When Can Babies Drink Tea? A Parent's Guide
Short answer: babies under 6 months should have only breast milk or formula, so no water and no regular tea. After that, ask your baby's doctor before any herbal tea, and choose a caffeine free blend made for infants. Poison Control says to check with your baby's healthcare provider before giving any herbal supplement or tea.
By the Secrets of Tea team. Last updated October 4, 2026. Related reading: is chamomile tea safe for newborns and catnip and fennel drops for infants.
Why babies under 6 months should not drink water or regular tea
Babies under 6 months get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. Extra liquids can:
- Take the place of calories from milk feeds
- Dilute the sodium in their blood, a condition called hyponatremia
- Reduce the appetite for milk, which provides key nutrients
Regular teas (green, black, white) are off limits for infants because of caffeine and tannins, which interfere with iron absorption.
What about herbal teas for babies?
Herbal teas are a different category. Herbal blends made from herbs such as chamomile and fennel contain no caffeine and have a long history of traditional use in infant care. They are still not risk free: Poison Control lists contamination, allergic reactions and very few safety studies in infants.
Herbs commonly used in infant blends:
- Chamomile: traditionally used to calm and settle.
- Fennel: traditionally used for gas and bloating.
- Lemon balm: traditionally used for calming, in appropriate amounts.
Herbal teas to avoid in infants:
- Anise and star anise: linked to neurological effects in very young babies
- Licorice root: a potent herb, not appropriate for newborns
- Comfrey: contains compounds toxic to the liver
- Pennyroyal: toxic, never for infants
- Any tea with added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors
Age by age guide: when can babies have tea?
| Age | Tea guidance |
|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Breast milk or formula only. Do not offer any herbal tea without asking your baby's doctor first. |
| 6 to 12 months | Ask your baby's doctor first. If they agree, a purpose made organic herbal blend can be offered in small amounts alongside solid food. Avoid anything with honey until 12 months. |
| 12 months and up | Most caffeine free herbal teas are an option. Continue to avoid caffeinated teas. |
How to prepare Babies Magic Tea
Use a blend made for infants, because adult herbal teas are far more concentrated. The label directions for Babies Magic Tea, word for word: boil water; stringless baby bag in for 2 minutes, remove; cool; into the bottle 50/50 with formula or breast milk. Never replace a milk feed with tea, and ask your baby's doctor before you start.
Always talk to your baby's doctor
Every baby is different. This guide is informational and not a substitute for personal medical advice. If your baby has allergies, underlying health conditions, or was born early, ask your baby's doctor before introducing anything new, including herbal tea.
The bottom line
Water and caffeinated tea are not appropriate for young babies. Caffeine free herbal blends made for infants are offered by some parents with their baby's doctor's guidance. Babies Magic Tea is USDA Organic and caffeine free, made with chamomile, fennel and cumin. No alcohol, no preservatives, nothing artificial.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 9 month old baby drink tea?
Ask your baby's doctor first. If they agree, small amounts of caffeine free, USDA Organic herbal tea can be offered alongside solid food. Avoid caffeinated teas and honey until 12 months.
Which herbal tea is gentlest for a fussy or gassy baby?
Blends built around organic chamomile and fennel are traditionally used for fussy evenings. Introduce one blend at a time so you can see how your baby responds, and check with your baby's doctor first.
What is actually in Babies Magic Tea?
USDA Organic chamomile, fennel and cumin. It is caffeine free and contains no alcohol, preservatives, or artificial flavors, and comes in stringless baby bags.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our teas are not intended to diagnose any condition or promise a specific result. Always ask your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or giving tea to an infant.
