I Accidentally Gave My Baby Too Much Gas Drops, What Now?

From a Mother of Five: The Day I Accidentally Gave My Baby Too Much Gas Drops

Breathe, fellow parent! As a mother of five, let me assure you that even I’ve had my fair share of “oops” moments. One that particularly comes to mind was the day I accidentally gave my baby too much gas drops. Just as I felt then, it’s understandable that you’re now feeling a tad worried. But before you spiral into a panic, read through my experience and let me equip you with some comforting advice and facts.

My Personal Story

Remember when I mentioned my baby gas drops mishap? My adventurous 3-year-old got his hands on a bottle of gas drops and chugged half of it. The child lock was mysteriously conquered and I found myself panic-stricken. But guess what? Nothing happened to him at all! 

The Basics of Baby Gas Drops

First, it’s key to remember that gas drops are generally harmless for our precious little ones. They are commonly used to alleviate gas and symptoms of colic, and it’s natural for parents like us to rely on them. The recommended dosage is 12 times a day, but if you’re thinking, “Oh dear, I accidentally gave my baby too much gas drops,” don’t hit the panic button just yet.

Why Gas Drops Are Generally Safe

Primarily, gas drops are composed of benign natural ingredients such as ginger and fennel, and they’re not traditional medicines as such. Overdosing your baby on these is usually not cause for alarm. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to play safe and check with a medical professional if you’ve given more than the suggested dose.

The Who’s Who of Gas Drops: Understanding the Ingredients”

Let’s admit it, when our little munchkins are playing host to a gas party, we’re hunting for a knight in shining armor to save the day. And in that hunt, gas drops become our go-to. But before we invite them to the party, let’s get to know them a bit more, shall we? Here’s the who’s who of ingredients found in baby gas drops:

• Simethicone: Think of this ingredient as the party pooper for those troublesome gas bubbles. It’s present in almost all baby gas drops and breaks down those big, burly gas bubbles into smaller, manageable ones. It’s the ultimate peacekeeper, easing gas and bloating, and making it easier for babies to pass gas. The good news? It’s safe for infants and has no known side effects. So, no party fouls here.
• Sorbitol: Here’s the sweet talker of the group. Sorbitol, found in some gas drop brands, is a sweetener that sugar coats the medicine. But beware! This sugar substitute can be the uninvited guest, causing gas and bloating. So, you might want to RSVP ‘No’ to sorbitol-containing drops.
• Glycerin: Consider glycerin the wallflower of the gas drop party. It’s a filler in many liquid medications and usually goes unnoticed. The FDA gives it a thumbs-up for infants, and it’s known for being a safe player with no side effects. Some parents may look for glycerin-free drops, but generally, this ingredient’s just chilling, causing no trouble.
• Artificial flavors and colors: These are the party planners, making gas drops more appealing to infants. But caution! If your baby has any known allergies or sensitivities, these additives might turn from planners to party crashers. It’s best to look for gas drops without these ingredients in such cases.
• Preservatives: These are the ones who know how to extend the party, keeping gas drops usable for longer. They’re generally safe for infants, but some babies might have an allergic reaction. So, if the party gets out of hand, it’s time to consult with your pediatrician.
• Citric acid: Last but not least, citric acid brings a bit of a zing to the party, adding a sour taste to some baby gas drops. It’s also used as a preservative. It’s usually a safe player, but it might cause some babies to experience a bout of stomach irritation.

Here is a table about some commonly used gas drop brands and their key ingredients.

Connect With Poison Control for Reassurance

If you can’t get a hold of your pediatrician instantly, the poison control center is your go-to source for immediate guidance. Dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach out to them. I’ve done so in the past, and their helpful, friendly team was a lifesaver during my own “oops” moments.

The Nitty Gritty: Potential Side Effects of Gas Drops in Infants”

Gas drops are usually our go-to lifesavers when our little ones have a gas party in their tummies. But, like any other solution, they come with their bag of tricks. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of potential side effects that gas drops may cause in infants, although they’re as rare as my kiddos voluntarily cleaning their rooms.

First, there’s the classic mild side effects. They include headaches and an upset tummy, or on a less rosy day, diarrhea or constipation. If your munchkin is having a hard time pooping, it’s time for a chat with your pediatrician. You see, gas drops are like that too eager guest at the party; they sometimes overstay their welcome and lead to constipation.

Next, we’ve got the big bad wolf of side effects, the dreaded allergic reaction, mainly to the active ingredient simethicone. This wolf comes howling with symptoms like skin rashes, itching, hives, or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If it gets scarier with difficulty breathing or dizziness, it’s time to contact your healthcare provider right away. This isn’t just the regular run-of-the-mill scare; it’s a possible life-threatening situation. So, like in the fairy tale, better safe than sorry.

Now, this isn’t to scare you away from gas drops. They are super effective in calming down a fussy baby. However, one possible consequence you should be aware of is vitamin B12 deficiency due to excessive use. It’s like when I’ve had one too many cookies; I don’t have room for the good stuff anymore. And we all know how important vitamin B12 is for the development of our little ones.

Lastly, gas drops might play a trick on your baby’s appetite. Simethicone, the active ingredient, doesn’t give any motivational pep talks to the digestive system. So, your baby may take longer to feel hungry, leading to a decreased appetite. If it’s temporary, it’s no big deal. But if your baby starts going on a food strike, it’s time to ring up your pediatrician.

You know even I accidentally gave my baby too much gas drops; but in the grand scheme of things, these side effects are as rare as a perfectly peaceful day with my five rascals. But as they say, knowledge is power. So, now that you’re armed with the lowdown on gas drops, you can make informed decisions, even when you’ve “accidentally given your baby too much gas drops.”

FAQs

❖ What are gas drops used for in babies?

Gas drops are a popular remedy used to alleviate discomfort and fussiness in babies caused by gas. They work by breaking down the gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach, making them easier to pass and relieving any associated pain or discomfort.

❖ Are gas drops safe for newborns?

Yes, gas drops are generally considered safe for newborns. The main ingredient, Simethicone, is non-toxic and safe for infants. However, as with any medication, it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician before giving them to your child.

❖ Can I give my baby gas drops after every feeding?

While gas drops are generally safe, they shouldn’t be given after every feeding without a pediatrician’s advice. Overusing gas drops can potentially cause side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation, and could also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in the long term.

❖ Are there any natural alternatives to gas drops?

Yes, there are several natural ways to help relieve a baby’s gas discomfort. This can include massaging the baby’s stomach, bicycling their legs, changing feeding positions, or adjusting the baby’s diet. Breastfeeding mothers might also consider altering their own diets as certain foods can cause gas in babies.

❖ How can I tell if my baby is allergic to gas drops?

If your baby is allergic to an ingredient in the gas drops, they may exhibit symptoms such as a skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. If your baby shows any signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.

❖ Can I give gas drops and gripe water together?

Generally, it is not recommended to give gas drops and gripe water together as they work in different ways to relieve gas. It’s always best to seek advice from your pediatrician on the most effective and safe treatment for your baby’s gas discomfort.

❖ How quickly do gas drops work in infants?

Gas drops usually start working within minutes. They help to break down gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach, making them easier to pass and helping relieve discomfort relatively quickly.

❖ Can gas drops cause constipation in babies?

While rare, gas drops can potentially cause constipation in babies. If your baby is experiencing constipation after using gas drops, it’s important to contact your pediatrician as it might be due to excessive use of the drops.

❖ What should I do if my baby has an adverse reaction to gas drops?

If your baby has an adverse reaction to gas drops, discontinue use immediately and contact your pediatrician. If the reaction is severe (such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat), seek emergency medical attention.

❖ Can gas drops make my baby’s gas worse?

In rare cases, some ingredients in gas drops like Sorbitol can actually cause gas and bloating. If your baby’s symptoms seem to get worse after using gas drops, stop using them and consult your pediatrician.