If you are a tea lover yourself, you might want to know if tea for toddlers is a safe choice. Tea is a popular beverage that is available in many types. The most popular tea is the one made with the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, herbal teas are available and made with different plant parts such as roots, leaves, flowers, or barks, which are often used as herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. Some of these teas are used for therapeutic purposes, especially for treating or managing ailments such as colic and diarrhea. However, limited clinical evidence exists on the general safety and efficacy of teas for toddlers. Read on as we share an overview of the possible benefits and side effects of tea for toddlers with some precautions to observe while offering it to them.
Is Tea Safe For Toddlers?
According to the NHS, tea (Camellia sinensis) isn’t suitable for babies and young children (1). Tea (green and black) contains caffeine, a psychostimulant that can cause irritability, nervousness, and poor sleep (2). Besides, tea contains tannic acid, which can interfere in the absorption of nutrients (iron and zinc), affecting a toddler’s long-term health (3) (4). Herbal teas usually don’t contain caffeine and may impart therapeutic effects when used appropriately. However, limited research exists on their safety and efficacy for infants and young children. Thus, consult a pediatrician before using herbal tea for your toddler.
Common Herbs Used For Preparing Tea For Toddlers
Here are some of the common herbs used for preparing herbal teas for babies, toddlers, and young children.
Are There Any Benefits Of Herbal Tea For Toddlers?
When used under pediatric guidance, herbal teas may treat and manage some ailments in babies and toddlers. For instance, chamomile tea’s use is prevalent in complementary and alternative medicine to alleviate colic and diarrhea in infants and toddlers (11). Similarly, herbal tea use is also believed to relieve cold and cough, promote digestion, and enhance sleep. Consult an expert before using herbal teas for toddlers as their use needs caution.
What Are The Side Effects Of Herbal Tea For Toddlers?
Herbal teas have potential side effects that parents should be aware of before serving them to babies and toddlers.
Allergy: A toddler could be allergic to a herb or herbs present in a herbal tea. Some of the common symptoms of an allergic reaction are skin rash (hives), itching, tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face, lips, throat, and tongue. In rare cases, herbal tea may lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
Cross-reactivity: Cross-reactivity with herbs is also possible. If your toddler is allergic to any food or substance, check with your doctor if the herbal tea can cross-react and cause allergic reactions. For instance, infants allergic to plants in the Apiaceae family, such as carrot, coriander, cumin, and parsley, could also be allergic to fennel tea (12).
Cross-interaction: Herbs contain active ingredients that may interact with drugs and dietary supplements. If your toddler is on a medication or consumes any supplement, consult a pediatrician before serving them herbal tea.
Precautions To Take While Using Herbal Tea For Toddlers
Observing precautionary measures could ensure the toddler’s safety when using herbal tea for specific purposes.
