Gas Relief Drops (Simethicone) for Baby
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Using simethicone drops as needed for a gassy baby without side effects
- Call your doctor if: Severe abdominal distension with vomiting and refusal to feed
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-3 months, 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. It is generally considered normal when using simethicone drops as needed for a gassy baby without side effects. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if severe abdominal distension with vomiting and refusal to feed.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
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.
3-6 months
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.
6-12 months
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.
12-24 months
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gas drops are not helping and your baby remains very uncomfortable with gas.
- Mention if you are giving gas drops frequently and want to discuss other approaches.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that using simethicone drops as needed for a gassy baby without side effects — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if severe abdominal distension with vomiting and refusal to feed.
Related Conditions
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.
Related Resources
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
Medicine Dosage Calculator
Calculate correct Tylenol and Motrin doses by your baby's weight.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby normal?
When should I call the doctor about gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby?
When is gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby normal?
What causes gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby?
Is gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby normal at 0-3 months?
Is gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby?
Does gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Gas Relief Drops (Simethicone) for Baby.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gas drops are not helping and your baby remains very uncomfortable with gas.
- Mention if you are giving gas drops frequently and want to discuss other approaches.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Severe abdominal distension with vomiting and refusal to feed
- Your baby is inconsolable and you suspect the pain is more than simple gas
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of gas relief drops (simethicone) for baby are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if severe abdominal distension with vomiting and refusal to feed.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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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.