Understanding the Purpose: What is the purpose of colic syrup?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Infant colic is a common condition affecting up to 25% of babies, marked by frequent, intense, and prolonged crying. For many parents seeking relief, the primary purpose of colic syrup is to soothe and alleviate the gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort associated with this distressing phase. While the exact cause of colic remains elusive, these over-the-counter remedies target gastrointestinal symptoms that can contribute to fussiness.

Quick Summary

Colic syrup is a medication used to relieve gastrointestinal discomforts in infants and children, such as flatulence, bloating, and gripping pain. It employs ingredients like simethicone to break down gas bubbles and herbal oils to calm intestinal spasms. Although not a cure for colic, it offers symptomatic relief for many infants.

Key Points

Symptom Relief: The primary purpose of colic syrup is to alleviate gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort in infants and children.
Targets Gas Bubbles: Simethicone, a key ingredient, works by breaking down trapped gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass.
Soothes Intestinal Spasms: Herbal oils like dill and fennel oil are often included for their antispasmodic properties, which help relax gut muscles and reduce cramping.
Requires Medical Consultation: Always consult a pediatrician before administering colic syrup to your baby, especially to rule out other medical issues.
Distinguishing Remedies: Colic syrup differs from gripe water, which is an herbal supplement not regulated by the FDA, while simethicone-based syrups are considered a medical treatment.
Mixed Efficacy for Colic: While effective for gas relief, clinical evidence is mixed on whether simethicone-based remedies are effective for the underlying cause of colic itself, which may involve factors beyond gas.
Safe Administration: Proper administration involves following dosage instructions precisely, using the provided dropper, and can be given before or during feedings.

Deciphering Infantile Colic and Its Causes

Before exploring the purpose of colic syrup, it is helpful to understand the condition it is designed to treat. Infantile colic is defined by the 'Rule of Threes': when an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for at least three weeks. The precise cause of colic is not fully understood, but leading theories point to a combination of factors, including:

An immature digestive system
Trapped gas or indigestion
Sensitivity to certain proteins in formula or breast milk
Overstimulation or an inability to self-soothe

While some may assume that gas is the sole culprit, the intense crying can actually lead to the baby swallowing more air, exacerbating the gas and creating a cycle of discomfort. This is where symptomatic relief, such as that offered by colic syrup, comes into play, even if it doesn't address the root cause of the colic itself.

The Multifaceted Action of Colic Syrup Ingredients

Most modern colic syrups are not just one single medicine but a combination of active ingredients designed to tackle different aspects of digestive upset. The most common formulations include simethicone, often paired with herbal components like dill and fennel oil.

The Role of Simethicone: The Anti-Foaming Agent

Simethicone is a non-systemic anti-foaming agent, meaning it acts locally in the stomach and intestines without being absorbed into the baby's bloodstream. Its primary function is to break down large gas bubbles into smaller, more manageable ones, making them easier for the baby to pass through burping or flatulence. For a fussy baby struggling with trapped gas, this can offer quick relief from pressure and bloating. However, clinical studies on simethicone's effectiveness specifically for treating overall colic (not just gas) have yielded mixed results, with some showing it performs no better than a placebo. Despite this, many pediatricians and parents still use and trust it for symptomatic gas relief.

The Herbal Touch: Dill and Fennel Oils

Many colic syrups also incorporate herbal extracts known for their carminative and antispasmodic properties. Dill oil and fennel oil are traditional remedies that help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can ease intestinal spasms and cramps. By increasing intestinal motility, these oils assist in pushing food and gas through the digestive system more smoothly. For centuries, these botanicals have been used to soothe digestive issues, and their inclusion in modern syrups aims to provide a calming effect on a distressed tummy. It's important to note, however, that while a recent study showed fennel oil emulsion to be more effective than a placebo in reducing crying time for colicky infants, strong scientific evidence for many herbal remedies is still lacking.

Colic Relief: Comparing Different Remedies

When faced with a colicky infant, parents may be offered a variety of remedies. Understanding the difference between them is crucial.


Feature	Colic Syrup (Simethicone-based)	Gripe Water (Herbal)	Probiotic Drops
Primary Mechanism	Anti-foaming agent breaks up gas bubbles for easier expulsion.	Herbal blend (fennel, ginger) with antispasmodic properties to soothe the stomach.	Introduces beneficial bacteria to balance the gut microbiome.
Key Ingredients	Simethicone, often with dill and fennel oils.	Herbal extracts (ginger, fennel) and sometimes sodium bicarbonate.	Specific bacterial strains, like Lactobacillus reuteri.
Efficacy	Effective for relieving gas, but mixed evidence for treating overall colic.	Varied efficacy; some studies show mixed results or attribute effect to sugar content.	Some studies show reduced crying times in certain colicky babies.
Safety	Generally considered safe and not absorbed by the body. Always consult a pediatrician.	Modern formulas are alcohol-free, but as a supplement, it is not FDA-regulated.	Considered safe for infants, but consult a doctor for a recommended strain.
FDA Regulation	FDA-regulated as an over-the-counter medication.	Not regulated by the FDA as a food or medicine.	Regulated as a dietary supplement; efficacy and safety depend on the specific strain.

Safety Considerations and Expert Recommendations

While colic syrups are generally safe, proper usage and expert consultation are essential. Parents should always read and follow the dosage instructions on the product label and seek advice from a pediatrician before administering any medication to an infant.

Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this will not increase effectiveness and can cause side effects.
Be aware of potential side effects, which can include bloating, diarrhea, or constipation in some cases.
Check for allergies to any ingredients, especially in herbal remedies.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if the baby shows other signs of illness such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

For more information on infant colic and calming techniques, refer to resources like the NHS website on colic.

How to Safely Administer Colic Syrup

Administering colic syrup correctly can maximize its potential benefits and ensure the baby’s safety. Here are some steps to follow:

Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the active ingredients are properly mixed.
Use the provided measuring device, such as a dropper or oral dispenser, for accurate dosing.
Dispense the drops slowly into the baby's mouth, between the cheek and gums, or mix them into a small amount of breast milk or formula.
Administer the syrup around feeding time, either before, during, or after, depending on the baby's feeding schedule.
Clean the dispenser thoroughly after each use and store it in a cool, dry place as instructed.

Conclusion

The purpose of colic syrup is to provide symptomatic relief for the gas, bloating, and cramps often associated with infant colic. By utilizing a combination of ingredients like the anti-foaming agent simethicone and traditional herbal oils, it aims to make digestive distress more manageable for fussy babies. While it is not a definitive cure for colic, many parents find it to be a helpful tool in their arsenal of soothing techniques. Given the varied effectiveness of some ingredients, particularly for overall colic, and the importance of ensuring a baby's safety, it is always best to consult with a pediatrician before starting any new medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, colic syrup does not cure colic, but it helps manage the symptoms of gas and abdominal discomfort associated with it. Colic is a temporary phase that babies outgrow, and these syrups provide symptomatic relief in the meantime.

No, they are different products. Colic syrup often contains simethicone, a medicine that breaks down gas bubbles. Gripe water is an herbal supplement typically containing ingredients like ginger and fennel and is not regulated by the FDA.

Simethicone-based colic syrups often start to work within about 30 minutes, helping to break down gas bubbles for easier passage. For persistent colic symptoms, it may take a few days of consistent use to see the full effect.

Yes, many simethicone-based colic drops are considered safe for newborns and are often pediatrician-recommended. However, you should always consult with your baby's doctor before starting any medication, especially in the first few weeks of life.

Colic syrup is generally well-tolerated, but some infants may experience mild side effects, including bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea.

You should call a doctor if your baby's crying is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, forceful vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, or if the baby's behavior changes suddenly. It is also recommended to check in with a healthcare provider if you are worried or feeling overwhelmed.

If colic syrup does not provide relief, it's important to consult your pediatrician. The cause of your baby's fussiness may be unrelated to gas. Your doctor can recommend alternative calming strategies or rule out other potential issues.