Chamomile

Chamomile can be offered to children from 12 months. Before 12 months, skip chamomile tea unless your child's doctor suggests it. The reason is botulism spores. These have been found in chamomile from time to time. They show up more often in loose dried flowers sold by weight. Infant botulism is rare but can be fatal. Babies under 12 months face the highest risk.

What is chamomile

Chamomile is the common name of a family of wild plants with star-shaped, apple-scented flowers. The flowers are usually dried and brewed into herbal tea. Flowers and leaves also season salads, soups, lemonade and ice cream. The type described here is German chamomile, native to Europe and now grown in many places. It is cultivated for food, medicine and essential oil.

Health value

In the amounts used for tea, chamomile gives no meaningful vitamins or minerals. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help digestion and ease an upset gut. It has also been used for teething aches.

How to serve

Between 12 and 24 months, serve no more than about 4 ounces (120 ml) of lukewarm tea a day. Use an open cup or a straw cup. Pick tea bags. Skip loose dried chamomile.

Chamomile as tea is not a common choking risk. In theory any food or liquid can cause choking. Stay near your child while they drink and have them sit to sip.

Chamomile is not a common allergen. An allergy is rare but possible. It belongs to the same plant family as ragweed, so someone who reacts to ragweed could react to chamomile too. It can make an existing condition worse in sensitive babies. Serious allergic reactions have been reported, though rarely.

Offer a small amount the first time and watch your child. If there is no reaction, raise the amount over time.