It certainly will be distressing for parents to see their child cry continuously for hours and this could especially be true for new mothers. Hours of tears could put both parents and child under stress. Pacifiers, rocking, and lullabies all seem futile to make the child stop crying. More experienced mothers know better and can name several reasons for the baby’s discomfort.
One reason is that the child still has an immature digestive system which still has to get used to formula nourishment. Because of this, it may cause colic which is a painful condition. Other reasons could involve the swallowing of air by imbibing liquids too fast. Crying can also be attributed to air swallowing and if the flow of milk is too fast or too slow, the child may swallow air together with the formula or milk.
Over-the-counter drops are available to relieve the child in distress. Natural remedies can also be used, and these are and have been derived from plants through the ages to relieve babies from gas pain. Newer methods of relief contain simethicone, which breaks up gas bubbles in the child for faster relief. Most of these remedies are considered safe. Consider such remedies to give yourself and your baby a break from the distress of gas pains.
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Gerber Soothe Baby Probiotic Colic Drops
This product is the first one on our list because it’s really superb. Giving these drops to your baby will give comfort whether he is breastfeeding or drinking infant formula. It’s a great solution for excessive crying, fussiness, and colic. It contains probiotics which will also help strengthen the digestive system to reduce the occurrence of colic and other issues.
The Gerber Soothe Baby Probiotic Colic Drops will help improve the good bacteria which are naturally found in the digestive system of babies (and adults too). In fact, the probiotics in these drops are similar to the ones found in natural breast milk. It’s clinically proven to reduce the crying time of babies who are suffering from colic in just a few days.
You can add these drops to your little one’s infant formula and even breast milk. It’s specially designed to relieve colic and other issues for formula-fed and breastfed babies. It’s non-GMO too, which means it doesn’t contain any genetically-engineered ingredients.
Pros
- Helps ease colic to reduce the fussiness and crying that comes with it.
- Suitable for formula-fed and breastfeeding baby.
- Non-GMO drops which contain probiotics.
Cons
- May cause constipation in some babies.
- It’s difficult to properly measure the drops.
Little Remedies Advanced Colic Relief Drops
This product is effective and convenient too as it comes with an oral syringe. You can use this for easier administration and more accurate dosing of the drops. These drops are safe for babies and older children too. It doesn’t contain any dyes, drugs or additives which may be harmful to little tummies.
Also, the Little Remedies Advanced Colic Relief Drops don’t contain alcohol or any artificial flavors and colors. You can feel safe giving this to your little one because it’s also free of parabens, gluten, and saccharin. It will provide relief for gas, hiccups, and colic. It’s an herbal supplement that’s gentle, highly effective, and safe.
These drops contain a chamomile blend which can help reduce the crying time of babies. If you’re looking for an easy solution for when your baby suffers from colic, then this product would be an excellent choice.
Pros
- Safe, gentle, and effective herbal drops for babies.
- Relieves colic, gas, discomfort, and hiccups too.
- Can also help reduce crying time by up to 60%.
Cons
- Has a fairly thick consistency.
- Some don’t appreciate the smell of the medication.
Boiron Cocyntal Baby Colic Relief Medicine
This is another great product for you to consider providing relief to your baby who is suffering from colic. It can also be used for gas pain, bloating, and irritability. It’s a sterile, preservative-free, oral medication which is safe for babies one month and over. The Boiron Cocyntal Baby Colic Relief Medicine is a homeopathic medication which doesn’t contain benzocaine. This product contains 30 doses but it’s also available in a box which contains 15 doses.
Pros
- Homeopathic drops which are suitable for babies 1 month and over.
- Doesn’t contain benzocaine and preservatives.
- Eases colic, bloating, gas pain, and irritability.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive.
- Some don’t appreciate the taste.
Tummy Calm Gas Relief Drops
These Tummy Calm Gas Relief Drops are not like the artificial drops because they contain natural ingredients. Because of this, the product will be able to provide immediate relief to your baby that’s safe and gentle too. It’s a great-tasting oral medication which soothes and relaxes the digestive systems of babies which are very delicate. It’s a non-habit-forming medication which works in minutes to relieve your little one.
Pros
- Safe, effective drops which have a pleasant taste.
- Contains healthy ingredients to help alleviate colic and gas issues.
- Soothes the delicate digestive systems of babies.
Cons
- It stains clothes.
- It’s fairly expensive.
Hyland’s Baby Gas Drops
This product will provide temporary relief for the symptoms of colic, stomach pressure, gas, pain, and more. The Hyland’s Baby Gas Drops also gives natural relief to bloating, constipation, irritability, and other similar conditions. The drops have a grape flavor that’s natural and this flavor it easier to administer to babies. It goes down well, does its job, and helps your baby feel better faster.
Pros
- Provides relief for symptoms of colic, gas, bloating, and more.
- Comes in a natural grape flavor that kids appreciate.
- A safe, natural medication for different conditions and symptoms.
Cons
- May not be suitable for babies suffering from leaky gut.
- May contain allergens.
Newborns, Infants & Children Gas Relief Simethicone Drops
The Newborns, Infants & Children Gas Relief Simethicone Drops can help relieve symptoms of colic and gas. It doesn’t contain saccharin, alcohol, or artificial flavors and colors. You can give these drops to your baby as it will provide gentle and safe relief within minutes of administration. It comes with an air dropper to make it easier to give to your little one. It’s also free of dyes and harmful preservatives.
Pros
- Quick-acting drops which don’t contain artificial colors or flavors.
- Provides gentle relief for gas discomfort and colic.
- Comes with an air dropper to make it easier to give the drops.
Cons
- Some don’t appreciate the taste.
- Also, some don’t like the smell.
Mylicon Infant Gas Relief Drops
This product is recommended by pediatricians. It’s safe to use even on newborns. The Mylicon Infant Gas Relief Drops works very well. What it does is that it helps break down the gas bubbles in your baby’s tummy gently. It’s so safe that you can even administer it to your little one up to 12 times each day.
Pros
- Pediatrician-recommended drops which can be given up to 12 times each day.
- Safe for babies and newborns too.
- Works by breaking down the gas bubbles in the tummy gently.
Cons
- May cause redness when it comes into contact with skin.
- Contains dye.
Mommys Bliss Gas Relief Drops
Just like the last one, this product is also safe for newborns. It will provide gentle relief for stomach gas, colic, and other similar issues. The Mylicon Infant Gas Relief Drops are safe enough to be administered to babies after each feeding. These fast-acting drops don’t contain gluten, soy, dairy, dyes, parabens, and other components which may be harmful.
Pros
- Provides safe and gentle relief for babies in a matter of minutes.
- Doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, gluten, soy, dye or parabens.
- Helps relieve symptoms of colic and gas discomfort.
Cons
- It’s challenging to accurately measure the dosage.
- May cause allergic reactions in some babies.
Pediacare Infant Non-Staining Gas Relief Drops
This product is specially formulated for babies and kids. The Pediacare Infant Non-Staining Gas Relief Drops relieves pain and helps reduce fever too. It offers an effective and quick solution and it even comes with a tasty berry flavor. It’s free of dyes and it comes with a dosing syringe for easier administration. It’s also effective for treating allergies, colds, cough, and gas.
Pros
- Specially formulated for infants.
- Provides and quick and effective solutions for the pain felt because of colic or gas.
- Also, reduces pain, fever, coughs, colds, and allergies.
Cons
- Contains an artificial sweetener.
- Has a thick consistency.
OVOL Infant DROPS for Fast & Gentle Relief of Infant Colic
Finally, we have this product which is made in Canada. The OVOL Infant DROPS for Fast & Gentle Relief of Infant Colic is alcohol-free and extremely effective. The infant drops will provide gentle and fast relief for colic, gas, and similar concerns. It’s definitely another great product for you to think about when choosing colic gas relief drops for babies.
Pros
- Alcohol-free drops which are made in Canada.
- Suitable for babies suffering from colic or gas.
- Provides quick and gentle relief.
Cons
- Some issues with the dropper.
- It’s quite pricey.
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Who Needs Colic Gas Relief Drops?
There are usually common symptoms that can be observed when the child is suffering from colic. Keep both ears and eyes open for the signs so can make the necessary precautions before things can get worse. First, you may notice excessive crying. When your baby continuously cries for hours, this is one of the major indicators of colic.
Babies cry, that is a natural thing, but it shouldn’t happen for hours and hours without stopping. Most of the crying time happens late afternoon until evening. Pediatricians can classify the child’s condition as colic if the crying has such intensity, happening three times a week for about three consecutive weeks.
Redness is another indicator. The continuous crying can cause the child’s face and other parts of the body to redden. You may also observe that your child’s body language is uncomfortable. What used to be your bundle of joy will not look as joyful anymore during bouts of colic. You will observe your child crying with clenched fists, the back arched, the body twisting, and the knees brought up towards their belly.
Another symptom is when your little one is passing so much gas. There will also be a more frequent movement of bowels during and after the crying session which is usually intense. Try to observe changes in the eyes too. During the bouts with colic, your baby might open his eyes wide or shut them very tightly which is an indication that he is feeling pain.
When your little one is overactive, he may also be suffering from the condition. You may notice that your child has colic when they continuously scream, kick, and move around. They couldn’t keep still and nothing you do calms them down. Finally, your baby’s tummy may feel hard. Feel your child’s abdomen for signs of colic. A solid or hard feel means that the tummy is full of gas brought about by air sucked in while continuously crying.
What are the Benefits of Colic Gas Relief Drops?
Parents often go into distress mode when they cannot console their babies from continuous crying. The most frequent causes of such fussiness are gas and colic, and these could easily be observed. Colic is a severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines and suffered especially by babies.
This can cause intense crying, even with healthy babies who are feeding well. The condition is most common with 2-3-week-old babies and it usually disappears when the child is between 3-4 months old. One in every five babies experiences colic or symptoms associated with colic. It’s a common occurrence and should not distress parents too much. Furthermore, there is relief available.
If you want a relief for your baby’s colic and you are more inclined to natural sources, try using Gripe water. This is made from organic ingredients and is effective in relieving hiccups, gas, fussiness, and more. More often than not, fussiness in babies is caused by gas instead of colic.
Gas symptoms in babies generally include crying after and during feeding. Also, you may notice frequent spitting, a bloated belly, and your little one pulling the legs towards his body. The condition can be treated in several ways. Try giving your baby a warm bath or massage his tummy gently. You can also try bicycling your baby’s legs.
You can also use colic gas relief drops which are considered effective, a safe option, and can bring instant relief to your child. The drops can assist in burping out all the air that has churned up and has accumulated in the stomach as a result of continuous crying.
Gas Relief Drops go well with Gripe Water products, and, as a matter of fact, they go hand-in-hand in treating gas issues with babies who incessantly cry. Gripe Water, which is made of natural ingredients like fennel and ginger, aids in burping and in soothing the baby’s distressed tummy.
What is Colic Gas Relief Drops?
These are orally-administered drugs that can be procured over-the-counter. It’s a liquid medication used to relieve discomfort caused by gassiness, bloating, and abdominal pain that is caused by accumulated gas in the stomach and the intestines. The drops have been proven effective in alleviating excess gas symptoms in newborns, babies, and children.
Most of the gas relief drops contain the synthetic drug simethicone. Some, however, have a homeopathic liquid formula instead of simethicone. Either one can be recommended by the pediatrician. But bear in mind that not all colic gas relief drops are the same.
The simethicone drops are made mainly by mixing the components of polydimethylsiloxane and silicon dioxide. It’s an over-the-counter drug that is sold under a number of brand names and is specifically used to combat gas issues. It can have a good effect on gas bubbles that form in the stomach but not the intestines.
This is the reason for the directions on its use. It should be given after feeding and before bedtime. This will prevent gas from traveling to the intestines which can cause, as many adults would know, very painful symptoms. Parents do complain about the drug. They claim that it’s too expensive and not convenient, while others believe it’s just as effective as placebos.
There are also homeopathic gas relief drops. The FDA has listed natural alternatives to simethicone which are as effective in the treatment of gas and colic. Homeopathic drops contain microscopic activated carbon particles which have been proven safe as they have been used for centuries in treating symptoms of bloating, abdominal pains, and gas.
In addition, they also provide safe and gentle support to the digestive process. The drops are fast-working and can provide relief to babies, toddlers, and kids within a couple of minutes after being ingested.
Then there’s Gripe Water. This is an herbal remedy that has been used through generations in the treatment of infant gas. Finally, there are the probiotics. These are also commonly referred to as “good bacteria” or “benevolent bacteria” which aid, among other things, in the process of digestion.
They also aid the immune system by providing protection to the body from the harmful microorganisms that are consumed with food. Probiotic formulas in liquid form are now available for babies and children. Researchers have recommended that supplementing the child with pediatric probiotic can help relieve gastric issues in children if administered regularly for a number of weeks.
How to Safely Administer Colic Gas Relief Drops?
Almost all colic gas relief drops are safe for the internal use of babies and children. But parents should be wary of the contents of the drops they choose. Some brands have been artificially flavored or have added sweetening ingredients to cover-up the undesirable chemical aftertaste. The drops can also contain fillers or emulsifiers.
When buying, take time to examine the labels to ensure that there would be no adverse reaction or side effects that the child may develop. Also, check for natural active ingredients. Those which have been around for some time and are already proven safe. Best of all, check with your doctor what drops are highly recommended in terms of over-the-counter medications.
You can administer the drops orally or you can mix it with your little one’s drink. Drops can have a chemical aftertaste which your baby may dislike. Some brands though, infuse their products with sweeteners or natural flavors similar to make it more appealing to the child.
Read the product labels for information for dosage and directions. Some drops can only have effects on stomach gas and are usually administered usually after each meal. Others require no dosing and are only given when gas and colic symptoms appear.
Other Remedies for Colic Relief
Aside from the usual drops, there are some things parents can do to alleviate the baby’s colic. For one, you can give your baby a pacifier. This is a simple method of preventing your child from gulping air. Simple sucking can really soothe the baby, maybe that is the reason it was named as such.
Also, keep your child mobile. Carry your child and stay constantly in motion during crying bouts. Swing him, rock him, bounce him or walk around the room with him. Constant motion can have a soothing effect on most children. If you tire out, put the child in a swing that vibrates until hopefully, he will settle down.
Try using a sound machine. When your child is almost at the end of the colic phase, provide some type of background noise as this can have a calming effect. Before the colic episode, turn the sound machine on and see the magic happen before your own eyes.
You can avail of sound machines right in your own home. The sound can come from your running dishwasher, a fountain on the table top, or even a washer or dryer in action. Every bit helps. At night, an electric fan or an air purifier can work as well.
Put your baby on his belly. For some reason, many babies like to lay on their bellies, especially when they are colicky. Provide additional love and comfort by laying your child on his belly on your interlocking arms. And to make yourself comfortable, you can watch your favorite TV show in that position.
You can also try using a swaddle blanket. Holding a baby for hours would tire out your arms as well as your body. Snugness is something babies feel comfortable with. Try swaddling them with warm blankets. This may help out a lot.
Pump out the gas. Baby’s colic hours can become predictable as they usually happen at late noon until night. Before it happens, lay the baby down then perform bicycle pumps using your little one’s legs. This could help to get those bubbles out of the stomach.
Switch your baby’s formula. It may take several formula brands before finally finding out which one is best for your baby. Try one and if your baby doesn’t get relief from gas or colic after a week, consult with your baby’s pediatrician for another recommendation. It may take a few tries, but it will be worth it.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
Safety of the Colic Gas Relief Drops
Colic gas relief drops are over-the-counter medicines that generally contain simethicone, which is a drug associated with providing relief from painful symptoms caused by gas buildup in the intestines and stomach. A potential side effect could be loose stools; however, this is rare. It’s safe to use daily and if your baby should feel better with the drops, continue with its use.
But also keep in mind in checking the ingredients of the drops you buy. Avoid those which contain benzoic acid or sodium benzoate. In large quantities, these chemicals will be harmful especially to babies. Fortunately, most gas relief drops meant for infants do not have these as ingredients.
Types of Colic Gas Relief Drops
Simethicone is the most popular. This chemical is found almost in all gas relief drops. It’s an anti-foaming agent which can break up the stomach’s gas bubbles and such action can eliminate pain and bloat caused by excess stomach gas. One best feature of the substance is its ability to go through the digestive system without getting absorbed by the body. Most of these gas relief drugs are considered safe and can be given to babies every two hours, without having to worry about side effects.
There’s also Gripe Water. This is a fairly simple remedy which can be easily made at home. It can contain fennel, chamomile, ginger, and some type of alcohol. If you are not sure about DIY procedures, you can always purchase gripe water products which are available commercially. Such products may contain dill, mint, ginger, sodium bicarbonate, and other types of herbs. Gripe Water is effective against colic, hiccups, diarrhea, and can calm your little one’s digestive tract.
Homeopathic and natural remedies. These remedies for colic and gas pains have been with us for centuries. They have been used as pain relievers for distension, flatulence, belching, and diarrhea. The most common ingredient of homeopathic remedies is silver nitrate. Another compound is Asafoetida, a gum derived from plants, is used in reducing flatulence and constipation.
Still, another is colocynthis which is also effective against colic, bloating, cramps, irritability, gas pain, and hiccups. It’s also thought to bring relief within a couple of minutes.
Homeopathic Versus Probiotic Colic Gas Relief Drops
Giving homeopathic gas drops is a rather unconventional alternative system or medicine, meaning your pediatrician will not likely recommend it. Among other things, homeopathic medicine claims that diluted substances are a lot more potent. Also, that “like cures like,” meaning that the substance which causes a particular symptom can also cure that same symptom. For instance, take a small amount of medication which may be the very substance causing the illness than to dilute it. You have now an “effective” homeopathic cure.
Because of the popularity, homeopathic medicine has been subjected to extensive research. Some results have indicated that it’s no more than a placebo. Still, some say that homeopathic drops could even be dangerous. But homeopathic medicine has created its own following and claims that the drops can work wonders for newborns. However, like simethicone and gripe water, favoring homeopathic drops can be because they taste better.
Probiotic gas drops are very different. By now, we should all be familiar with those “good” and “beneficial” bacteria living in our intestines. The body actually needs these micros to survive because they are essential in the digestive process. One particular strain is the Lactobacillus which is administered to babies to aid in the management or treatment of gas issues.
Lactobacillus has made an impact in the medical world. This is mainly because of the potential in helping infants with gas problems. Many medications have been introduced to combat gas in babies but were not really effective. Research has continued to find a solution to the gas problem and they think they have found it in Lactobacillus. Recent studies have proven that the bacteria can be effective in reducing and even preventing gas in infants. Furthermore, giving the Lactobacillus to the baby is completely safe.
Despite these positive findings, parents should take note that administering Lactobacillus is not an instant remedy, as compared to other drops which can provide fast relief. Rather, parents should take note that using probiotics offers a long-term solution to the gassiness problem. For this, Lactobacillus is highly recommended.
Potential Side Effects of Colic Gas Relief Drops
So far, using gas relief drops causes no side effects. Presently, there have been no reports. But parents should be careful when introducing the drops to the baby as it can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, breathing troubles, dizziness, and more. Then watch the dosage too. This is usually based on the baby’s age and weight.
Since most are over-the-counter medicines and will need no doctor’s prescription, it’s advisable to use it no more than 12 doses per day.
This OTC medicine is effective in beating unwanted gas bubbles that cause gas pains in babies. It’s perfectly safe for infants as well as breastfed babies. If the baby’s condition doesn’t improve, it’s best to seek medical attention.
Features of Colic Gas Relief Drops
Pay attention to the suggested dosage. This is generally based on the child’s age and weight. For instance, one product may suggest a dose every 15 minutes in the beginning. Then reduce the dosage to just once every 2-3 hours. Flavor is very important too. It’s always important to consider how the child would react to an oral medicine. This could make it easier for your baby to swallow. Grape is a favorite among natural flavors.
Be aware of the signs that your baby has colic. Your baby cannot talk and cannot tell you that gas or colic is about to happen. The parents should be able to read the signs which may indicate gas or colic pains. Common ones include crying while eating or having a hard and extended belly.
You may also notice that your baby is frequently spitting or raising legs towards the belly. By the way, a really old remedy to prevent gas issues is to burp your baby after each feeding. That is an easy way of getting rid of gas swallowed during feeding.
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Conclusion
Gas pains in babies have been around since forever. And this could cause stress and discomfort to both mother and child. Symptoms of gas and colic can easily be discerned by the baby’s continuous crying which could last for hours every day, at least three times a week and could continue for three more weeks.
The condition is generally caused by the presence of gas in the child’s stomach due to the accumulation of air during feeding. Luckily, there are now available medications which could provide relief to the child. Choices can vary, from synthetic to natural remedies. Each has been proven to be effective, but the parents would need to pay attention to details when buying gas-relief drops. If not, sure which is best for the child, you can always consult the pediatrician.
