Name: DIY Gripe Water for Babies
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers (or 1 chamomile tea bag); 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon dried ginger powder)

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Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN

Ditch store products and learn how to make homemade gripe water to help soothe colicky babies and ease digestive issues.

Colic can be one of the most stressful and exhausting challenges for new parents. When your baby is crying for hours, pulling their legs up, or struggling with gas and discomfort, it can feel like absolutely nothing will soothe them.

As a mother who has gone through this more than a few times, I turn to gripe water in the immediate then follow up with a strict elimination diet to see if what I’m eating is causing any issues with the baby.

What Is Gripe Water?

Gripe water is a traditional home remedy that supports digestion and eases belly troubles in babies who have difficulty with gas and colic.

Store-bought versions are available but often contain preservatives, added sugar, or other ingredients that I consider to be unnecessary like sodium benzoate and citric acid.

The good news is that you can make a safe, natural DIY gripe water at home. This gripe water uses simple, plain ingredients that help relieve gas and colic. It’s very easy to make and is very effective at providing comfort and relief.

Why Make Your Own Gripe Water?

Gripe water has been used for centuries to help with colic, gas, hiccups, and indigestion in babies.

Traditional versions are made with herbs that support the digestive system like fennel, ginger, and chamomile which naturally help relax the stomach muscles and ease pain.

Making your own gripe water gives you full control over the ingredients and ensures that it’s free from unwanted chemicals while still being effective.

How to Make Gripe Water for Babies

This homemade gripe water is made with three gentle herbs that are safe for babies:

Fennel: Helps relieve gas and bloating by relaxing the digestive tract.
Chamomile: Soothes belly discomfort and promotes relaxation.
Ginger: Reduces nausea, colic symptoms, and supports digestion.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers (or 1 chamomile tea bag)
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon dried ginger powder)

Instructions:

Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil.

Slightly crush the fennel seeds with either a mortar & pestle or the bottom of a glass.

Add the chamomile, fennel, and ginger to a mug (either directly or with a tea infuser).

Pour hot water over the herbs, and let steep until completely cool.

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all herb particles. If you use a tea infuser, this is a lot easier. The metal mesh ones I use are about $7 online and worth every penny.

Pour gripe water into a clean glass jar or dropper bottle that has been boiled to sterilize. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Use:

Gripe water can be given using a small dropper, syringe, or bottle. It depends on what they’re already used to. Anything familiar to them is more likely to be successful.

If your baby doesn’t like the taste, mix the gripe water with a small amount of breast milk or formula to disguise it.

Babies 0–3 months: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) before or after feeding.

Babies 3–6 months: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) as needed to help relieve gas and bloating.

Babies 6+ months: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) as needed to help relieve gas and bloating.

Maximum amount for any age is 4 doses per day, and always watch for signs of allergies or sensitivities.

Other Natural Ways to Help Colic & Gas

Even though gripe water is a great natural remedy, babies usually need extra help to relieve painful gas that has become trapped.

Putting my nurse hat on, here are a few things to do in addition to the gripe water.

1. Bicycle Legs to Release Gas

Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycle motion – knees up to the chest and back down. This helps relieve trapped gas and encourages digestion.

2. Warm Belly Massage

Using a drop of coconut oil or olive oil, gently rub your baby’s belly in a clockwise direction to stimulate digestion and ease bloating. Start in the center with small circles and gradually make them bigger until you cover the whole belly.

3. Warm Bath

We call these “spa time” baths because there’s no scrubbing or cleaning involved. Wrap your baby in a muslin cloth in seated upright in a baby bath – do not do this in a large bathtub. Let them sit in the warm water for 15-20 minutes, or until they begin to release the gas.

4. Wear Your Baby

I encourage this as much as possible within the first 4 months regardless – reducing colic is just another one of the many benefits of babywearing. Wearing your baby in a soft carrier or sling keeps them upright and eases colic symptoms by putting gentle pressure on their belly.

Is Gripe Water Safe for Newborns?

Store-bought gripe waters are not recommended for newborns, but this homemade version is safe when given in very small amounts.

Colic relief methods like warm baths and gentle bouncing are the best first steps before introducing herbal remedies like gripe water.

If your baby is under 1 month, check with your pediatrician if it makes you feel more comfortable but I use it on my babies just fine.

When to See a Doctor for Colic or Gas

If your baby is crying for more than 3 hours a day, experiencing severe bloating, or seems inconsolable despite trying everything under the sun, talk to your pediatrician.

Call Your Doctor or Bring Your Baby to the E.R. for Evaluation If:

Isn’t gaining weight or is refusing to eat
Is under 4 months and has a temperature 100.4°F or above
Shows signs of severe discomfort or distress
Has vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in the stool

Occasional fussiness and gas are normal, but persistent digestive issues may indicate food sensitivities, reflux, or other underlying concerns.

Save It For Later!

Always monitor your child’s symptoms and trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, or if you simply feel that something isn’t right, do not hesitate to bring them into the doctor or ER for medical evaluation. Nurses and doctors are always the happiest when we can send home a healthy child within a few hours.

This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance.

DIY Gripe Water for Babies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ditch store products and learn how to make homemade gripe water to help soothe colicky babies and ease digestive issues.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers (or 1 chamomile tea bag)
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon dried ginger powder)

Instructions

Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil.
Slightly crush the fennel seeds with either a mortar & pestle or the bottom of a glass.
Add the chamomile, fennel, and ginger to a mug (either directly or with a tea infuser).
Pour hot water over the herbs, and let steep until completely cool.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all herb particles. If you use a tea infuser, this is a lot easier. The metal mesh ones I use are about $7 online and worth every penny.
Pour the gripe water into a clean glass jar or dropper bottle that has been boiled to sterilize.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Gripe water can be given using a small dropper, syringe, or bottle. It depends on what they're already used to. Anything familiar to them is more likely to be successful.