The Windi: Warning!

irohspupil · September 2015

I got really excited about the Windi after seeing so many of yall swear by it because I've watched my poor LO strain with what I thought was gas. I ordered a pack on Amazon yesterday, eager for it to arrive. Today, I decided to do some internet research on the device and I found this article: https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-windi-revolutionary-relief-for-colic-or-a-pain-in-the-butt/

I just thought I should share this since so many of us are/were going to use the Windi. I'm pretty reluctant to use it and may send it back now. Please don't think I'm out to attack anyone using the product (because I seriously like the posters who recommended it!!!). I'm just sharing what I found, though this article isn't very forgiving.

Also, this article (https://www.aboutkidsgi.org/site/lower-gi-disorders/childhood-defecation-disorders/infant-dyschezia) explains a ton of my LO's behavior. I noticed she always strained and cried before farting or pooping, and I always thought it was gas pain. Now I know it's something she can grow out of.

gulimz · September 2015

Wow. Thanks! This is good to know.

Miz_Liz · September 2015

i am actually really glad you posted this. This was something I had been worried about when I first bought/used the Windi; however I didn't have much luck finding anything to show it was dangerous or not good to use it. I actually asked my Pedi about it and he was fine with us using it. I don't plan to throw mine away and I will still use them if she is having a really rough night or extreme straining, but I think this will make me think twice before using them on a regular basis. I know they say it is parent perception, but I know that it has saved us HOURS of screaming and taken her stomach from bloated and hard to normal and soft (and stopped crying), so I still think it is a good option for those extreme times. Thanks again for posting!

CaliforniaDream87 · September 2015

I purchased the Windi but I haven't used it yet. I actually wanted to really research before use; very glad you posted this. You saved me researching time and with that I don't feel comfortable using this product-so I'll be returning it.

I will say though I do swear by the nosefrida. It really helped with my sons congestion when those nose bulbs did NOTHING. The article seems to claim they're not dangerous but a "waste of money". No true for me but do what you feel comfortable with!

Kimk1616 · September 2015

I have been wavering in the Windi for weeks but something about sticking a plastic device in my baby's rectum seemed wrong. Thanks for posting this, I'm glad I opted out! Thankfully I've found something else that really helps her.

Saratiff · September 2015

I have the nosefreda never bought the windi. I tend to err on the side of your butt being an exit only. I do go by her rectal temp for now. But other than that.... Not so much

irohspupil · September 2015

Kimk1616 said:
I have been wavering in the Windi for weeks but something about sticking a plastic device in my baby's rectum seemed wrong. Thanks for posting this, I'm glad I opted out! Thankfully I've found something else that really helps her.

Do share!

ETA: just saw your comment on the Gas Recommendations thread that gas drops work for your LO.

Kimk1616 · September 2015

micshi said:

Kimk1616 said:
I have been wavering in the Windi for weeks but something about sticking a plastic device in my baby's rectum seemed wrong. Thanks for posting this, I'm glad I opted out! Thankfully I've found something else that really helps her.
Do share!

ETA: just saw your comment on the Gas Recommendations thread that gas drops work for your LO.

Not just any gas drops...Tummy Calm! I think I'm going to buy stock in them.

SashaDenn25 · September 2015

Miz_Liz said:
i am actually really glad you posted this. This was something I had been worried about when I first bought/used the Windi; however I didn't have much luck finding anything to show it was dangerous or not good to use it. I actually asked my Pedi about it and he was fine with us using it. I don't plan to throw mine away and I will still use them if she is having a really rough night or extreme straining, but I think this will make me think twice before using them on a regular basis. I know they say it is parent perception, but I know that it has saved us HOURS of screaming and taken her stomach from bloated and hard to normal and soft (and stopped crying), so I still think it is a good option for those extreme times. Thanks again for posting!

This. I try everything else first and have only used the windi once. We try massage and bicycles and whatnot, but one night it just wasnt happening and we used it and bam...farts and then projectile poo!! But im glad you posted this for us to be informed on products for the littles...thank you!

hclzmm14 · September 2015

Thanks! I'm considering returning mine now. Seems pointless

Miz_Liz · September 2015

My recommendation for anyone who is unsure (with anything, not just the Windi), is bring it to your pedi's office at your next appointment and ask them. There are a lot more sites that claim gripe water is dangerous/not good for babies, but again, it is about what you are comfortable with and what your pedi recommends to do/not to do.

hclzmm14 · September 2015

Well if gas in the rectum doesn't cause pain like the article states, then releasing the gas in the rectum really seems as if it wouldn't help, and is definitely a waste of money.

I'ma keep my nose Frida though 8->

Miz_Liz · September 2015

hazeldagarr said:

Well if gas in the rectum doesn't cause pain like the article states, then releasing the gas in the rectum really seems as if it wouldn't help, and is definitely a waste of money. I'ma keep my nose Frida though 8->

One of the reasons I question the validity of the article (not familiar with them as a source, so I don't know how legit they are), because trust me, the Windi has DEFINITELY relieved pain for my DD. I am talking screaming and straining for long periods to quiet, content, looking around while still on the changing pad. So either it does cause pain, or it has been one hell of a coincidence that she settled each time we have used it.

CaliforniaDream87 · September 2015

Miz_Liz said:

hazeldagarr said:

Well if gas in the rectum doesn't cause pain like the article states, then releasing the gas in the rectum really seems as if it wouldn't help, and is definitely a waste of money.

I'ma keep my nose Frida though 8->

One of the reasons I question the validity of the article (not familiar with them as a source, so I don't know how legit they are), because trust me, the Windi has DEFINITELY relieved pain for my DD. I am talking screaming and straining for long periods to quiet, content, looking around while still on the changing pad. So either it does cause pain, or it has been one hell of a coincidence that she settled each time we have used it.

I don't doubt it works. Honestly, I've heard great reviews about it. But as you stated, there will always be negative reviews as well. After just a brief Google search, this is just one of many articles advising against its use. I'm just now researching as I just received the windi from Amazon and haven't had the time. It really is all about what you're comfortable with. Also, after careful discussion with my pedi she also didn't recommend it to me-so that takes precedence over the article since as you stated the source is unknown (to me).

We're all just trying to do what's best for our babies. No judgements here.

Miz_Liz · September 2015

@CaliforniaDream87 I completely agree, you have to do what you're comfortable with and equally as important IMO do exactly what you did and ask your pedi. Do you mind me asking if your pedi gave a reason against? I ask because mine was okay with it.

CaliforniaDream87 · September 2015

Miz_Liz said:
@CaliforniaDream87 I completely agree, you have to do what you're comfortable with and equally as important IMO do exactly what you did and ask your pedi. Do you mind me asking if your pedi gave a reason against? I ask because mine was okay with it.

She is concerned with the misuse of the product. I'll refrain from telling details, however she had a parent improperly using the windi on a consistent basis and it really did some damage. If her patients want to use on their child she wants to see them and go over proper usage (I love her). So, in hindsight, she said nothing about the effectiveness or lack there of. I just decided it's not for us.

jlsweets · September 2015

Maybe I'm in the minority but I cringe just watching the doctor stick the thermometer up his bum. I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable sticking a plastic thing up his butt and not really sure what I'm doing or if I'm causing any damage.
Not judging as I haven't dealt with any real major gas issue but I definitely agree with going over it with your ped. Before purchasing or using.

acgonzalez22 · September 2015

My pediatrician said to only use it if absolutely necessary. But prefers trying everything else first to relieve gas. (ie. Bicycles, warm bath, massage, etc.) He said at this age they are using their muscles to poop or relieve gas and that they can begin to rely on anal stimulation to do these things and not have proper muscle development.

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