What does Infacol do? A Guide to Infant Colic and Wind Relief

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

For over 30 years, Infacol has been a popular choice for parents seeking relief for their baby's colic and trapped wind. This orange-flavored oral suspension contains an anti-foaming agent that helps ease the discomfort caused by gas, but what does Infacol do exactly, and how effective is it?

Quick Summary

Infacol uses the active ingredient simeticone to help babies relieve trapped wind and colic. It works by combining small gas bubbles into larger, more easily passed ones. It is given before feeds and is generally considered safe, though its clinical effectiveness is debated.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Infacol's main component is simeticone, an anti-foaming agent that acts locally in the gut.
Gas Bubble Coalescence: It works by helping small, trapped gas bubbles join into larger bubbles that are easier for a baby to pass as burps or wind.
Safe, Non-Absorbed Formula: Simeticone is not absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning it stays in the digestive system and is generally very safe for infants.
Administration Timing: For best results, Infacol should generally be given before each feed to mix with the milk and start working immediately.
Effectiveness Debate: While widely used, scientific evidence is contradictory, with some studies showing little difference from a placebo, though many parents report positive anecdotal results.
Part of a Broader Strategy: Infacol can be a useful tool when used in combination with other practical tips for managing wind, such as good feeding positions and burping techniques.

What does Infacol do? Understanding the Mechanism

Infacol is an oral suspension containing the active ingredient simeticone, a type of anti-foaming agent known as a surfactant. In simple terms, this medication acts locally in the gut to reduce the surface tension of gas bubbles trapped in a baby's stomach and intestines. This causes the smaller, harder-to-pass bubbles to join together, forming larger gas bubbles that are easier for the baby to expel through burping or passing wind.

Unlike many medications, simeticone is not absorbed into the baby's bloodstream. Instead, it remains within the gastrointestinal tract, acting directly on the gas before being safely eliminated from the body. This makes it a very low-risk treatment for infants, with potential side effects being extremely rare.

How to Administer Infacol

Proper administration is key to ensuring the medication is given effectively. Infacol comes with a convenient, integrated dropper that makes dosing straightforward. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the product packaging regarding the amount to give and how often.

Shake well: Before each use, gently shake the bottle of Infacol to ensure the solution is properly mixed.
Measure the dose: Using the dropper, draw up the amount recommended by your healthcare provider.
Administer before feeding: Give the dose directly onto the back of your baby's tongue just before you begin to feed them. This helps the simeticone mix with the milk and work on the gas bubbles from the very beginning of the feed.
Adjust if necessary: If symptoms persist, consult with a healthcare professional before making any adjustments to the dosage.

Infacol vs. Other Infant Colic Treatments

Many parents wonder how Infacol compares to other common remedies like Gripe Water or lactase drops. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of their key features.


Feature	Infacol (Simeticone)	Gripe Water (e.g., Dill Oil)	Lactase Drops (e.g., Colief)
Active Ingredient	Simeticone	Dill Seed Oil, Sodium Bicarbonate (can vary by brand)	Lactase Enzyme
Mechanism of Action	Reduces surface tension of gas bubbles to help them combine and pass more easily.	Herbal ingredients and antacids help soothe tummy cramps and neutralise stomach acid.	Breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk, which some babies have trouble digesting.
Use from	Can be used from birth onwards.	Typically from one month onwards.	Can be used from birth.
Administration	Administered before each feed using the supplied dropper.	Given during or after a feed, often via a spoon.	Added directly to breast milk or formula before feeding.
Effectiveness Evidence	Contradictory evidence. Some studies find it no more effective than placebo, while many parents report positive results.	Limited scientific evidence for effectiveness against colic.	More evidence for effectiveness in cases of temporary lactose intolerance.

The Evidence Behind Infacol

The effectiveness of Infacol and its active ingredient, simeticone, for treating infant colic is a subject of debate within the medical community. While many parents swear by it and report a significant reduction in their baby's distress, several robust scientific reviews have found simeticone to be no more effective than a placebo for treating colic symptoms.

One theory is that the perceived improvement may be due to other factors, such as the parent feeling more in control or the baby simply maturing out of the colicky phase. The sweet, orange flavor may also provide a temporary distraction or calming effect. Nevertheless, because Infacol is generally considered safe and poses very little risk, many healthcare professionals and parents feel it is worthwhile to try, especially as part of a broader strategy for managing colic.

Other Strategies for Managing Wind and Colic

In addition to (or in place of) Infacol, a variety of other methods can help soothe a gassy or colicky baby. Addressing the root causes and finding comfort measures are often the most effective approach.

Proper feeding posture: Ensure your baby is sitting upright during feeding to minimize the amount of air they swallow.
Effective burping: Burp your baby frequently throughout and after each feeding. Experiment with different burping positions to find what works best.
Bottle and teat selection: For formula-fed babies, using slow-flow teats or anti-colic bottles can reduce swallowed air. Different bottle types (vented, angled) are designed to help with this.
Baby massage: A gentle tummy massage can help move trapped gas along the digestive tract. Placing your baby on their back and gently "bicycling" their legs can also help.
Swaddling and gentle rocking: These comfort techniques can be very effective in calming a distressed infant.
Dietary adjustments: If breastfeeding, consider whether specific foods in your diet might be affecting your baby. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods. Always discuss significant dietary changes with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

In summary, what does Infacol do is facilitate the combination of small gas bubbles into larger, easier-to-pass ones through its active ingredient, simeticone. While clinical evidence on its effectiveness for colic is mixed, it remains a safe and popular choice for many parents struggling with infant wind and griping pain. Infacol is not a miracle cure, but it can be a useful tool when combined with other gentle, non-medicinal techniques. Always consult a healthcare professional, like your doctor or pharmacist, for personalized advice if your baby's symptoms are severe or persistent. A reliable resource for further information on infant care can be found on the NHS website.

Note: If your baby is being treated for a thyroid disorder with levothyroxine, consult your doctor before using Infacol, as it may interfere with its absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Infacol has a progressive effect and often works best when used consistently before each feed for several days. Some parents may notice improvements within a few days, while for others it may take longer or show less effect. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.

Combining different colic remedies is not generally recommended without consulting a healthcare professional. Infacol and Gripe Water have different mechanisms of action, and using both may not increase effectiveness and could cause unnecessary stress for the baby. Always seek medical advice before combining treatments.

Yes, Infacol can be used from birth onwards according to manufacturer guidelines and healthcare professional advice. Its active ingredient, simeticone, is not absorbed into the body, making it a very low-risk option for newborns.

If your baby's symptoms do not improve after using Infacol as directed, consult a doctor or health visitor for advice on other potential causes or remedies for your baby's distress. Do not exceed the recommended dose without professional guidance.

Side effects are very rare because the active ingredient simeticone is not absorbed by the body. However, in rare cases, delayed allergic reactions can occur. Signs to watch for include skin rashes, swelling around the mouth, or vomiting. If you observe any of these, stop use and seek immediate medical attention.

Some parents report that the orange flavor in Infacol can exacerbate symptoms in babies with reflux. If you notice this, it may be worth discussing alternative remedies with a healthcare provider.

Infacol is most effective when given directly onto the back of the baby's tongue just before a feed. It is designed to be administered this way, and mixing it with milk is not the recommended method. Always follow the administration instructions provided.