Chamomile, an herb derived from a daisy-like plant, is widely known for its calming properties and traditional use as a mild sedative and digestive aid. Because of these associations, many parents wonder if this herbal tea is safe or effective for soothing restless newborns. For infants, especially those under six months of age, introducing any liquid besides breast milk or formula carries significant health considerations. Official health guidelines caution against giving herbal preparations like chamomile tea to newborns.
Official Safety Guidelines and Warnings
Pediatric organizations recommend that infants receive only breast milk or infant formula for the first six months of life. Introducing any other fluid, including water or herbal teas, displaces the calorie-dense nutrition necessary for rapid development. Offering non-nutritive liquids compromises the baby’s focus on nutrient delivery.
The primary danger of giving tea to a newborn is the risk of water intoxication, known as hyponatremia. An infant’s kidneys are immature and cannot efficiently process large volumes of excess water. Consuming too much liquid dilutes the sodium concentration in the baby’s bloodstream, disrupting the electrolyte balance.
Severe hyponatremia can cause brain swelling, leading to symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and neurological damage. Even a small amount of an unapproved liquid can pose a danger to an infant with a low body weight and an underdeveloped system. Administering liquids via a bottle or spoon to a young infant can also increase the risk of aspiration or choking.
Common Reasons Parents Consider Chamomile
Parents often explore herbal remedies like chamomile tea to alleviate newborn discomforts that cause persistent crying. Chamomile has a long history of traditional use as a carminative, a substance thought to help relieve gas and soothe the digestive tract. This makes it a popular consideration for infants experiencing symptoms associated with colic.
Colic is defined as frequent, prolonged, and intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby, often attributed to digestive distress or gas. Parents seek solutions for symptoms like abdominal bloating, drawing legs up, and general fussiness, especially during evening hours. The mild sedative properties of chamomile are also appealing to parents hoping to encourage better sleep patterns.
Safe Alternatives for Newborn Discomfort
Instead of turning to teas or other ingestible remedies, parents have many medically accepted, non-ingestible techniques for soothing newborn discomfort. Techniques that mimic the sensations of the womb are effective for calming a fussy baby. Swaddling, which snugly wraps the infant, helps suppress the startle reflex and provides security.
Gentle movement, such as rocking, bouncing on a yoga ball, or a car ride, can help soothe a distressed infant. Parents can try the “5 S’s” method:
- Swaddling
- Side or stomach positioning (while held, never for sleep)
- Shushing (loud white noise)
- Swinging (gentle, rhythmic movement)
- Sucking (offering a pacifier)
Skin-to-skin contact, often called kangaroo care, is another calming technique that regulates the baby’s heart rate and breathing.
When discomfort is suspected to be gas-related, physical maneuvers like gently cycling the baby’s legs toward the abdomen can encourage the passage of trapped air. For ingestible solutions, options like over-the-counter simethicone gas drops or specific probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, may be discussed with a pediatrician. These alternatives have a better-established safety profile than unregulated herbal teas.
Specific Risks Associated with Herbal Preparations
Beyond the general danger of liquid displacement and water intoxication, herbal preparations carry unique hazards. Herbal teas, which are often sold as dietary supplements, are not regulated by the same strict standards as pharmaceutical drugs. This lack of regulation means the concentration of active ingredients can vary widely, and the product may be contaminated.
Chamomile tea, particularly if made from loose leaves or improperly sourced, can be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or microbes. A specific risk is the potential for contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can lead to infant botulism. The risk is especially high if honey is added to sweeten the tea, as honey is a known source of these spores.
A newborn’s immature digestive system allows C. botulinum spores to germinate and produce a neurotoxin, causing paralysis and respiratory failure. For this reason, honey must be avoided in all forms for children under 12 months of age. Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, which includes ragweed, meaning it can trigger allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in sensitive infants.