Chamomile tea is generally considered safe for an 18-month-old, though consulting a pediatrician before offering any herbal tea to a young toddler is always recommended.
You’re winding down a fussy evening and wondering if that warm cup of chamomile tea sitting in your hands could help settle your toddler, too. The gentle floral brew is a go-to for adult relaxation, and your 18-month-old could certainly use a little soothing after a long day of teething or exploring.
Here’s the short version: yes, many experts consider chamomile tea likely safe for children over 12 months old. But a few important caveats around allergies, preparation, and when to check with your pediatrician are worth knowing before you pour that first cup.
Why Parents Consider Chamomile for Toddlers
The appeal is easy to understand. Chamomile is one of the most well-known herbal teas for calming and digestive comfort, and those are exactly the issues that keep toddlers and their parents awake at night.
Research suggests chamomile has been safely used in infants and young children for colic, diarrhea, and general GI upset. One AAP review notes chamomile is used widely to treat children with gastrointestinal disorders like colic and dyspepsia. Another study found that herbal teas containing chamomile seemed to have a favorable effect on infantile colic.
There’s also some evidence that an apple pectin-chamomile extract may help shorten the course of diarrhea in children and relieve related symptoms. So the interest in chamomile isn’t just folklore — there’s real, though limited, clinical experience behind it.
What the Research Says About Safety
The reassuring news is that major health organizations classify chamomile as likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in teas for both adults and children. The NCCIH lists chamomile as likely safe for medicinal use, including in pediatric populations.
That said, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that research on dietary botanical supplements and teas in infants as a separate group has not been extensively studied. Most of the available data comes from older studies and traditional use rather than large-scale modern trials. This is why pediatricians tend to recommend a cautious approach.
For a child who is 18 months old — well past the 6-month mark that experts cite as the minimum age for offering herbal tea — the risk profile is generally low. The key is preparation and knowing what to watch for.
Ragweed Allergy Connection
Chamomile is botanically related to ragweed. If your child has a known ragweed allergy or has shown sensitivity to other plants in the Asteraceae family (like daisies or chrysanthemums), it is best to avoid chamomile tea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction in toddlers can include rash, hives, wheezing, or facial swelling.
How to Safely Offer Chamomile Tea to an 18-Month-Old
If your pediatrician gives the green light, here’s how to prepare chamomile tea for a young toddler safely.
- Use tea bags, not loose leaf: Botulism spores have occasionally been found in dried chamomile sold by weight. Opting for sealed tea bags from reputable brands significantly reduces this risk.
- Brew it weak: Steep one tea bag in about 8 ounces of hot water for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove it. This produces a mild, barely golden infusion rather than a strong cup.
- Skip the extras: No honey (risk of infant botulism under age 1), no sugar, no lemon. Plain and unsweetened is the rule for toddlers.
- Start with a small amount: Offer just an ounce or two (about 30 to 60 mL) at room temperature or slightly warm. A sippy cup or bottle works fine.
- Watch for reactions: After the first small serving, watch your child for any signs of allergy or digestive upset over the next several hours before offering more.
One older study used about 146 milliliters (5 ounces) of an herbal tea blend made with chamomile, fennel, and lemon balm in infants. This suggests that moderate amounts are well tolerated. But when starting a new food or drink, smaller is always safer.
What the Evidence Shows About Chamomile and Toddler Sleep
A common reason parents ask about chamomile tea is to help a restless toddler settle before bed. There’s some basis for this — chamomile is traditionally used for its mild calming properties. The AAP’s review on complementary medicine notes chamomile’s use for GI disorders and skin conditions, but its role as a sleep aid in children is less directly studied and largely anecdotal.
That said, parents who use it often report positive experiences. The NIH’s chamomile safety profile describes the herb as generally safe at tea-strength doses, and the relaxing ritual of a warm drink before bed may be helpful regardless of the herb’s pharmacological effect. Pairing chamomile tea with a consistent bedtime routine — dim lights, a story, rocking — may be more effective than the tea alone.
For parents whose toddlers are dealing with coughs or congestion, chamomile tea sometimes comes up as a gentle option. One study found that parents commonly use herbal preparations for viral upper respiratory symptoms in children. Chamomile’s mild anti-inflammatory properties may offer some comfort, but it should not replace standard medical care for respiratory infections.
| Age Group | Safety Status | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Not recommended | Breast milk or formula only; herbal tea has no nutritional value and may displace essential nutrition. |
| 6 to 12 months | Limited use with caution | Some experts allow small amounts; always check with your pediatrician first. No honey. |
| 12 months and older | Generally considered safe | Most guidelines consider this the starting point. Weak tea, small volumes, observe for allergies. |
| 18 months (your child’s age) | Low risk with precautions | Well past minimum age. Same rules: weak brew, no honey, tea bags preferred over loose leaf. |
Risks and Contamination Concerns
Even for generally safe herbs like chamomile, a few risks are worth noting. First, there is the ragweed allergy connection mentioned earlier — this is probably the most common reason to avoid chamomile in a sensitive child.
Second, contamination is a real, if small, concern. One study found pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) contamination in 14.3% of chamomile tea samples tested. PAs are naturally occurring toxins from weeds that can contaminate herbal crops. Choosing reputable tea brands and using tea bags (which are typically more controlled than loose-leaf) may help reduce this exposure.
Third, there is the theoretical risk of infant botulism from honey — which is why honey is never added to food or drink for children under 12 months. Since your child is 18 months old, honey is no longer a botulism concern, but it’s still wise to avoid added sugars in a toddler’s diet.
When to Avoid Chamomile Entirely
If your child has a known allergy to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, skip chamomile. Also avoid it if your child is taking sedative medications, blood thinners, or medications metabolized by the liver, as chamomile may interact with some drugs. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist.
How Chamomile Compares to Other Herbal Teas for Toddlers
| Herbal Tea | Safety for Toddlers (Age 12+ Months) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile | Generally safe; weak brew recommended | Calming, digestive comfort, colic, mild sleep aid |
| Fennel | Generally safe; use in moderation | Gas, colic, digestive upset |
| Peppermint | Use with caution in young children; can cause reflux | Digestive upset, nausea (better suited for older kids) |
Chamomile tends to be the gentlest option for young toddlers. Fennel is also well-tolerated and often combined with chamomile in infant colic teas. Peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and may worsen reflux, so it’s less ideal for toddlers prone to spitting up.
The Bottom Line
An 18-month-old can generally have chamomile tea in small, weak, unsweetened amounts, provided your pediatrician has no concerns about allergies or medications. The available evidence — including the NCBI’s chamomile for infant colic review and the NCCIH safety profile — supports its use at tea-strength doses. Start with an ounce or two, watch for any reaction, and stick with sealed tea bags from reputable brands to minimize contamination risk.
Your pediatrician or a clinical pharmacist can help you decide whether chamomile tea fits your child’s specific health history, especially if you’re using it alongside other remedies or if your toddler has known allergies.