Reviewed by Infant Feeding Specialist and Little Melly Founder, Jennifer Muller Mansour
Chilly weather? It's tea time!
Tea has many benefits for adults, but is it safe for kids to drink? Before serving tea to your little one, there are a few things to think about: What does it contain? Will it harm my baby?
Can babies drink tea?
According to the NHS hot drinks, such as tea, are not suitable for babies. They advise only offering breast milk, formula or water for to baby in the first 12 months to make sure that your baby gets the most nutrition and hydration. After the age of 1, we can occasionally offer toddlers fresh juice (half a cup per day as a max) and warm tea, noting that they do not need it on a daily basis.
How to introduce tea to toddlers:
Introducing your baby to different drinks after the age of 12 months is a good way for them to transition from breast/bottle to a cup or beaker. When introducing tea to toddlers, directly opt for an open silicone cup without a valve; it is better for their teeth. If you haven't done that already with their water and milk, keep in mind that it will be messy. A good mess, however! This will help them learn how to develop their hand-to-mouth coordination skills.
The benefits of kid-friendly tea:
- Soothes baby's tummy
- Helps digest food
- Helps with constipation
- Hydrates the body
- Relaxes and improves sleep
- Relieves symptoms of cold
Types of teas
Typically, herbal tea produced from herbs and fruits is caffeine-free. Herbal tea can assist children manage the symptoms of some mild diseases, such as colds, and allergies.
When giving tea to your child, ensure that it’s listed as safe as there are some types of tea that could harm them. Also make sure that it’s sugar-free!
Here are some toddler-friendly teas that you can start with:
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
- Peppermint tea
- Fennel tea
Teas to avoid as they are unsafe and harmful for toddlers:
- Black tea / Green tea: contains caffeine
- Sweetened tea: contains sugar
- Caffeinated tea: can cause irritability and hyperactivity
- Linden flower tea: can cause botulism
- Star anise tea: can cause neurological damage
How to give tea to toddlers:
- Boil water in a kettle
- Steep tea bag in the boiled water for a couple of minutes
- Cool to room temperature after brewing
- Offer it in an open cup or by spoon-feeding
- You can add a dash of honey or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor
So while some tea is considered safe for children because it can be beneficial to their health and relieve certain symptoms, some are not good. When giving tea, make sure that it’s listed as safe. Always make sure to give it in moderation, and don’t substitute it for milk or water.
