Gripe is caused by muscle spasms and excess acid created when air bubbles form in a baby39s tummy when the air bubbles get trapped in a baby39s stomach the stomach thinks it is full of food so acids are produced which would normally break down the food particles these acids are not needed and can cause irritation at the same time because the stomach is full of air bubbles its muscles are unable to relax causing cramps and spasms woodward39s gripe water contains oil of di