Gripe Water & Sodium Bicarbonate for Colicky Babies: Safety & Effectiveness

Question
Hi,

I am a first time father of a 7 week old baby girl.  She was about 5 weeks early, but is doing quite well.  She is 9lbs 8ounces and very healthy except that we think she is a bit colicy.  A friend of mine from work recommended gripe water to us and we have started using Babys Bliss Gripe water with pretty good results.  My wife is a RN and while talking to our pediatrician the other day she became very concerned about using the gripe water because of the sodium bicarbonate in it.

According to the doctor, sodium bicarbonate can cause an imbalance in our babies electrolites which could lead to SERIOUS problems and since gripe water is not FDA approved she recommended NOT using the gripe water anymore.

Could you please explain to me what the sodium bicarbonate is used for and if there is any risk to our baby by using the gripe water.  

Answer
Hello Michael. The Na bicarb acts as a buffering agent to neutralize the stomach acids which MAY be causing the stomach problems, BUT mostly why Gripe Water works for colic is the licorice and alcohol. Try making peppermint tea or licorice tea, cool it off and give a small bit on a spoon. Hope that helps- Cheri.