Through my work developing safe soothing products, I've learned that gripe water for teething often disappoints parents seeking evidence-based relief.
What Exactly Is in a Bottle of Gripe Water?
Before giving your baby gripe water for teething, it’s important to know what’s inside. The original 1850s formula contained alcohol. Today's versions are mostly alcohol-free, but the FDA still classifies gripe water as an unregulated dietary supplement. This means it doesn't undergo the same rigorous testing as medication, so ingredients can vary widely between brands, and some have been recalled for safety issues.
Modern gripe water typically contains water and herbal extracts like fennel for gas, ginger for digestion, chamomile for calming, and dill for tummy troubles. Some formulas also add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sweeteners like sugar or agave, and flavorings.
Common Ingredients and Their Intended Purpose
Let's break down what these ingredients are supposed to do.
The main ingredients are herbal extracts. Fennel and ginger are traditionally used to reduce gas and relax intestinal muscles. Chamomile is added for its calming reputation. Other herbs like dill, licorice, and lemon balm also appear, all promising digestive harmony.
However, some ingredients are tricky. Sodium bicarbonate is used as an antacid, but experts worry it can disrupt a baby's natural pH balance and cause problems in large doses.
Sweeteners like sugar or agave are added for taste. But excess sugar can lead to tooth decay—ironic when treating teething—and may create a preference for sweet solutions for comfort.
Why Gripe Water is Primarily for Colic and Gas
The truth is, gripe water for teething wasn't designed for that purpose. It's marketed for digestive issues like colic, infant gas, and hiccups. Colic affects up to 28% of babies, causing those mysterious evening crying spells.
The connection to teething is indirect. Teething babies produce extra saliva, and swallowing it can sometimes cause an upset stomach or gas. If gripe water helps with that, it might offer some relief, but it doesn't target the actual gum pain.
When you use gripe water for teething, you're using a digestive aid for dental pain. It's like using a band-aid for a headache—it might feel like you're doing something, but it's not addressing the root cause.
The Great Debate: Does Gripe Water for Teething Actually Work?
Here's the question that keeps exhausted parents up at night: does gripe water for teething actually work?
The honest answer is complicated, and science doesn't support it for teething relief. There are no robust clinical trials proving gripe water soothes teething pain. As a dietary supplement, it doesn't undergo the rigorous testing that medications do, which is why most pediatricians are skeptical.
Yet, many parents swear by it. This disconnect often points to the placebo effect—for parents. When we believe we're helping our baby, our stress drops, and a calm parent often leads to a calmer baby, regardless of the remedy's effectiveness.
A study involving mothers in India highlights this gap. Researchers found that 64 percent of mothers gave their babies gripe water, but most infants who received it continued to cry excessively.
Most pediatricians agree: it probably won't hurt, but it probably won't help much either. They encourage evidence-based methods first—those that actually target teething pain.
Claimed Benefits of Gripe Water for Teething
Despite the shaky science, here are some claimed benefits of gripe water for teething:
- Soothing inflamed gums: The idea is that herbs like ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, but whether they're in sufficient quantities is questionable.
- Calming general fussiness: If a baby has underlying digestive issues, addressing them might reduce overall crankiness during teething.
- Counteracting stomach upset: Swallowing excess drool can upset a baby's tummy. Gripe water might provide indirect relief by settling the stomach.
- Easing gas from crying: Teething babies cry more, swallowing air and creating gas. Since gripe water is for gas, this connection is more logical than direct pain relief.
Potential Risks of Using Gripe Water for Teething
Before using gripe water, consider these potential risks:
- Allergic reactions: Even natural ingredients can trigger hives, itchiness, swelling, vomiting, or breathing changes.
- Unsafe ingredients: Because it's unregulated, some formulations have contained alcohol. While most are now alcohol-free, recalls have occurred.
- Sweeteners: Sugar and other sweeteners can promote tooth decay as new teeth emerge and create an unhealthy association between sweetness and comfort.
- Sodium bicarbonate: Baking soda can alter a baby's delicate stomach pH and may worsen digestive issues.
- Interference with breastfeeding: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Gripe water can fill a baby's stomach, leaving less room for nutrient-rich milk or formula.
- Not for young infants: Gripe water isn't recommended for babies under one month old due to their delicate digestive systems.
The FDA has issued warnings about homeopathic teething products containing dangerous ingredients like belladonna. While most gripe waters aren't in this category, it's a reminder that "natural" doesn't always mean "safe."
Safer, Pediatrician-Approved Alternatives for Teething Pain
When you're considering gripe water for teething, know that there are safer, more effective alternatives that pediatricians recommend. These methods are evidence-based and don't carry the same uncertainties as unregulated supplements.
Always consult your pediatrician first to confirm the issue is teething and get personalized advice. The difference between gripe water and modern solutions is striking:
| Feature | Gripe Water (for Teething) | Sleepy Baby Soothing Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Herbal extracts for digestive comfort, indirect soothing | Mimics caregiver's comforting touch (rhythmic patting), gentle white noise |
| Scientific Backing | Limited anecdotal evidence for teething | Based on proven infant soothing principles |
| Safety Profile | Potential for unsafe ingredients, allergic reactions | Designed with safety standards, no ingested substances |
| Teething Relief | Indirect (only if related to gas/tummy upset) | Provides comfort and distraction from discomfort |
| Ease of Use | Can be challenging with fussy baby | Hands-free, promotes self-soothing |
Physical Soothing Methods
Simple solutions are often the most effective:
- Chilled washcloths: A clean, damp washcloth from the refrigerator (not freezer) can numb pain and reduce swelling as your baby gnaws on it.
- Gentle gum massage: With clean hands, gently rub your baby's sore gums. The counter-pressure helps offset the pain from emerging teeth.
- Extra cuddles and nursing: The comfort of being close to you and the sucking motion during feeding can be incredibly soothing.
- Safe teething toys: Look for non-toxic options with different textures that can be safely refrigerated to provide targeted pressure.
Modern Soothing Aids and Other Remedies
Technology offers incredible tools for soothing teething babies. At Sleepy Baby, we've seen how the right device can transform difficult teething nights.
Rhythmic tapping devices mimic the gentle, consistent pat you'd give your baby, distracting them from discomfort and helping them settle. It's like having an extra pair of hands when you're exhausted.
Safe white noise machines create a calming auditory environment. While some machines can be unsafe due to high volume, modern safety-rated devices provide white noise at safe, low-decibel levels. Some can even be placed on your baby's chest, where gentle vibrations add another layer of comfort without risking their hearing. These tools help babies sleep, even when teething pain strikes. You can learn more in our guide From Fret to Peace: How Baby Soothing Devices Help.
For severe pain, your pediatrician might recommend infant pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months). Always follow your doctor's dosage instructions.
Crucially, avoid benzocaine-containing products and homeopathic teething tablets with belladonna. The FDA has issued strong warnings about both due to serious health risks.
When to Call the Doctor About Teething
It can be hard to know if what you're seeing is normal teething or something more serious. Most teething symptoms are normal: crankiness, swollen gums, drooling, a teething rash around the mouth, and a slightly raised temperature (below 101°F).
However, teething should not cause significant illness. If your baby seems genuinely sick, it's likely something else. Here are the red flags that warrant a call to your pediatrician:
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C): A low-grade fever can accompany teething, but a higher temperature, especially one lasting over 24 hours, usually indicates an illness.
- Diarrhea or vomiting: These are not typical teething symptoms and usually signal a stomach bug or other medical issue.
- Inconsolable crying: Crying that goes on for hours and cannot be soothed by feeding, cuddling, or pain relievers indicates distress beyond normal teething.
- Refusal to eat or drink: This is a serious concern, especially with signs of dehydration like fewer wet diapers. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Spreading rash: A mild rash around the mouth from drool is normal, but a rash that spreads or looks infected is not.
Trust your instincts. You know your baby best. If something feels off, don't hesitate to make that call. You can find more detailed guidance on Signs that require a doctor's visit to feel more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gripe Water and Teething
How do I safely give gripe water to my baby?
If you and your pediatrician decide to try gripe water, safe administration is crucial.
- Read the label carefully: Dosage varies by brand and age. Never exceed the recommended dose.
- Choose wisely: Select only alcohol-free and sugar-free formulations.
- Use the right tool: Follow dosage instructions using the provided dropper or syringe, not a regular spoon.
- Keep it clean: Sterilize the dropper or syringe before each use to prevent bacteria.
- Administer gently: Aim for the inside of your baby's cheek, not straight down their throat, to prevent choking.
- Watch for reactions: After giving it, watch for any signs of an allergic reaction like hives, vomiting, or breathing changes. Stop immediately and call your pediatrician if you notice anything unusual.
For more tips, see our guide on Tips for giving gripe water.
What's the best type of gripe water to choose?
Navigating the gripe water aisle can be overwhelming. Here’s how to make the safest choice possible:
- Check the origin: Look for products made in the U.S. where manufacturing standards are often more stringent.
- Insist on alcohol-free and sucrose-free: These ingredients are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
- Go organic when possible: This minimizes exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.
- Avoid artificial additives: Your baby doesn't need artificial flavors or colors. A shorter, more natural ingredient list is better.
- Read reviews skeptically: Parent testimonials can be helpful, but every baby is different and the placebo effect is strong.
- Consult your pediatrician: The best choice is one your healthcare provider approves of after you've explored proven alternatives first.
Even the highest-quality gripe water for teething is an unproven remedy. Sometimes the best choice is to stick with evidence-based soothing methods instead.
Conclusion: Making the Safest Choice for Your Teething Baby
Watching your baby suffer through teething is heartbreaking. The desperate search for relief often leads parents to gripe water for teething, which is completely understandable.
However, science doesn't support gripe water as an effective teething remedy. Its benefits are largely anecdotal, likely due to a placebo effect where a calmer parent helps soothe the baby. It was designed for colic and gas, not teething pain.
More importantly, safety is a concern. As an unregulated supplement, gripe water ingredients vary, and some have contained harmful substances like alcohol, sugar, or sodium bicarbonate.
Safer, more effective alternatives exist. Simple methods like a chilled teething toy, a gentle gum massage, or extra cuddles provide direct, risk-free relief by targeting the source of the pain.
At Sleepy Baby, we create solutions that work with your baby's natural soothing needs. Our portable sleep aids use rhythmic tapping devices to mimic your comforting pat, providing consistent touch to distract from discomfort. Combined with safe white noise at low-decibel levels, these devices promote the independent sleep your family needs.
Unlike some potentially unsafe white noise machines, our safety-rated devices are engineered to soothe without risking your baby's hearing. Some can even be placed on your baby's chest, where gentle vibrations improve the calming experience.
The choice is yours. We hope this guide empowers you to prioritize pediatrician-approved methods backed by evidence, not just hope. Sometimes the simplest, safest approaches are exactly what your teething baby needs.
Your little one's safety and comfort are what matter most. Whether you're in our home base in the United States or anywhere else we serve around the world, we're here to support you through those challenging teething days and nights.