Give newborns 0.3 mL (20 mg) per dose after feeds or at bedtime; maximum 12 doses in 24 hours.
New babies swallow air as they feed and cry, and those tiny bubbles can leave a firm belly and fussy nights. Over-the-counter simethicone drops are a common pick for parents because the medicine stays in the gut and breaks surface tension in the bubbles. If you’re staring at a dropper and a squirmy baby, this guide lays out the math, the timing, and the safety steps in clear, practical terms.
Simethicone Gas Drops Dosage For Newborns: How Much Is Safe?
The standard newborn dose is 0.3 mL per dose, which equals 20 mg simethicone. Give a dose after feeds and at bedtime as needed. Do not go over 12 doses in a day. That wording appears on current Drug Facts labels; you can read it on the up-to-date DailyMed label.
| Age | Weight | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants under 2 years | Under 24 lb (under 10.9 kg) | 0.3 mL (20 mg) |
| Children 2 years and up | 24 lb and over | 0.6 mL (40 mg) |
What The Concentration Means
Most infant gas drops deliver 20 mg in each 0.3 mL. That’s why the newborn dose reads 0.3 mL on the syringe. Use the syringe that ships with the bottle; spoons and other droppers can be off. Shake the bottle well first. You can place the liquid inside the cheek or mix the dose with 1 ounce of cool formula, expressed milk, or water if your doctor okays water for your baby’s age.
How Often Can You Give It?
Labels say you may repeat a dose after feeds and at bedtime, up to 12 times in 24 hours. Many newborns eat 8–12 times a day, which fits inside that ceiling. If your baby takes more feeds than that, don’t match each feed; stay under the daily limit. Twelve newborn doses equal 240 mg of simethicone in a full day.
Does Simethicone Work For Newborn Gas?
Some families see calmer feeds and easier burps. Others see little change. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that evidence for colic is weak, though many parents still report short-term comfort with gas drops. You can read their plain-language overview on HealthyChildren.org.
When You Might Not See Much Change
Colic is a broad label for long crying spells in an otherwise healthy baby. Gas drops won’t fix every cry. If the belly stays soft and your baby feeds and gains, the crying may pass with time. Keep using the dosing rules if you try simethicone, and pair it with simple comfort steps below.
Safe Use Steps Before The First Drop
Quick setup keeps dosing smooth in the middle of the night. Run through this checklist the first time and the routine will feel easy after that.
Step-By-Step
- Read the Drug Facts panel end to end the first time you open the box.
- Shake the bottle well. The medicine is a suspension.
- Use only the enclosed syringe. Fill to the 0.3 mL line for newborns.
- Give the liquid slowly toward the inner cheek to avoid gagging.
- You may mix the dose with 1 oz of cool formula or milk if that’s easier.
- Repeat after feeds or at bedtime as needed, up to 12 doses per day.
- Rinse the syringe, let it dry, and cap the bottle tightly.
- Store at room temperature; don’t freeze.
- Keep the bottle away from siblings and pets.
- If an extra dose slips in by mistake, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Newborn Gas Relief: Simple Fixes That Help
Medicine isn’t the only tool. These small tweaks can ease swallowed air and help bubbles rise.
Feeding Tweaks
- Pause for burps during and after each feed.
- Hold upright for 15–30 minutes after feeding when you can.
- With bottles, try a slower-flow nipple so the latch stays steady.
- Check the angle of the bottle so the nipple stays full of milk, not foam.
- Avoid shaking bottles hard; gentle swirling limits extra bubbles.
Comfort Moves
- Lay baby across your forearm and rub the back while walking.
- Do a few minutes of bicycle-leg motions and gentle tummy massage.
- Offer supervised tummy time when awake.
- Warm bath before bed can relax a tight belly.
Mistakes To Avoid With Gas Drops
Small errors add up. Steer clear of these common missteps so each dose is measured and timed right.
- Using kitchen spoons for medicine.
- Switching between brands with different syringes.
- Giving drops at every single feed when feeds exceed 12 in a day.
- Doubling a dose after spit-up; just wait for the next planned time.
- Mixing with hot liquids that can change the suspension.
- Reaching for adult strength products in a pinch.
How Dosing Fits A Newborn’s Daily Rhythm
Plenty of babies feed every two to three hours. That can feel like a blur. This table shows how the daily limit plays out across common feeding patterns. It isn’t a target; it’s a ceiling you shouldn’t cross.
| Feeds In 24 Hours | Doses | Total Simethicone |
|---|---|---|
| 6 feeds | 6 doses | 120 mg |
| 8 feeds | 8 doses | 160 mg |
| 10 feeds | 10 doses | 200 mg |
| 12 feeds | 12 doses (max) | 240 mg (max) |
When To Call The Doctor
Gas is common, but some signs need a same-day check. Call your baby’s doctor if you see any of the following:
- Age under 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Green or yellow vomit, blood in stool, or a very swollen belly.
- Poor feeding, weak suck, or fewer wet diapers.
- Persistent crying that lasts more than 3 hours on most days.
- Weight gain that stalls or drops off the curve.
- Breathing looks hard, or color changes around the lips.
Side Effects And Safety Notes
Simethicone stays in the gut and isn’t absorbed through the bloodstream in a meaningful way. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as loose stools. Very rare allergy signs include hives, swelling, or trouble breathing; seek emergency care for those. If your baby takes other medicines, space simethicone at least a few minutes away to keep dosing simple.
Practical Tips That Make Dosing Easier
Stay Consistent With The Device
Stick with one brand at a time so the markings on the syringe match the directions you’re following. A spare syringe from the pharmacy can be handy if the original goes missing.
Log Doses When You’re Sleep-Deprived
Use your phone’s notes app or a paper chart on the fridge. Write the time and the amount. A quick log helps you stay under the daily cap when nights run together.
Time Drops With Your Routine
Many parents give a dose after a feed if the belly feels tight or the last feed was gassy. Others save doses for the evening stretch when fussing peaks. Either way fits inside the label as long as the 12-dose limit isn’t crossed.
Key Takeaways For Newborn Dosing
Use 0.3 mL (20 mg) per dose for newborns. Repeat after feeds or at bedtime if needed. Cap the day at 12 doses. Many babies seem calmer with this routine, and some won’t change much; that’s normal. Pair the medicine with burping, slow feeds, and upright holds. Ask your pediatrician about persistent crying, feeding trouble, fever, or any red flags listed above.