Parenting

Colic Relief – A Natural Alternative

As you may have heard, the popular gas-relief drops from Mylicon have been recalled in November 2008. If you are currently dealing with a colicky baby, Wellements has a natural, safe alternative for you. Wellements Gripe Water is an organic formula of ginger, fennel and chamomile that provides relief to babies with Colic. Each dose offers relief for up to four hours and it is also free of any preservatives such as methylparaben and polyparaben.

As a parent of a toddler that was Colic as an infant, I know that dealing with a Colicky baby can be very stressful. I was constantly worried about my daughter’s discomfort, and on some days I even thought it was me that was causing it. I didn’t know much about Colic at the time, but I took the advice of others and did everything in my power to help. I was a loyal customer of Mylicon drops, and even though they seemed to give her relief, I felt guilty giving her something that had so many chemicals, and so often! Thankfully this all happened a year before the Mylicon recall, but I still wish I had known about this natural alternative back then.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Colic, here is some information from the Wellements site -

Colic is uncontrollable, extended crying in a baby who is otherwise healthy and well-fed. About 20 percent of babies get colic, and it appears at around two to four weeks of age and can last for three months or longer.

The cause is unknown, however most pediatricians report that it is a result of an immature digestive system.

“Having a colicky baby can be very stressful, frustrating and challenging for any parent, particularly if it is the first child. Babies can pick up on this anxiety surrounding them, which can even make colic worse,” said Taheri. “It’s important for parents or caregivers to have a break from this stress. That is why Gripe Water is such an important product to bring to the market. Parents now have a safe choice for relieving their child’s digestive ailments and thus, mitigating the crying.”

If your child is Colic, or you suspect that he/she may be, I urge you to try this organic formula for some relief. I may sound selfish, or foolish rather by saying this, but dealing with a Colicky baby took a lot of the joy away that I expected to have as a first-time mom. My daughter outgrew her Colic the day she turned four months old, and that is a day I will never forget! Unfortunately, I don’t have many memories prior to that. Most of my days were filled with five to six hour crying sessions, from my daughter and myself. I had never felt so nervous in my life! I would have tried just about anything to help her, and if by chance I ever have another child with Colic, I will definitely be looking into these natural alternatives from Wellements.

Here are some facts about Wellements Organic Gripe Water -

CHICAGO(May 6, 2007) – Made from an exclusive recipe of gentle and tasty organic herbs which have been known to soothe stomach pains, colic, abdominal cramps, hiccups, teething and gas pains in babies, Organic Gripe Water by Wellements continues to grow in popularity with mothers and babies alike. Free of alcohol, sodium and sugar, Gripe Water consists of a simple herbal blend of organic ginger, fennel and chamomile flower. It is the only organic cert. and Vegan cert. product on the market today.

Ingredients

Gripe Water contains no chemical preservatives such as methylparaben or polyparaben, harsh additives, artificial colors/flavors or Petroleum-based products. Rather, the all-natural and organic formula is consistent with remedies that pediatricians, nurses and families have passed down from generation to generation. It is an uncomplicated blend of proven natural botanical products manufactured in an easy to dispense concentration for infants.

A small infant dropper is the best way to administer Gripe Water to babies. The four fluid-ounce product, which retails for $10.95, provides an easy-to-use dropper with specific dose instructions. Caregivers simply place the dropper in the back of the baby’s cheek and slowly release the liquid into the baby’s mouth.

Wellements Organic Gripe Water can also be used by adults for relief of gastrointestinal discomfort and can be helpful in soothing symptoms associated with chemotherapy & traveling.

You can purchase Wellements Organic Gripe Water online HERE – $10.95/4fl oz. or you can find it at many retail locations including Walgreens, Whole Foods, Smith’s and more.

For more information on how to recognize Colic and what you can do to to offer relief, please check out this information from Mayo Clinic.

Posted by Nicole Ibarrondo, former editor here at Mom Fuse

Related posts:

1. Make Your Own Natural Baby Products
2. Natural Ways to Treat Diaper Rash
3. Recall: Infants’ Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free Drops