Baby Colic Drops: Best Options & How to Give

A newborn coming into your family is a beautiful experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most stressful experiences for any new parent is dealing with infant colic. If you are pacing the floor late at night, bouncing a perfectly healthy but endlessly crying infant, you are not alone. In moments of pure exhaustion, a common question parents desperately ask is: how many times can I give my baby the colic drops? Finding the right baby colic drops can feel like searching for a miracle in a tiny bottle. With so many products on the pharmacy shelves ranging from gas-reducing medicines to natural probiotics it can be overwhelming to know which one is best, how they work, and exactly how safely you can use them. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the best options available, provide step-by-step instructions on how to administer them, and answer all your questions about safe dosages.

Before reaching for the medicine cabinet, it is helpful to understand what colic actually is. Colic is not a disease; rather, it is a term used to describe prolonged, intense, and unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. Pediatricians often refer to the "Rule of Three" to diagnose colic:

The Rule of Three

1. Crying for more than three hours a day.
2. Happening for more than three days a week.
3. Lasting for more than three weeks.

While the exact cause of colic remains a medical mystery, experts believe it may be linked to a developing digestive system, swallowing too much air during feeding, food sensitivities, or an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Because gas and digestion seem to play a major role, liquid drops have become a go-to remedy for infant relief.

Not all drops are created equal. The most effective option for your little one will depend on what is causing their discomfort. Before purchasing any baby colic drops, it is highly recommended to consult your paediatrician. Here is a breakdown of the safest and most common options recommended by healthcare professionals:

1. Simethicone Drops (Gas Relief)

Simethicone is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter infant gas drops. It works by breaking up large gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines into smaller, more manageable bubbles that your infant can easily burp or pass. Because simethicone is not absorbed into the bloodstream and works strictly in the gut, it is considered very safe for newborns.

2. Probiotic Drops

Recent studies suggest that colicky babies may have an imbalance of gut bacteria. Probiotic drops, specifically those containing the strain Lactobacillus reuteri, help introduce healthy bacteria into your infant’s digestive tract. While simethicone offers immediate relief for gas, probiotics are a long-term strategy. They usually take a week or two of daily use to show a reduction in crying times.

3. Lactase Enzyme Drops

Sometimes, infant fussiness is caused by a temporary inability to digest lactose, the primary sugar found in breast milk and cow's milk-based formulas. Lactase enzyme drops can be added directly to formula or given just before a breastfeed to help break down these sugars, reducing gas, bloating, and discomfort.

4. Gripe Water (Use with Caution)

Gripe water is a traditional herbal remedy often containing chamomile, fennel, ginger, or dill. While popular, it is technically a supplement rather than a regulated medication. If you choose to use gripe water, check the ingredients carefully. Ensure it is completely free of alcohol, artificial flavours, and excess sugar. Always verify with your doctor before giving herbal supplements to a newborn.

When parents are frantic for a solution, they naturally want to know: how many times can i give my baby colic drops safely? The answer depends entirely on the active ingredient in the bottle. Always read the packaging and follow your paediatrician’s guidance, but here are the general medical guidelines:

Dosing for Simethicone

Because simethicone passes through the baby's system without being absorbed, it can be given quite frequently. For most standard over-the-counter simethicone formulas (typically 20 mg per dose):

1. You can give the drops up to 12 times a day.
2. It is generally recommended to give the drops after meals and at bedtime.
3. Never exceed the maximum daily limit listed on the specific brand's packaging.

Dosing for Probiotics

Probiotics work differently from gas drops. Because you are seeding the gut with live bacteria, more is not necessarily better.

1. Probiotics are typically given just once a day.
2. A standard dose is usually 5 drops, administered at the same time each day.
3. Do not give extra doses if the baby is fussy, as it will not provide immediate relief.

Dosing for Lactase Enzymes

Lactase drops are designed to help with the digestion of milk sugars.

1. These are usually given with every feed.
2. Depending on the brand, you may give a few drops right before breastfeeding or mix them into a prepared bottle of formula.

Administering liquid medicine to a squirming, crying infant can be tricky. Follow these steps to ensure your little one gets the right dose safely and comfortably:

Proper Administration Steps

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start with clean hands to prevent introducing germs.
2. Shake Well: Liquid suspensions, especially probiotics and simethicone, need to be shaken vigorously so the active ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Measure Accurately: Use only the dropper or syringe provided in the package. Never use a regular kitchen spoon, as this can lead to accidental overdosing.
4. Position Your Infant: Hold your infant in a semi-upright position (about a 45-degree angle). Never squirt liquids directly into a baby’s throat while they are lying flat on their back, as this can cause choking.
5. Target the Cheek Pouch: Gently insert the syringe or dropper into the baby’s mouth and aim it toward the inside of their cheek. Slowly push the plunger, giving them time to swallow the liquid naturally.
6. Clean the Dropper: Wash the syringe or dropper with warm, soapy water after each use and let it air dry.

While waiting for drops to take effect, or if you want to use a holistic approach, there are several proven methods to help calm a fussy infant. Pediatricians often recommend the "5 S's" developed by child development experts:

The 5 S’s Technique

1. Swaddling: Wrapping your infant snugly in a blanket mimics the tight, secure feeling of the womb.
2. Side or Stomach Position: While babies must always be placed on their backs to sleep, holding a fussy infant on their side or stomach across your forearm (the "colic carry") can relieve stomach pressure.
3. Shushing: Creating a continuous "shhhh" sound or using a white noise machine mimics the loud rushing noises they heard in the womb.
4. Swinging: Rhythmic, gentle movements like rocking in a chair, bouncing on a yoga ball, or going for a car ride can be highly soothing.
5. Sucking: Offering a pacifier can trigger an infant's calming reflex, which instantly lowers their heart rate and relaxes their stomach.

Additionally, you can try giving your infant a warm bath or gently doing "bicycle legs" (pushing their knees softly toward their tummy) to help them physically push out trapped gas.

When you are sleep-deprived, it is easy to make mistakes. Here are a few things to avoid when treating infant gas and fussiness:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Do not change formulas constantly: Switching formulas too often can actually cause more stomach upset. If you suspect a milk allergy, consult a doctor before making a switch.
2. Avoid unverified remedies: Stick to products regulated and approved for infant use. Star anise tea and unregulated herbal mixtures can be toxic to babies.
3. Never shake a baby: If the crying becomes completely overwhelming, it is 100% okay to place the baby safely in their crib and step out of the room for five minutes to take deep breaths and calm your own nervous system.

It is important to remember that not all crying is colic. Sometimes, crying is a symptom of an underlying medical issue that requires professional attention. You should contact your paediatrician immediately if your infant:

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

1. Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (especially if they are under 3 months old).
2. Is vomiting forcefully (projectile vomiting) rather than just standard spit-up.
3. Has blood or mucus in their stool.
4. Is refusing to eat or is having fewer wet diapers than normal.
   Seems unusually lethargic or has a weak, high-pitched cry.

Caring for a colicky baby can be emotionally and physically exhausting, but it is important to remember that colic is temporary and very common during the early months of life. Baby colic drops can provide helpful relief, especially when gas or digestive discomfort is the main cause of your infant’s crying. Understanding the different types of drops, such as simethicone, probiotics, and lactase enzymes, can help you choose the option that best suits your baby’s needs. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult your paediatrician before starting any new remedy. Along with using colic drops, simple soothing techniques like gentle rocking, swaddling, and tummy massages can make a big difference in calming your baby. With patience, proper care, and the right support, most babies gradually outgrow colic by the time they reach three to four months of age.