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Does gripe water work for colic?

No, there's no good evidence gripe water reduces colic crying. Canadian and international sources agree it's unproven, and some products carry contamination or ingredient safety concerns.

A major systematic review found no good-quality trial evidence for gripe water in colic, and some products have been recalled for contamination.

Strength of evidence

Limited

The main evidence is a systematic review that found no well-conducted RCTs testing gripe water, plus expert/statement sources calling it unproven. This is an absence of trial evidence rather than a trial showing it doesn't work.

What the evidence says

There's no solid scientific evidence that gripe water actually reduces colic crying. A systematic review looking at treatments for infant colic specifically checked for good-quality randomized trials on gripe water and found none. Other expert sources list gripe water among 'unproven treatments' for colic pain in infants.

The Canadian Paediatric Society advises talking to your doctor before using over-the-counter or 'natural' products for colic, since there is very little scientific evidence to show that these products help. This applies to gripe water as well as other similar remedies.

Beyond just 'not proven to work,' there are safety concerns. Some gripe water products have been recalled in the past for microbial contamination, and older formulations sometimes contained alcohol or sodium bicarbonate, which are not recommended for infants. Ingredients and quality can vary a lot between brands, so if you do consider it, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

The good news: colic is a phase that resolves on its own, usually by 3-4 months. Things with more support behind them include holding and motion, white noise, swaddling, and reducing overstimulation. If crying seems unusual, is paired with feeding or growth problems, or you're feeling overwhelmed, it's worth checking in with your doctor.

Sources

  • Guideline Colic and crying Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids), 2023

    Advises checking with doctor before natural products; little evidence they help

  • Systematic review Colic in infants PMC / Clinical Evidence systematic review, 2010

    No good RCT evidence found assessing gripe water for colic

  • Expert organisation Infantile Colic StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2023

    Lists gripe water among unproven herbal remedies for colic

  • Guideline FDA traces infant's Cryptosporidium infection to gripe water AAP News, 2007

    Documents a real safety recall linked to contaminated gripe water

  • Guideline Gripe water recall - microbial contamination Health Canada (recalls-rappels.canada.ca), 2023

    Canadian recall example showing quality-control risks with gripe water

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 26, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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