Homemade Gripe Water

Simon, the newest addition to the family has been an amazing blessing. He laughs, he's silly, he's so much fun to watch play around ... but lately, he's been getting more and more uncomfortable. I have tried quite a few changes to help him along from changing my diet, his eating habits, holding him upright longer after he feeds, etc. All things have helped little by little, but usually just for a short while. Sometimes he gets in such a crazy tizzy that he can't seem to calm himself enough to eat or sleep when that's all he really wants to do.

Gripe water has been a big game changer for us. When he's having a little fit and needs to settle down, a little gripe water in his belly instantly calms him. It's seriously amazing! I bought a bottle at the store when I was in desperate need, trying anything to help his discomfort. I wasn't looking at price tags, I was just trying to find a light at the end of the tunnel. Since it was helping so much, we went through the bottle pretty quickly.

I went back to the store to get another bottle just to realize that the bottle of miracle juice was $10! I knew it is worth its weight in gold, but I also knew that the best things in life are homemade. So, I set down the bottle and went home to do some research.

There are a lot of different recipes out there. I checked what each herb did and thought if it was important for Simon's symptoms. He's more gassy and not that much of a spitter so I wanted to go with ingredients that were super calming to his belly.

Chamomile: Helps calm your baby. Promotes relaxation and sleep

Ginger: Calms bellies and helps relieve nausea.

Fennel: Helps settle their tummies and stimulates appetite. Helps get rid of gas and bloating.

Dill: Helps settle their tummies and stimulates appetite.

Cinnamon: Helps digestion.

For us, the gripe water has not been a cure all, but it does help him when he needs to eat and sleep. I am still trying different experiments with foods that I eat to see if there are more ways to calm him down. Another savior for us has been a weekly trip to the chiropractor. Every baby is different and what works for one doesn't always work for another. Keep your spirits up and keep on keeping on! Eventually, your baby will be comfortable!

Homemade Gripe Water

Makes 1 cup

1 c water
1 chamomile tea bag
1 ginger tea bag
1 t fennel seed
1 t dill seed
1/2 t vegetable glycerin (or another sweetener, just NEVER honey for infants!)
1/8 t ground cinnamon

Heat water in a pot. Once it is just getting ready to boil take it off. Put your loose spices on a tea ball or tea bag. Add all of your ingredients to the hot water and let steep for 8 minutes.

Once it is cooled, let your little one try it out.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon / 5 mL

Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two week.s