Colic Remedy Drops Effectiveness
The short answer
Most over-the-counter colic drops and remedies have limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Simethicone has some safety data but mixed efficacy evidence. Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics have the strongest evidence for breastfed babies with colic. The most important thing to know is that colic resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months regardless of treatment.
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By Age
What to expect by age
This is the peak age for colic. Evidence-based options include: Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics for breastfed infants, simethicone drops (safe but unproven), and comfort measures like swaddling, white noise, and motion. Avoid products containing alcohol, herbs with unknown safety profiles, or homeopathic remedies with no evidence base.
Colic typically resolves by 3 to 4 months. If excessive crying persists beyond 4 months, it may not be colic and deserves evaluation for other causes like reflux, food allergy, or other medical conditions. Do not continue using colic drops beyond when they are needed.
Colic should be resolved by this age. If your baby continues to be excessively fussy, discuss with your pediatrician. Persistent crying beyond the colic period is not normal and warrants investigation.
Colic drops are not appropriate for toddlers. If your toddler has abdominal discomfort, the cause should be identified rather than treated with over-the-counter drops.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Trying safe, evidence-based approaches like probiotics or simethicone under your pediatrician's guidance
- Colic resolving on its own by 3 to 4 months regardless of treatment
- You want to discuss which colic remedies have the best evidence
- Your baby has colic and you need support and guidance
- Nothing seems to help your baby's crying and you are struggling
- Your baby's crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or other concerning symptoms
- You are feeling overwhelmed or at risk of harming your baby due to the crying
- Your baby had a reaction to a colic remedy product
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Digestive Concerns
Gas Relief Drops (Simethicone) for Baby
Simethicone gas drops (brand names Mylicon, Little Remedies Gas Relief) are safe for babies and work by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach, making them easier to pass. They are not absorbed into the body. While they are very safe, research shows mixed evidence on whether they significantly reduce gas symptoms compared to placebo. They are worth trying but do not work for all babies.
Gripe Water Safety Concerns
Gripe water is an over-the-counter supplement, not an FDA-regulated medication, and its safety and effectiveness are not well-established. Ingredients vary by brand and may include sodium bicarbonate, fennel, ginger, or other herbal ingredients. The AAP does not recommend gripe water because it is not regulated, may contain harmful ingredients, and has no proven benefit over placebo.
Probiotic Evidence for Babies
Evidence for probiotics in babies varies by condition. Lactobacillus reuteri has the strongest evidence for reducing colic in breastfed infants. Saccharomyces boulardii can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. For general "gut health," evidence is limited. Probiotics are generally safe for healthy term infants but should be discussed with your pediatrician before starting.
Gas Pain vs Colic in Baby
Gas pain causes intermittent crying and discomfort that resolves when gas is passed. Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy baby. While trapped gas may contribute to some colic episodes, colic is a broader condition with multiple suspected causes including gut immaturity, overstimulation, and developing nervous system regulation.
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.