Infant gas drops
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- Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Drops. Best for: Infant gas after feeds. See options on Amazon
- Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops. Best for: An alternative simethicone drop. See options on Amazon
- Infants' Mylicon Dye Free Drops. Best for: Parents avoiding added dyes. See options on Amazon
What gas drops do
The Drug Facts labels for Infants' Mylicon and Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops list simethicone as an antigas ingredient used to relieve the discomfort of infant gas, often caused by swallowing air or certain formulas or foods. MedlinePlus's colic self-care page notes that when babies cry they swallow air, which brings more gas and stomach discomfort and more crying, a cycle that is hard to break.
MedlinePlus says simethicone drops are sold without a prescription and may help reduce gas.
Dosing from the labels
| Age | Weight | Dose (20 mg per 0.3 mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants under 2 years | Under 24 pounds | 0.3 mL |
| Children 2 years and over | 24 pounds and over | 0.6 mL |
Both labels say to use weight to choose the dose if possible, otherwise age. Doses may be repeated as needed after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by a physician, and you should not exceed 12 doses a day. Check the strength on your own bottle before dosing, since products can differ.
How to give the drops
- Shake well before each use.
- Use the enclosed syringe only. The Mylicon label says not to use any other syringe, dropper, spoon or dosing device.
- Fill to the dose line; if you overfill, push the syringe back down to the right level.
- Give slowly into the mouth toward the inner cheek.
- Mixing is allowed. Both labels say the dose can be mixed with 1 ounce of cool water, infant formula or another suitable liquid.
- Clean the syringe after each use and replace the original cap, as Little Remedies directs.
Dye-free and other ingredient differences
The active ingredient and dose are the same across these labels, but the inactive ingredients differ, which matters if your baby has a sensitivity or you want to avoid dyes:
- Infants' Mylicon Original lists dyes D&C Red 22 and D&C Red 28 along with natural flavors, sorbitol and xanthan gum.
- Infants' Mylicon Dye Free lists the same base without the red dyes.
- Little Remedies lists benzoic acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, natural strawberry flavor, sorbitol and xanthan gum.
Compare the inactive ingredient list on the box with any ingredients your baby's provider has told you to avoid. The Mylicon labels describe the drops as non-staining.
Is it colic?
MedlinePlus says a baby who cries for longer than 3 hours a day might have colic, which is not caused by another medical problem. It usually starts around 3 weeks of age, worsens between 4 and 6 weeks, and most babies improve after 6 weeks. Possible causes include pain from gas, hunger, overfeeding, sensitivity to proteins in breast milk or formula, and sensitivity to stimuli; often the exact cause is unknown. A provider should rule out problems such as reflux, a hernia or intussusception.
Soothing a gassy baby
- Hold upright. MedlinePlus says an upright position helps a baby pass gas and reduces heartburn.
- Rock gently, which calms babies and can help them pass gas.
- Swaddle snugly in a blanket, and hold your baby close.
- Feeding pace. MedlinePlus says bottle feeding should take about 20 minutes; if your baby eats faster, use a nipple with a smaller hole.
- Formula questions. Talk to your baby's provider before switching formulas.
Storage and safety
Both labels say to store the drops at room temperature, 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), and not to freeze them. Do not use Mylicon if the printed seal under the cap is broken or missing. Keep the bottle out of reach of children; the Mylicon label says that in case of overdose, get medical help or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, and that quick medical attention is critical even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms. Check the lot number and expiration date before use. For other baby care, see our infant vitamin D drops guide and infant probiotic drops guide.
What to look for when you buy
Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Drops
Best for: Infant gas after feeds
Its label lists simethicone 20 mg per 0.3 mL with a weight-based dosing chart.
Watch out: Use only the enclosed syringe; max 12 doses a day.
See options on AmazonLittle Remedies Gas Relief Drops
Best for: An alternative simethicone drop
Its label lists the same 20 mg per 0.3 mL strength and dosing.
Watch out: Clean the syringe after each use.
See options on AmazonInfants' Mylicon Dye Free Drops
Best for: Parents avoiding added dyes
Its label lists simethicone 20 mg per 0.3 mL without the red dyes in the original.
Watch out: Same dose limits; use the enclosed syringe.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How much gas drops can I give my baby?
- Labels list 0.3 mL for babies under 2 years or 24 pounds, up to 12 doses a day.
- Can I mix gas drops with formula?
- Yes. Both labels allow mixing with 1 ounce of cool water, formula or another suitable liquid.
- Do gas drops help colic?
- MedlinePlus says simethicone may help reduce gas, but colic often has no clear cause.
- When should I give gas drops?
- After meals and at bedtime as needed, or as directed by your baby's doctor.
- When should I call the doctor about crying?
- If your baby cries a lot and you cannot calm them, or if you feel you might shake or hurt your baby.
Sources
- Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Original (simethicone) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops (simethicone) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Colic and crying - self-care (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free (simethicone) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine