First foods database
🍵 Tea for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies drink tea? No. Tea is not suitable for babies or young children. It contains caffeine, and the tannins in tea can reduce how much iron your baby absorbs from food, which matters at an age when iron needs are high.
Good source of: Caffeine, Tannins
How to serve tea by age
6 to 9 months
Not for babies. Breast milk or formula is the main drink, with sips of water from a cup with meals from about 6 months.
9 to 12 months
Still not suitable. Water and milk are the best drinks, including when your baby seems thirsty.
12 months and up
Tea is not recommended for young children. Water and whole milk remain the best everyday drinks for toddlers.
Choking safety
Hot drinks are a serious scald risk. Never hold a hot drink while holding your baby, and keep cups well out of reach.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Contains caffeine.
- Tannins can reduce iron absorption.
- Keep hot drinks away from babies to prevent scalds.
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat tea?
Can babies drink tea? No. Tea is not suitable for babies or young children. It contains caffeine, and the tannins in tea can reduce how much iron your baby absorbs from food, which matters at an age when iron needs are high.
Can babies have herbal tea?
Herbal teas are not recommended for babies. Some contain ingredients or sugars unsuitable for little ones, and water and milk are all they need.
Can tea help a baby sleep?
No. Babies do not need tea, and a calm, consistent bedtime routine is a much better support for sleep.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).