Gas Relief Drops (Simethicone) for Baby
The short answer
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Simethicone drops can be given from birth and are very safe. They may help if your baby swallows air during feeds. Give the drops before or during feeds as directed on the package. While the evidence for effectiveness is not strong, many parents report improvement, and there are no significant side effects.
Gas drops continue to be safe. If your baby seems gassy, you can give simethicone up to 12 times per day as labeled. If gas drops do not seem to help after a few days, the issue may be something other than trapped gas bubbles, such as immature digestive function or food sensitivities.
As babies start solids, new foods may cause increased gas. Simethicone can be used as needed. Position changes (bicycle legs, tummy time) and gentle abdominal massage may be equally or more effective than drops for relieving gas in this age group.
Toddlers rarely need simethicone drops, but they can be used safely if gas is an issue. Dietary causes of gas (beans, broccoli, dairy) are more common in toddlers. Identifying and moderating gas-producing foods may be more effective than drops.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Using simethicone drops as needed for a gassy baby without side effects
- Finding that gas drops help for some feeds but not others
- Gas drops are not helping and your baby remains very uncomfortable with gas
- You are giving gas drops frequently and want to discuss other approaches
- Your baby has persistent gas that seems worse than expected
- Severe abdominal distension with vomiting and refusal to feed
- Your baby is inconsolable and you suspect the pain is more than simple gas
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Digestive Concerns
My Baby Has Excessive Gas
Gas is incredibly common in babies and usually peaks around 6-12 weeks. While it can seem uncomfortable, most babies pass gas 15-20 times per day as their digestive systems mature. Simple techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and proper burping can help, and it typically improves significantly by 3-4 months.
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.
Signs of Trapped Gas in Baby
Common signs of trapped gas in babies include drawing the legs up toward the belly, arching the back, clenching fists, a hard or bloated-feeling tummy, squirming and fussing (especially after feeds), and excessive crying that seems to ease after passing gas or a bowel movement. Gas discomfort is very common and usually harmless but can make your baby quite uncomfortable.
Colic Remedy Drops Effectiveness
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.
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.