Can Babies Have Chamomile Tea?
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For many parents, chamomile tea is a household staple, a calming drink for restless minds and sleepless nights. So it’s only natural to wonder: Can babies have chamomile tea too?
The short answer is, yes, chamomile tea can be safe for babies, but with some important precautions. Just like adults, infants may benefit from chamomile’s gentle, soothing properties, but their developing systems require extra care. In this guide, we’ll explore when and how to introduce chamomile tea, its potential benefits, and what every parent should know before offering that first tiny sip.
What Is Chamomile Tea and Why Do Parents Love It?
Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. Known for its natural calming effects, it’s often used to help with anxiety, digestion, and sleep.
The magic lies in apigenin, a flavonoid that promotes relaxation and has mild sedative properties. That’s why many adults sip chamomile before bedtime, and why parents are curious if it might have the same soothing effect on babies.
Is Chamomile Tea Safe for Babies?
The good news: Chamomile tea is generally safe for babies over six months old.
However, infants younger than six months should not be given any herbal teas, including chamomile. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding during the first six months of life to meet all nutritional needs.
Once your little one reaches six months, you can slowly introduce other liquids, including small amounts of chamomile tea under your pediatrician’s guidance.
How to Safely Prepare Chamomile Tea for Babies
When preparing chamomile tea for your baby, simplicity and safety are key. Here’s how to do it right:
Choose pure chamomile tea — Avoid blends with added herbs, caffeine, or flavorings. Look for 100% pure, organic chamomile like Tea Life’s Chamomile Tea.
Use tea bags, not loose leaves — Loose tea may contain natural contaminants such as Clostridium botulinum, which can make babies ill.
Brew lightly — Steep one tea bag in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely to room temperature.
Start small — Offer one to two ounces (about 30–60 ml) the first time. Monitor your baby closely for any reaction.
Feed carefully — You can spoon-feed the cooled tea or let your baby sip it from a small cup.
Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any herbal tea, especially if your baby takes medications or has known allergies.
How Much Chamomile Tea Is Safe for Babies?
While studies have shown that small amounts of chamomile tea may help infants with colic or mild digestive discomfort, moderation is essential.
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According to one study, herbal teas containing chamomile, fennel, and lemon balm were safe up to three times daily, but those were combination teas. For pure chamomile tea, experts suggest starting with just one to two ounces once a day to see how your baby reacts.
Your pediatrician can help you decide the right serving based on your baby’s age, weight, and health condition.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea for Babies
Chamomile tea isn’t just a soothing drink, it can offer several natural benefits for babies, too.
1. May Ease Colic and Fussiness
If your baby cries excessively without an apparent reason, they might be experiencing colic. Chamomile tea’s gentle, anti-inflammatory properties can help calm the digestive system and reduce discomfort, helping your baby relax.
2. May Improve Sleep
The flavonoid apigenin in chamomile promotes relaxation and may help your baby drift off more easily. A small amount of chamomile tea before bedtime can support better sleep patterns for babies struggling with restlessness.
3. May Help Relieve Constipation
As babies transition to solid foods, constipation can be common. Chamomile tea increases hydration in the intestines, making it easier for babies to pass stools and easing mild digestive discomfort.
Potential Risks and Precautions
Even though chamomile tea is natural, it’s not risk-free, especially for infants. Be cautious and watch for any allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Possible allergic reactions include:
Itchiness around the lips or tongue
Swelling of the face
Diarrhea or vomiting
Lethargy or difficulty breathing
Chamomile belongs to the daisy family, so if your baby has allergies to plants like ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, avoid giving chamomile tea.
If any reaction occurs, stop immediately and seek medical help. Always consult your pediatrician before starting chamomile tea, especially if your baby takes medication, as chamomile can interact with certain drugs.
The Takeaway
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If you enjoy a warm cup of chamomile tea to unwind after a long day, it’s comforting to know your baby might benefit from it too, safely and in moderation.
Chamomile tea can help relieve colic, improve sleep, and support digestion, making it a gentle addition to your baby’s wellness routine once they’re six months or older.
Just remember:
Always check with your pediatrician first
Use pure chamomile tea bags
Start with small amounts and observe carefully
For a trusted, high-quality option, explore Tea Life’s Chamomile Tea, crafted for purity and freshness.
Discover the Natural Comfort of Tea Life
At Tea Life, we believe in the healing power of nature, one cup at a time. Our premium herbal teas are sourced ethically and made with care to support wellness for every generation.
Whether you’re soothing a fussy baby or simply looking for a moment of calm, you can trust Tea Life for pure, safe, and naturally nourishing teas.
Visit Tea Life today to explore our collection of herbal blends and bring comfort to every cup.
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