We occasionally hear from parents who wonder whether or not it is safe for their babies to drink tea – so we thought we’d post about this subject today and take a look at why tea is NOT generally recommended for infants.
The simple fact is that tea hinders the body’s absorption of iron.
That’s because tea contains ‘polyphenols’ – compounds that bind with the iron in your little one’s intestines.
An adequate iron intake is crucial to your baby’s healthy growth and development. The body uses it to make hemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the body’s cells. It gives red blood cells their colour (which is why iron deficiency anemia is often characterized by paleness of the skin).
In addition, iron is required for the proper development and function of the brain – and iron deficiency in infancy can cause long term learning problems.
Learn more about iron deficiency – and how to avoid it – here
So Is Herbal Tea Safe For Babies?
In some parts of the world, herbal teas are given to babies as they are believed to help soothe certain digestive problems, such as colic.
However, the benefits of giving herbal teas to babies have never been medically proven.
What’s more, experts believe that herbal teas, too, may interfere with your baby’s absorption of iron. They may also contain ‘hidden’ sugars, used to disguise the natural bitterness of the herbs – which could lead to dental decay and cause your baby’s tummy to feel ‘full’. In turn, this may lead him to refuse his breast milk or formula – potentially leading to malnutrition.
It is also important to remember that not ALL herbs are safe for babies – whilst chamomile may be gentle and cause no problems, other herbs may be potentially harmful. If you DO decide to give your baby herbal tea, please check with your doctor first.
Remember, too, that babies of less than 6 months of age do not usually require ANY supplemental fluids.
Breast milk or formula contains enough water to quench your baby’s thirst and also provide the full range of nutrients your little one needs. The exception may be if your baby requires a little water or juice to help ease constipation – but you should always speak to your doctor first.
Sources:
http://vndpg.org/articles/Iron-and-Zinc-Bioavailability-in-Vegetarian-Nutrition.php
Inhibition of non-haem iron absorption in man by polyphenolic-containing beverages
Do you give YOUR baby tea – herbal or otherwise? Has tea ever been recommended to you by a medical professional?
Please share your comments and opinions below!
(Please note – the following comments are from other parents and NOT from medical professionals – they should not, therefore, be seen as medical advice. You should speak to your doctor before offering any type of tea to your baby))
Martin
Monday 7th of December 2015
We have a 3 month old and was wondering if anyone knew about sage tea. I've heard from older family members that it is good to give to toddlers in order to make there blood stronger for when they get older, "'te de salvia". I have been reading that tea can affect iron absorption and until now our baby has been without any problems, such as cholic or constipation. This would be mixed in with the formula a few times. Can anyone offer any advise or input? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
Sehrish Naseem
Friday 20th of November 2015
My baby is 21 months old. He had colic when he was just a few weeks old. After doing lots of things and getting no result, I tried a tea babies magic tea that was sugar-free and preservative-free. It did work and my baby became a non-colicky boy. I used this tea up to one year and it did nothing to my boy in a negative way. He is a healthy and most relax little man. I don't think a herbal tea can cause some bad effects on a baby's tummy. We give our babies alcoholic medicines that are full of preservatives, but because our pediatrician prescribes these medicines so we don't object. But these can have side effects all I know!!!! Good luck
Archon
Sunday 18th of October 2015
I have been giving my 2 month old chamomile, ginger and peppermint teas for 2 weeks now and find significant difference in his ability to calm, be wayyyyy less cranky, poo easier, less gassy, and demand less. I mix 2-4 oz of tea with water, or tea alone with the breastmilk or formula, warm the bottle (glass) and he is 100%. I will give him 2-4 bottles of this a day, mostly the 4 oz ones at night before bed. I find no problems with urination- odor, output, or color. I am an old male nurse, so I pay attention to the gooey details. I would have to do more research on black teas, but I do not see any reason to give a black tea other then for tea enjoyment. I love a good milk tea myself, but I am giving him his tea for curative reasons. I tried a product called gripe water, and that turned his tongue black, so this is when I decided to target the problems more holistically. Chamomile warm tea with no fuss enfomil formula at 3-4 oz helps sleep and calm. Ginger warm tea with no fuss enfomil formula at 2-4 oz helps with gas, bloating, digestion and intestine distress. Peppermint warm tea with no fuss enfomil formula at 2-4 oz helps with intestine calming, digestion and nervousness system calming. Sometimes I mix a good chamomile and ginger, or chamomile and peppermint. It's always 2-4 oz only. I also triple strain for particulates to make sure he is only getting what he needs. I cannot say how this has helped us sleep from every 2 hrs a night to 5-6 hrs a night. It has been a blessing mixture. No more black tongue. No more fussy tantrums. He smiles, laughs and coos with such delight now. Before, he was with torture to cramps, bloating, gas, hunger, you name it. I have three friends at the moment with new born and they ask me how I look rested or am able to complete my day from sleep deprivation. I tell them: (Of course every situation is different, and factors a plenty in all respect, but try this): aveno lavender/chamomile bath in warm sudsy water at 730pm, aveno lavender/chamomile message lotion in a gentle soft cloth and skin on skin time, hum, song, kisses and fresh bed clothes. Swaddle and chamomile tea mix at 3-4 oz before sleep. All completed by 830pm. He co sleeps with us from 10 pm until 230 am. From 830 to 10 the wife and I enjoy our dinner, watch a movie, take our showers and join him at 10-1030 pm. At 230, almost on clock work he wakes with the punchy fists and runny legs. This will settle at 5-6 months- darn nervousness system is kicking his own butt. Another chamomile dose and rocking chair time, then he is out until 530am. Our work days are easier, our happiness is back, and he is sooooo much calmer and rested. I wish for any parent to read this and find something of value to it. Good luck. Do your own research and talk to your own naturopathic doc. Our pediatrician exhausted her purpose beyond the immunizations he needs. So I suggest, find a good naturopathic doc.
Cynthia
Monday 27th of July 2015
I started giving my baby boy since birth chamomile tea in every single bottle bcuz my pediatrician said it was absolutely safe the way I do it...first I boil water and for every cup u add 1 bag of chamomile tea "read ur box of tea to see how many ounces per bag" then with that tea I use it as if it was the baby's water & add his formula..ex : 8oz of chamomile tea with 4 scoops of formula. Make sure the tea is caffeine free. At night I give him his last bottle with a little bit stronger tea ex:2 bags for 8oz water with 4 scoops of formula and he sleeps the entire night! In fact has been without waking up for a feeding since he was 2 months old!! His Dr says it's so safe that you can't overdose on it no matter how much u use it. Trust me, it's the best thing I could have ever come across for his colic & helping him sleep:-)
jtn831
Thursday 8th of November 2012
it was recommended to me by a family friend that giving my two month old some really diluted chamomile tea to help sooth her and it worked i just wanted to know if that was ok