Baby Gas Drops: Mylicon Benefits and Usage Guide
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You’ve fed, burped, changed, bounced, shushed, and googled “why does my baby cry after every feed”—and still, your little one is red-faced and miserable. Cue: gas drops. Specifically, Mylicon.
Let’s break down what these baby gas drops actually do, when to use them, and whether they’re safe.
What is Mylicon?
Mylicon is the brand name for simethicone, an anti-foaming agent that helps break up gas bubbles in the stomach. It doesn’t stop gas from forming, but it can help it move along faster—especially if your baby is struggling to pass it.
In baby terms: Mylicon helps pop those little belly bubbles so your newborn doesn’t have to scream them out.
Is it Safe?
Short answer: Yes.
Simethicone has been around for decades and is considered safe for newborns—even from day one. It isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream, and it passes straight through the digestive system. That’s why pediatricians often give the green light, especially for gassy, uncomfortable babies. I have been a Newborn Care Specialist since 2014 and I have yet to have a client’s pediatrician advise against using Mylicon.
But as always: check with your pediatrician before introducing anything new, especially if your baby has other health conditions or is on medications.
How (and When) Do You Use It?
You can give Mylicon up to 12 times a day. It comes with an easy-to-use syringe—just squirt it into baby’s mouth or mix it with a bottle. Easy peasy.
But here’s the thing: while some parents swear by it, others notice… not much. That’s because simethicone works on trapped gas, not general fussiness or colic caused by other things (like reflux, overstimulation, or dairy sensitivity).
If your baby is:
Pulling legs up and grunting
Arching their back during or after feeds
Farting like a grown man but still miserable...
…it might be worth a try.
Personally? I’ve noticed an improvement in every baby I’ve given Mylicon to (with their parents’ and pediatrician’s approval of course).
Things to Keep in Mind
It’s not a magic wand.
Mylicon can help gas move along, but it won’t prevent gas from forming or fix feeding issues that cause excessive gas.Check feeding technique.
Sometimes the best “gas drop” is simply a better latch, paced bottle feeding, or more frequent burping.It’s sugar-free and dye-free.
Most formulas are baby-friendly now, but double-check the label if you’re avoiding specific ingredients.You don’t have to wait it out alone.
If gas is a regular battle, don’t hesitate to ask for help. A lactation consultant, pediatrician, or newborn care expert (hi, that’s me!) can help figure out if something bigger is going on.
Final Thoughts
Is Mylicon a cure-all? No.
But is it a safe, easy thing to try when your baby is clearly uncomfortable and your nerves are fried? Absolutely.
PS: Not sure if it's gas, reflux, or just classic “newborn weirdness”? I’m here to help decode the cries and build gentle routines that work for your family. One burp at a time.