Herbal teas for infants offer benefits, but some, like fennel, are now discouraged. Since May 2023, the European Medicines Agency has advised against fennel for pregnant women, infants, and children under 4 years old due to potential risks. Once prized for its digestive properties, this infusion is now being replaced by safer alternatives such as chamomile or rooibos.
- Really, herbal teas are not just for grandma anymore?
- How to properly prepare an herbal tea for baby
- And lactation tea? That's for mom!
Parenting has many joyful and fulfilling aspects. However, pain or discomfort can quickly spoil everything. Baby becomes fussy, cries often, sleeps poorly, mom has trouble producing enough milk... and the whole family worries while searching for the best solution to improve the situation.
Fortunately, many of these minor ailments can be relieved with natural methods that modern parents are gradually rediscovering. After the Shantala massage, let's zoom in on herbal tea for babies and its phytotherapeutic benefits.
Really, herbal teas are not just for grandma anymore?
Actually, no! While we're used to imagining our grandmothers deep in conversation around a herbal brew, these warm drinks are no longer just for them. There are all kinds, for every taste and, most importantly, for different effects.
Just as verbena can help you relax or ginger can warm you up, certain plants are suited to the needs of infants. Whether it's nervousness or tummy troubles, observe your child to better select the natural remedies that may be most helpful.
How to properly prepare an herbal tea for baby
While little ones can also enjoy the natural benefits of plants, some precautions need to be taken when preparing their beverage:
- check recommendations, dosage, minimum age, and possible contraindications for each plant, or ask your pediatrician/pharmacist,
- divide the amount of herbs used for an adult tea by 6,
- use low-mineral spring water (just as you would for preparing baby bottles),
- let cool, check the temperature, and serve barely warm,
- avoid sweetening—even with honey—before age 2,
- serve occasionally.
By the way, why not make it a ritual to share? Prepare your tea and your child’s at the same time! Do a wrist test to make sure it's just warm enough and then pour it into baby's anti-colic bottle.
From the earliest weeks, offer your baby simple herbal teas in small quantities. You can also wait until the introduction of solid foods, around 4 to 6 months. Before that, if you are breastfeeding, the benefits of herbal teas will pass through your milk.
Getting a peaceful night's sleep
In the first months of life, newborns can experience fears or excitement at bedtime. There's just so much going on in their little heads! Like a sponge, they absorb everything they see, hear, and sense. Once the lights are low, emotions bubble up and no matter the bottle, nursing, or cuddles, they just can’t let go.
Orange blossom, German chamomile flowers, or linden will help calm your baby through a soothing herbal tea on the way to dreamland.
Enjoying a calm tummy
Colic, constipation, difficult digestion... a baby's tummy can go through a lot during those first months. From finding the right formula for bottle-fed babies, to starting solid foods, and the necessary maturation of the digestive system, these little issues can spoil many nights and mealtimes.
One solution may be to use green anise, caraway, chamomile, or cumin, which help ease bloating and support digestion.
For example, try the organic baby herbal tea from Holle—from 4 months—and let us know what you think.
Overcoming teething discomfort
Around 6-8 months, the first signs of teething start to appear. Rosy cheeks, a baby who drools and tries to chew everything within reach: all classic symptoms. Unfortunately, they may also be accompanied by fever, diaper rash of varying intensity, disrupted sleep, and most often, pain.
German chamomile flowers can provide effective relief from teething pain and bring your baby some much-needed calm.
Breathe easy
From fall through spring, baby's nose can get stuffy and coughing might appear out of nowhere. While not usually serious, these symptoms are uncomfortable and disrupt life for the whole family—especially sleep and your infant’s ability to eat well.
For a breath of fresh air and to clear airways, wild thyme works wonders as an infusion in a small bottle sipped throughout the day.
And lactation tea? That's for mom!
If you visit natural food stores or bulk shops, you've probably noticed that lactation teas have become quite popular in recent years. And for good reason: not only are they effective at stimulating milk production (they are said to be galactagogues), but they can also be shared with baby. Drink between 3 and 5 cups a day for full effect.
Fenugreek and green anise help promote lactation, while parsley, mint, and sage tend to reduce it.
Looking for an effective lactation tea that can also support you throughout pregnancy? Check out Jolly Mama to discover a sensory, flavorful, and organic blend made with apple, caraway, anise, basil, cumin, verbena, and lemongrass.
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