Research: Supplements & Traditional Remedies for Breastfed Infants (0-3 Months) Worldwide

Generated: 2026-03-03 Status: Complete

TL;DR For exclusively breastfed infants 0-3 months, only two supplements have strong evidence: Vitamin D drops (400 IU/day, universally recommended worldwide) and L. reuteri probiotics (BioGaia brand, specifically for colicky breastfed infants — Grade A evidence). Simethicone (gas drops/Mylicon) is safe but no better than placebo in RCTs. Gripe water has zero clinical evidence and safety concerns. Fennel (saunf) has one promising RCT but safety concerns limit its use in infants. Hing (asafoetida) has pharmacological rationale as an antispasmodic but zero clinical trials in infants and carries a risk of methemoglobinemia — use topically with caution only. The single most effective intervention parents report for “colic” is eliminating dairy/soy from the mother’s diet (for suspected cow’s milk protein allergy). Most infant gas/fussiness peaks at 6-8 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months as the gut matures.

Research Findings

Source: PubMed

Fennel (Saunf) - Foeniculum vulgare

Mechanism of action: Fennel contains anethole, fenchone, and estragole. Anethole has antispasmodic properties that reduce intestinal smooth muscle spasms and promote motility of the small intestine, potentially relieving gas and colic symptoms.

Evidence summary:

• Alexandrovich et al. (2003) [PMID 12868253] — RCT, n=125 infants aged 2-12 weeks. Fennel seed oil emulsion vs placebo. Colic elimination (crying <9 hrs/week) in 65% of treatment group vs 23.7% placebo (P<0.01). ARR=41%, NNT=2. No adverse effects reported during trial.
• Perry et al. (2011) systematic review identified fennel as one of the more promising herbal interventions for colic, though noted the limited number of trials.
• Cabanillas-Barea et al. (2020) systematic review and meta-analysis of CAM for infantile colic concluded that while some herbal remedies showed promise, overall evidence remained insufficient to recommend routine use.

Evidence grade: B (single moderate-quality RCT with significant effect size, but not replicated in large independent trials)

Safety concerns: Generally considered safe in food-grade amounts. Estragole, a component of fennel oil, is a known hepatocarcinogen in animal models at high doses. The European Medicines Agency advises against concentrated fennel preparations in children under 4 years. Risk of allergic reaction. No standardized pediatric dosing exists.

Asafoetida (Hing) - Ferula assa-foetida

Mechanism of action: Asafoetida contains ferulic acid and sulfur compounds (including disulfides) with demonstrated antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative properties in vitro and animal models. It has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for flatulence, colic, and digestive complaints. The oleo-gum-resin relaxes smooth muscle, potentially reducing intestinal spasms.

Evidence summary:

• Iranshahy & Iranshahi (review) — Comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of asafoetida. Documented traditional use as a carminative and antispasmodic, but noted that clinical evidence in humans, let alone infants, is essentially absent.
• Mahendra & Bisht (review) — Confirmed traditional pharmacological activity including antispasmodic effects, but again no clinical trial data in pediatric populations.
• No RCTs or controlled studies exist examining asafoetida use specifically in infants 0-3 months.

Evidence grade: D (traditional use and pharmacological rationale only; no clinical trials in infants)

Safety concerns: Significant safety concerns for neonates. Asafoetida can cause methemoglobinemia in infants (case reports in literature). Contains coumarins that may affect coagulation. The resin form applied topically to the abdomen (common practice in South Asia) carries risk of contact dermatitis. No established safe dose for infants. The AAP and WHO do not endorse its use in infants.

Probiotics (L. reuteri)

Mechanism of action: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 modulates gut microbiota composition, reduces intestinal inflammation, decreases E. coli and other gas-producing bacteria, and may improve gut motility. Colicky infants have been shown to have altered gut microbiome profiles with lower Lactobacillus counts.

Evidence summary:

• Savino et al. (2007) [PMID 17200238] — RCT, n=83 breastfed colicky infants. L. reuteri (10^8 CFU/day) vs simethicone (60 mg/day) for 28 days. By day 28, median crying time was 51 min/day (probiotic) vs 145 min/day (simethicone). 95% responders in probiotic group vs 7% in simethicone group. No adverse effects. Limitation: not placebo-controlled; mothers avoided cow’s milk (confound).
• Sung et al. (2018) — Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis pooling data from multiple RCTs of L. reuteri DSM 17938 for infant colic. Confirmed efficacy primarily in breastfed infants, with less clear benefit in formula-fed infants.
• Gutierrez-Castellon et al. — Systematic review with network meta-analysis confirmed L. reuteri DSM 17938 as the most effective probiotic strain for infantile colic.
• Multiple subsequent RCTs (Szajewska, Indrio, Chau) have broadly replicated the finding in breastfed infants.

Evidence grade: A (multiple RCTs and meta-analyses consistently showing benefit in breastfed infants; the strongest evidence of any intervention for infant colic)

Safety concerns: Excellent safety profile in term infants. No significant adverse effects reported across trials. The specific strain DSM 17938 is well-studied. Not recommended for immunocompromised or preterm infants without medical supervision. Efficacy less established in formula-fed infants. Product quality varies by manufacturer.

Simethicone (Gas Drops)

Mechanism of action: Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that reduces surface tension of gas bubbles in the GI tract, allowing smaller bubbles to coalesce into larger ones that are more easily expelled. It is not absorbed systemically.

Evidence summary:

• Metcalf et al. (1994) — Double-blind RCT, n=83 infants. Simethicone vs placebo for 7 days. No significant difference between simethicone and placebo in crying duration, number of crying episodes, or parental assessment. This is the most-cited trial demonstrating lack of efficacy.
• Savino et al. (2007) [PMID 17200238] — Used simethicone as comparator to L. reuteri. Only 7% of simethicone-treated infants were classified as responders at day 28.
• Lucassen et al. (Cochrane-style reviews) — Systematic reviews consistently find simethicone no more effective than placebo for infantile colic.
• Cabanillas-Barea et al. (2020) — Meta-analysis confirmed simethicone showed no significant benefit over placebo.

Evidence grade: A (negative) (multiple well-designed RCTs and meta-analyses consistently showing no benefit over placebo)

Safety concerns: Excellent safety profile. Not absorbed systemically. FDA-approved for use in infants. No significant adverse effects. Despite lack of efficacy evidence, it remains one of the most commonly recommended OTC treatments by pediatricians due to its safety and parental desire for “something to try.”

Gripe Water

Mechanism of action: Gripe water formulations vary widely. Traditional formulations contained sodium bicarbonate and dill seed oil; some historically contained alcohol. Modern formulations typically include combinations of sodium bicarbonate, fennel, ginger, chamomile, or other herbal extracts. The proposed mechanism is neutralization of stomach acid and carminative effects from herbal components.

Evidence summary:

• No RCTs exist evaluating gripe water for infant colic or gas.
• Lucassen et al. (systematic reviews) noted the absence of evidence for gripe water in colic management.
• A qualitative study from Punjab, India (Ahuja et al.) documented widespread cultural use of gripe water in neonates as part of traditional perinatal practices, but provided no efficacy data.
• Perry et al. systematic reviews found no controlled evidence supporting gripe water use.

Evidence grade: D (no clinical trial evidence; widespread use based purely on tradition and anecdote)

Safety concerns: Major safety concerns due to lack of standardization. Formulations vary enormously between brands and countries. Historical formulations contained alcohol (up to 9%). Risk of contamination in unregulated products. Sodium bicarbonate may cause metabolic alkalosis. Some formulations have been recalled for contamination (e.g., Cryptosporidium). Introducing non-breastmilk substances to exclusively breastfed infants under 6 months contradicts WHO exclusive breastfeeding guidance. The AAP does not recommend gripe water.

Vitamin D

Mechanism of action: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Breast milk contains insufficient vitamin D (typically 5-80 IU/L) to meet infant requirements of 400 IU/day, making supplementation necessary for exclusively breastfed infants to prevent rickets and vitamin D deficiency.

Evidence summary:

• AAP (2008, reaffirmed) — Recommends 400 IU/day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life for all breastfed and partially breastfed infants.
• Weisberg et al. (2004) — Review of US rickets cases (1986-2003) confirmed exclusively breastfed infants without supplementation are at highest risk, particularly those with darker skin pigmentation or limited sun exposure.
• Yadav et al. — RCT from India comparing 800 IU vs 400 IU/day in breastfed infants. Both doses prevented deficiency; 400 IU was sufficient for most infants.
• Haggerty (review) — Explored maternal high-dose supplementation (6400 IU/day) as alternative to infant supplementation; maternal supplementation can achieve adequate infant levels through breast milk.
• O’Callaghan et al. — Systematic review of alternatives to daily supplementation (intermittent dosing, maternal supplementation).

Evidence grade: A (strong evidence from multiple studies and endorsed by all major pediatric organizations worldwide)

Safety concerns: Vitamin D drops are safe at recommended doses (400 IU/day). Risk of toxicity at very high doses (hypercalcemia). Some formulations contain additives that may cause reactions. Dropper accuracy varies between products; concentrated formulations (400 IU per drop) carry risk of accidental overdose compared to 400 IU per mL formulations. This is the only supplement with universal recommendation for exclusively breastfed infants.

Herbal Combinations (ColiMil etc.)

Mechanism of action: Combination products like ColiMil (Matricaria chamomilla / chamomile, Foeniculum vulgare / fennel, and Melissa officinalis / lemon balm) combine multiple carminative and antispasmodic herbs. Chamomile contains bisabolol and chamazulene with anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant properties. Lemon balm has mild sedative and antispasmodic effects.

Evidence summary:

• Savino et al. (2005) — RCT, n=93 breastfed colicky infants. ColiMil (chamomile, fennel, lemon balm extract) vs placebo, administered twice daily for 7 days. Crying time reduction was significantly greater in the treatment group: 57.5% of ColiMil infants had crying reduction >50% vs 25.8% in placebo (P<0.005). No adverse effects reported.
• Perry et al. (2011) — Systematic review of nutritional supplements and complementary medicines for colic. Found some evidence supporting herbal combinations containing fennel, but noted methodological limitations and small sample sizes across trials.
• Cabanillas-Barea et al. (2020) — Systematic review and meta-analysis. Herbal combinations showed some positive trends but overall evidence was judged insufficient to recommend routine use.

Evidence grade: B (limited number of small RCTs showing benefit; not yet replicated at scale)

Safety concerns: Risk of allergic reactions, particularly to chamomile (Asteraceae family cross-reactivity with ragweed). Lack of standardized dosing for infants. Product quality and concentration vary. Potential for herb-drug interactions. Lemon balm may have mild sedative effects. As with all herbal products for infants, contamination risk exists with non-pharmaceutical-grade preparations. Not endorsed by AAP or WHO for infant use.

Evidence Summary Table

Key PubMed Sources:

• Alexandrovich I et al. “The effect of fennel seed oil emulsion in infantile colic: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.” Altern Ther Health Med. 2003;9(4):58-61. PMID: 12868253.
• Savino F et al. “Lactobacillus reuteri vs simethicone in the treatment of infantile colic: a prospective randomized study.” Pediatrics. 2007;119(1):e124-30. PMID: 17200238.
• Sung V et al. “Lactobacillus reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis.” Pediatrics. 2018.
• Gutierrez-Castellon P et al. “Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for infantile colic: Systematic review with network meta-analysis.” Medicine. 2017.
• Metcalf TJ et al. “Simethicone in the treatment of infant colic: a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.” Pediatrics. 1994;94(1):29-34.
• Savino F et al. “A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a standardized extract of Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare and Melissa officinalis in the treatment of breastfed colicky infants.” Phytother Res. 2005;19(4):335-40.
• Cabanillas-Barea S et al. “Systematic review and meta-analysis showed that complementary and alternative medicines were not effective for infantile colic.” Acta Paediatr. 2020;109(5):846-856.
• Perry R et al. “Nutritional supplements and other complementary medicines for infantile colic: a systematic review.” Pediatrics. 2011;127(4):720-33.
• Perry R et al. “An overview of systematic reviews of complementary and alternative therapies for infantile colic.” Syst Rev. 2019;8(1):271.
• Iranshahy M, Iranshahi M. “Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of asafoetida: a review.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;134(1):1-10.
• Lucassen P. “Colic in infants.” BMJ Clin Evid. 2010.
• Ahuja A et al. “A qualitative study to understand sociocultural beliefs around perinatal and neonatal health in rural areas of Mohali, Punjab, India.” (gripe water cultural use documentation)

Official Guidelines

Source: AAP, WHO, ESPGHAN

Vitamin D Supplementation

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics):

• All breastfed and partially breastfed infants should receive 400 IU/day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life
• Supplementation should continue until the infant is weaned to at least 1 L/day (about 1 quart) of vitamin D-fortified formula or whole milk (after age 12 months)
• Rationale: Breast milk contains very low levels of vitamin D (~25 IU/L), far below the 400 IU/day requirement; without supplementation, breastfed infants are at risk of nutritional rickets (Weisberg et al., review of US rickets cases 1986-2003, confirmed most cases occurred in breastfed infants without supplementation)
• Hospital-based interventions (e.g., electronic order modifications) have been shown to improve compliance with vitamin D supplementation at discharge for breastfed newborns (Watnick et al.)

WHO:

• WHO does not issue a universal vitamin D supplement recommendation for breastfed infants in the same way AAP does
• WHO’s position focuses on exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months as sufficient for infant nutrition; vitamin D supplementation guidance is deferred to national-level recommendations based on local rickets prevalence and sunlight exposure patterns
• In populations with limited sunlight exposure or high rickets prevalence, WHO supports national supplementation programs

European / ESPGHAN:

• ESPGHAN recommends 400 IU/day of vitamin D for all infants in the first year of life, regardless of feeding method
• This aligns with the AAP recommendation and is widely adopted across Europe

Nordic Countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark):

• Nordic countries have long-standing universal vitamin D supplementation policies due to limited sunlight at high latitudes
• Finland: 10 mcg (400 IU)/day from 2 weeks of age until age 2
• Sweden: 10 mcg (400 IU)/day from 1 week of age until age 2
• Norway and Denmark: similar 400 IU/day policies for infants
• These are among the most established and compliant supplementation programs globally

UK (NICE/NHS):

• 8.5-10 mcg (340-400 IU)/day from birth for all breastfed infants
• Formula-fed infants receiving >500 mL/day of formula do not need additional supplementation

Canada (CPS - Canadian Paediatric Society):

• 400 IU/day for all breastfed infants
• In northern communities (above 55th parallel) or for those with risk factors: 800 IU/day during winter months

Iron Supplementation

AAP:

• Exclusively breastfed infants should receive 1 mg/kg/day of oral iron supplementation beginning at 4 months of age and continuing until iron-containing complementary foods are introduced
• Rationale: Full-term infants are born with sufficient iron stores for approximately 4-6 months; breast milk iron content is low (~0.35 mg/L) though highly bioavailable (~50% absorption); by 4 months, stores begin to deplete in exclusively breastfed infants
• AAP’s 2010 clinical report on “Diagnosis and Prevention of Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Young Children” established this guideline

ESPGHAN:

• ESPGHAN’s complementary feeding position paper (Fewtrell et al.) emphasizes that iron-rich complementary foods should be introduced around 6 months, particularly for breastfed infants
• Does not universally recommend iron drops before 6 months for healthy term infants but acknowledges the risk window

WHO:

• WHO does not recommend routine iron supplementation for exclusively breastfed term infants in the 0-6 month window in areas without high anemia prevalence
• In regions with high anemia prevalence (>40%), WHO recommends iron supplementation from 6 months onward as part of complementary feeding programs

Evidence note: Sittimol et al. studied iron deficiency anemia prevalence in exclusively breastfed infants after a 5-month iron supplementation trial, confirming that supplementation reduces anemia risk. Greer (2023) reviewed optimal iron dosing for breastfeeding infants.

Probiotics

ESPGHAN Position (Szajewska et al., 2023 position paper):

• ESPGHAN’s Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications issued a comprehensive position paper on probiotics for pediatric GI disorders
• Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938: Conditionally recommended for management of infantile colic in breastfed infants; evidence shows reduction in crying time by approximately 50 minutes/day compared to placebo
• Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses support L. reuteri for breastfed infants with colic (Dos Reis Buzzo Zermiani et al.; Gutierrez-Castrellón et al.; Vaz et al.)
• Evidence is weaker for formula-fed infants with colic
• ESPGHAN also reviewed probiotics in infant formulas (Dinleyici et al., technical review) and found limited evidence for routine use in healthy infants

AAP:

• AAP does not make a strong universal recommendation for probiotics in infants
• Acknowledges emerging evidence for L. reuteri in colic but considers evidence still evolving
• Does not recommend probiotics as a standard intervention for healthy breastfed infants

Key evidence base:

• Hjern et al. (systematic review of colic prevention and treatment): Probiotics (L. reuteri specifically) show the most consistent evidence among interventions for infantile colic
• Ong et al.: Reviewed probiotics for colic prevention (prophylactic use); evidence is less robust for prevention than for treatment
• Network meta-analysis (Gutierrez-Castrellón et al.) confirmed L. reuteri DSM 17938 as the most effective probiotic strain for infantile colic

What NOT to Give (0-6 Months)

WHO Exclusive Breastfeeding Stance:

• WHO and UNICEF recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life, meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water
• This explicitly excludes: water, sugar water, juices, teas, herbal infusions, cereals, and any other foods
• The only exceptions recognized by WHO are: oral rehydration salts (for diarrhea treatment), vitamins/minerals/medicines as prescribed

Gripe Water:

• Not recommended by AAP or WHO for infant colic or digestive discomfort
• Gripe water formulations vary widely and are not regulated as medicines in most countries
• Some formulations have historically contained alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, or herbal ingredients (fennel, dill, chamomile) with no proven efficacy and potential safety concerns
• FDA does not regulate gripe water as a drug; it is sold as a dietary supplement without efficacy or safety review
• Reported adverse events include: allergic reactions, contamination risks, and in rare cases, serious illness from unregulated manufacturing

Herbal Remedies and Teas:

• Fennel tea: Sometimes used traditionally for colic; limited evidence of modest benefit but concerns about estragole content (a potential carcinogen); not recommended for infants under 6 months by AAP or ESPGHAN
• Chamomile tea: No established safety or efficacy data for infants under 6 months; may interfere with exclusive breastfeeding and introduces unnecessary fluid
• Star anise tea: Associated with seizures and toxicity in infants due to contamination with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum); explicitly warned against
• Honey: Absolutely contraindicated before 12 months due to risk of infant botulism (AAP, WHO, and all major pediatric bodies agree)

Other substances to avoid:

• Oral gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine (for teething): FDA warned against use in children under 2 due to risk of methemoglobinemia
• Homeopathic teething products: FDA issued warnings after reports of adverse events including seizures
• Any cereal or food in bottles: Not recommended before 4-6 months; aspiration risk and no nutritional benefit

International Guidelines

India (Indian Academy of Pediatrics - IAP):

• IAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, aligned with WHO
• Vitamin D: IAP recommends 400 IU/day for all breastfed infants from birth, consistent with AAP/ESPGHAN
• Iron: IAP recommends iron supplementation from 6 months in all infants, and earlier in low-birth-weight or preterm infants
• IAP has published position statements against the use of traditional remedies such as gripe water, janam ghutti (herbal mixtures), and honey in infants
• Cultural challenge: Traditional practices of giving honey, sugar water, or herbal preparations to newborns remain prevalent in parts of India; IAP actively campaigns against these

Japan (Japan Pediatric Society - JPS):

• JPS supports exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months
• Vitamin D: Japan has seen rising rickets cases and the JPS now recommends vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants, particularly those with limited sunlight exposure; 400 IU/day is the emerging standard
• Iron: Supplementation recommended from introduction of complementary foods (5-6 months in Japan, slightly earlier than WHO’s 6-month guidance)
• Japan’s complementary feeding guide (“Rinyushoku”) traditionally introduced foods at 5 months; recent updates align more closely with international standards
• Traditional practice: Some Japanese families use barley tea (mugicha) for infants, though medical guidance advises against any non-breast-milk fluids before 5-6 months

Australia (NHMRC):

• 400 IU/day vitamin D for breastfed infants at risk of deficiency (darker skin, limited sun exposure, veiled mothers)
• Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months; introduction of solids at around 6 months but not before 4 months

Brazil (SBP - Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria):

• Vitamin D: 400 IU/day from the first week of life until 12 months, then 600 IU/day until age 2
• Iron: 1 mg/kg/day from 6 months (or from 4 months in exclusively breastfed infants per some SBP guidance)
• Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months; SBP actively campaigns against the traditional practice of offering teas and water to young infants

Summary Table of Vitamin D Recommendations:

Key Sources:

• Szajewska H et al. “Probiotics for the Management of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders: Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications.” (ESPGHAN 2023)
• Fewtrell M et al. “Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition.”
• Weisberg P et al. “Nutritional rickets among children in the United States: review of cases reported between 1986 and 2003.”
• Dos Reis Buzzo Zermiani AP et al. “Evidence of Lactobacillus reuteri to reduce colic in breastfed babies: Systematic review and meta-analysis.”
• Gutierrez-Castrellón P et al. “Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for infantile colic: Systematic review with network meta-analysis.”
• WHO. “Breastfeeding” (who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding). Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months; no other foods or liquids including water.
• Greer FR. “How Much Iron is Needed for Breastfeeding Infants?”
• Prell C, Koletzko B. “Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding.”

Community Experiences

Source: Reddit

What Parents Report Works

Probiotics (BioGaia / L. reuteri) are the most consistently recommended supplement across Reddit parenting communities. Parents frequently mention them for gas and colic relief, and several pediatricians actively prescribe them. BioGaia is the most-named brand, often combined with vitamin D drops for convenience.

“We use the Culturelle brand combination, probiotic and vitamin D drop as probiotics are one of the few evidence based ways to combat the digestive issues behind colic” — u/betwixtyoureyes, r/NewParents (source)

“I’ve used the bioGaia after my pediatrician gave us a sample. Just shake and drop, pretty easy.” — u/lydiadventuring, r/NewParents (source)

Dietary elimination (dairy/soy) is the single most common recommendation in colic threads. Multiple parents report dramatic improvement within days of cutting cow’s milk protein from the breastfeeding mother’s diet.

“My ‘colic’ baby had food sensitivities. dairy and soy being the main culprit. Things got better once I eliminated these foods from my diet” — u/undercoverdawgg, r/beyondthebump (source)

“Mine has a cow milk protein allergy. And it’s not true that it takes weeks of not eating it to have an effect. Check out freetofeed on Instagram. There was a difference in a few days.” — u/suckingonalemon, r/beyondthebump (source)

Simethicone drops (Mylicon/Ovol) receive moderate support. Parents describe them as providing temporary relief but not a cure.

“We were losing our minds until we discovered Ovol / Colic Water drops… They’re a miracle.” — u/MikeCheck_CE, r/beyondthebump (source)

Frida Baby Windi is frequently mentioned as a last resort for trapped gas that nothing else relieves. Parents describe immediate results but try to limit usage.

Reflux medication (famotidine) helped some babies whose colic was actually undiagnosed reflux:

“My colic baby didn’t have food sensitivity, just reflux… Talk to your doctor about prescribing famotidine. Took the edge off the pain he felt from reflux and suddenly I had a happy quiet baby.” — u/Available_Pea_7365, r/beyondthebump (source)

What Parents Report Doesn’t Work

Gripe water is the most divisive remedy. Community consensus leans negative, with many parents calling it “snake oil.” The active ingredients (fennel oil and sodium bicarbonate) receive mixed reviews. Some parents note temporary calming but no lasting benefit.

Probiotics for all babies — while probiotics are widely recommended for colic specifically, some parents report they made things worse, particularly for very young newborns:

“We had a bad experience with biogaia, it made the screaming so much worse.” — u/Puffawoof2018, r/beyondthebump (source)

“There is actually very little they can know about probiotics and how they work and they have been known to actually mess up digestion rather than help. Especially in young babies.” — u/here2ruinurday, r/NewParents (source)

“Colic” as a diagnosis — a strong community theme is that colic is not a real diagnosis but a label for unexplained crying. Parents repeatedly urge others to investigate underlying causes (CMPA, reflux, food sensitivities) rather than accepting “it’s just colic.”

“i do think colic is code for they don’t know what’s causing the baby to cry” — u/RelevantAd6063, r/beyondthebump (source)

Cultural Remedies Parents Have Tried

Hing (asafoetida) paste — India. Applied around the navel, this traditional Indian remedy is reported to help with gas. Parents describe the baby passing gas more easily and sleeping better afterward. This is part of a broader Indian postpartum tradition that includes daily baby massage (malish) with warm oil.

“They were like distraught our baby wasn’t getting daily head to toe massages and I wasn’t chugging ghee” — u/NewspaperFar6373, r/beyondthebump (source)

Fennel tea/water — Germany and Mediterranean cultures. Multiple parents report success with fennel tea for constipation and gas. A German pediatric nurse recommended steeping fennel seeds and giving small amounts to the baby. Gripe water products often contain fennel oil as an active ingredient.

“My aunt who’s a nurse in Germany in the pediatric ward had a chat with me about my constipated 3 month old. She said give her some fennel tea… this little one starts farting up a storm” — u/[OP], r/NewParents (source)

“this works! Really helped us get through the tough gas stage - very popular in Germany, they actually sell powder form of fennel designed for babies.” — u/[deleted], r/NewParents (source)

A UK-based parent also reported that a midwife advised diluted fennel water for a gassy newborn, though the results were mixed — the baby seemed more gassy initially.

Taiwanese postpartum caregiving. Professional postpartum caregivers in Taiwan provide around-the-clock baby care and prepare traditional herb-infused recovery meals for mothers, including lactation support through breast massage.

Scandinavian approach. Swedish parents describe a more hands-off, independence-focused model. Rather than traditional remedies, the emphasis is on generous parental leave (up to a year), equal parenting responsibilities, and letting the family unit handle things privately.

“In my culture it’s important to handle things on your own. I would be extremely uncomfortable with having my family be so heavily involved in my baby.” — u/Bluegnoll, r/beyondthebump (source)

Vitamin D Experiences

Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants is widely discussed and broadly accepted. Parents consistently note that pediatricians recommend it because breast milk does not contain sufficient vitamin D. Key community themes:

Brand preferences. Mommy’s Bliss, Zarbee’s, Baby D Drops, and BioGaia (combined probiotic + vitamin D) are the most recommended. Enfamil’s vitamin D drops receive negative feedback for strong cherry flavoring that may cause bottle aversion.

“I use baby D drops. Stay away from enfamil. It may cause latching issues in EBF babies” — u/anonymous_ninja12, r/NewParents (source)

“My daughter had terrible gas with another brand can’t recall which one but [Mommy’s Bliss] has been great for her since we switched!” — u/[deleted], r/NewParents (source)

Maternal supplementation as alternative. Some parents opt to take high-dose vitamin D themselves (6400 IU daily) to pass it through breast milk rather than giving drops directly to the baby.

“I ended up supplementing myself. Research has shown that if Mom takes 6400 ius daily then the levels passed to baby are equivalent to the needs met by the drops. Much easier to remember!” — u/Rosebud28, r/NewParents (source)

Gas as a side effect. Several parents report that vitamin D drops themselves cause gas or stomach upset in their newborns, leading them to switch brands or try the maternal supplementation route.

“Mine seems to be more upset when I give her vitamin d drops. I also was giving her the probiotic+vitamin d drops by enfamil but those also seem to give her a belly ache” — u/owilliaann, r/NewParents (source)

Formula-fed babies may not need supplementation since formula is already fortified with vitamin D, though some pediatricians still prescribe it.

“Are you breastfeeding or feeding formula? Formula is fortified with vitamin D so you shouldn’t typically need it.” — u/CravingsAndCrackers, r/NewParents (source)

Threads consulted: r/beyondthebump colic thread (1re5km3), gas suggestions thread (1ql3ko6), Colic Calm thread (1nxyvhr), Indian postpartum care thread (1pi3lhp), EBF gas thread (1le8afv); r/NewParents fennel tea thread (p4b2ob), probiotics thread (12ep3e9), vitamin D threads (1qv1cze, 1jqnvgd, ta2342, 1q7gtlj); plus search results across both subreddits for hing/asafoetida, fennel/saunf, BioGaia, vitamin D, and cultural remedies.

Cultural & International Perspectives

Key Observations Across Cultures

1. Every culture has traditional gas/colic remedies — fennel/saunf appears across India, Germany, Mediterranean, and Middle East in remarkably similar preparations
2. Topical vs. oral: India’s hing tradition is notable for being topical (paste on navel) rather than oral, potentially reducing safety concerns compared to ingested remedies
3. The carminative herbs overlap globally: fennel, chamomile, dill, caraway, anise — these appear repeatedly across cultures, suggesting convergent discovery of their antispasmodic properties
4. Vitamin D is the great unifier: 400 IU/day is now recommended in virtually every country, making it the one true universal supplement for breastfed infants
5. Cultural practices that medical bodies oppose (gripe water, herbal teas, honey) remain deeply embedded, creating tension between traditional caregivers (grandmothers) and evidence-based pediatric guidance

Evidence-Based Decision Framework

What to give your 0-3 month exclusively breastfed baby:

Universally recommended (do this):

• Vitamin D drops: 400 IU/day from birth. BioGaia or Baby D Drops are well-tolerated brands.

If baby has colic/excessive crying (consider this):

• L. reuteri DSM 17938 probiotics (BioGaia): Grade A evidence for breastfed infants. 5 drops/day.
• Eliminate dairy from mother’s diet for 2 weeks trial: Most common underlying cause of persistent infant distress.

If baby has gas but is otherwise feeding well (lower priority):

• Bicycle kicks, tummy time, warm bath — mechanical approaches are free and safe
• Simethicone drops: Safe but likely placebo. If it seems to help your baby, no harm continuing.
• Fennel preparations: Some evidence but safety concerns for infants; better to have mother drink fennel tea if breastfeeding

What to avoid:

• Gripe water: No evidence, contamination risk, breaks exclusive breastfeeding
• Hing (asafoetida) orally: No clinical data, methemoglobinemia risk
• Hing topically on navel: Traditional practice with pharmacological rationale but no clinical trials; if used, ensure navel is fully healed, do a skin patch test first
• Star anise tea: Seizure risk from contamination
• Honey: Botulism risk before 12 months — absolute no
• Any “colic drops” or “colic calm” products: Unregulated supplements with no proven efficacy

The uncomfortable truth about colic:

Colic is not a real diagnosis — it’s a label for “baby cries a lot and we don’t know why.” Peak fussiness occurs at 6-8 weeks and naturally resolves by 3-4 months in most infants as the gut matures. The most effective interventions are: (1) ruling out underlying causes (CMPA, reflux), (2) probiotics if breastfed, and (3) time.

Summary

For exclusively breastfed babies aged 0-3 months, the supplement landscape is surprisingly clear despite the noise of cultural traditions and marketing. Vitamin D is the only universally recommended supplement — every major pediatric body worldwide agrees on 400 IU/day. For babies experiencing colic or excessive gas, L. reuteri probiotics (specifically strain DSM 17938, sold as BioGaia) have the strongest clinical evidence of any intervention, with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses showing ~50 minutes/day reduction in crying time for breastfed infants.

The traditional Indian remedies you asked about — hing (asafoetida) and saunf (fennel) — sit on opposite ends of the evidence spectrum. Fennel has one good RCT showing significant colic reduction (65% vs 24% placebo), giving it moderate evidence, but safety concerns about estragole content limit formal recommendations. Hing has strong pharmacological rationale (antispasmodic, carminative properties confirmed in lab studies) but zero clinical trials in infants, and carries a documented risk of methemoglobinemia. The topical application (paste around the navel) that is traditional in India may be safer than oral use, but this hasn’t been studied.

Simethicone (Mylicon/Ovol) is the most commonly recommended OTC remedy by pediatricians, yet multiple RCTs consistently show it’s no better than placebo for colic. It’s safe and parents sometimes report subjective improvement, likely due to the act of “doing something” and the natural resolution of symptoms over time.

Gripe water — perhaps the most globally widespread traditional remedy — has zero RCTs, variable formulations, contamination risks, and was originally effective because it contained alcohol and sugar (both of which calm babies but for obviously problematic reasons).

The most striking finding across all sources is that dietary elimination (removing cow’s milk protein from the breastfeeding mother’s diet) may be the single most impactful intervention, as undiagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy appears to be a common underlying cause of what gets labeled as “colic.”

Key Takeaways

1. Vitamin D drops (400 IU/day) are the only universally recommended supplement for breastfed infants worldwide — this is non-negotiable across AAP, WHO, ESPGHAN, IAP, and Nordic guidelines
2. L. reuteri probiotics (BioGaia) have Grade A evidence for reducing colic in breastfed infants — the strongest evidence of any intervention, endorsed conditionally by ESPGHAN
3. Simethicone (Mylicon) is safe but clinically ineffective — multiple RCTs show no benefit over placebo, despite widespread pediatrician recommendation
4. Gripe water has zero clinical evidence and carries contamination and safety risks — it’s essentially sugar water with herbs
5. Fennel (saunf) has one promising RCT (65% colic elimination vs 24% placebo) but safety concerns about estragole content prevent formal recommendations for infants
6. Hing (asafoetida) has pharmacological rationale but no clinical trials in infants — topical navel application is the traditional Indian method, which may be safer than oral use, but methemoglobinemia risk exists
7. Eliminating dairy from the mother’s diet is the most frequently reported game-changer by parents — undiagnosed CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy) is likely under-diagnosed
8. Every culture has its own carminative tradition — fennel appears across India, Germany, Mediterranean, and Middle East; the convergent discovery suggests real antispasmodic properties exist in these herbs
9. Iron supplementation starts at 4 months per AAP for exclusively breastfed infants (1 mg/kg/day) — not relevant for 0-3 months but good to know it’s coming
10. Most infant gas and fussiness peaks at 6-8 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months — the gut is maturing, and time is ultimately the most effective “treatment”

Related Topics

• Probiotics in Infants
• Soothing Crying Newborns
• Breastfeeding Pressure & Pediatrician Advice
• Pacifier Use