Catnip Tea for Babies: Is It Safe, and How Much Can You Give?

If you've been up at 2 a.m. with a fussy, gassy baby, you've probably typed "catnip tea for babies" into your phone and hoped for a gentle answer. Catnip (the same herb cats love) has a long history of traditional use for calming and easing digestion — but when it comes to your baby, safety comes first. Here's a clear, honest guide to what catnip tea is, whether it's safe, and how parents typically use it.

Is catnip tea safe for babies?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a mild member of the mint family that has been traditionally valued for centuries to help settle the tummy and encourage relaxation. Many parents rely on a gentle, properly diluted catnip tea to soothe a fussy or gassy baby. That said, a baby's digestive system is delicate, so the most important step is simple: talk to your pediatrician before giving your baby catnip tea or any herbal tea, especially for the first time.

Pediatric guidance (including from the American Academy of Pediatrics) is that babies under 6 months should generally get their nutrition and fluids only from breast milk or formula — water and other liquids aren't usually recommended at that age without a doctor's okay. If your little one is very young, your pediatrician is the right person to tell you whether, when, and how much is appropriate for your baby specifically.

At what age can a baby have catnip tea?

There's no one-size-fits-all age, which is exactly why this is a pediatrician conversation. Some gentle baby teas are formulated and labeled for use from early infancy in very small, diluted amounts, while general herbal teas are better saved for older babies. Rather than guessing, follow two things together: the directions on the product you're using, and your pediatrician's advice for your baby's age and weight. If you're still wondering whether tea belongs in a baby's routine at all, our companion guide on when babies can drink tea walks through the age question in more detail.

What is catnip tea used for in babies?

Parents most often reach for catnip tea during the rough patches of early infancy. Traditionally, it has been used to:

• Ease colic and fussiness — the long crying spells that often peak in the evening.
• Help with trapped gas — catnip is traditionally valued for gently helping expel wind.
• Encourage calm before rest — its mild, soothing nature is why so many parents associate it with settling.

Our Baby Catnip Tea is a single-ingredient organic option for exactly these moments, while Babies' Magic Tea blends catnip with other gentle, organic herbs many parents use for colic, gas, and digestive comfort. Both are made to support your baby gently — never to replace the care and reassurance you already give. For more soothing ideas, see our roundup of natural colic relief remedies.

How do you make catnip tea for a baby?

If you're using a ready-made baby tea, the simplest and safest approach is to follow the preparation directions printed on the package — they're written for that specific product and strength. In general, baby teas are brewed very weak, cooled fully to a safe temperature, and offered in small amounts. Never give a baby hot tea, and don't add sweeteners like honey, which is not safe for babies under 12 months. When in doubt about preparation, your pediatrician or the product's directions should be your guide — not a stronger "adult" brew.

How much catnip tea can a baby have?

Amounts should always stay small and match your baby's age — and this is another spot where the label directions and your pediatrician matter more than any general article. Start low, offer only what's recommended, and watch how your baby responds. Because every baby is different, resist the urge to increase the amount on your own. If a small, appropriate serving doesn't seem to help, that's a reason to check in with your doctor rather than to give more.

What should I watch for after giving catnip tea?

After any new food or drink, keep an eye out for signs your baby isn't tolerating it well: a rash, unusual fussiness, vomiting, diarrhea, or any change in breathing. Stop and call your pediatrician if you notice anything that concerns you. Introducing one new thing at a time makes it much easier to tell how your baby is responding.

When to see a professional

Catnip tea is meant for everyday fussiness — not for symptoms that need medical attention. Call your pediatrician promptly if your baby has a fever, is vomiting forcefully or repeatedly, has blood in their stool, seems unusually sleepy or hard to wake, isn't feeding or wetting diapers normally, or is crying inconsolably in a way that feels different from their usual fussiness. Trust your instincts — you know your baby best, and a quick call is always worth it. You can also explore our full wellness guide for more gentle, parent-tested ideas, or read about the difference between gripe water and baby tea for colic.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Secrets of Tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.