Chamomile

Herb/Spice

Is Chamomile Safe for Babies?

Yes, chamomile may be introduced to babies at 12 months and older, preferably in tea bag form to avoid botulism spores present in dried varieties.

Is my baby ready for Chamomile?

Yes, butthere are some things to know

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At a Glance

Is Chamomile Poop Friendly?

Chamomile tea often soothes stomach cramps and eases bloating by relaxing intestinal muscles. Those effects come from plant compounds such as apigenin and bisabolol, which reduce inflammation and help calm gut spasms.

How Do You Serve Chamomile?

1
Do not give chamomile tea unless a pediatric healthcare provider specifically advises it; discuss benefits, risks, and safer alternatives first.
2
If a clinician recommends it, use only commercially prepared, labeled infant-safe products—avoid homemade infusions that may carry contamination risk.
3
Follow the provider’s dosage instructions exactly: offer very small amounts only as directed and stop if you notice allergic reactions, rash, vomiting, or unusual sleepiness.
4
Do not add honey, sugar, or other herbs; prepare and cool as instructed, refrigerate prepared portions, and discard any leftovers after 24 hours.

Is Chamomile a Common Allergen?

Dairy

Egg

Fish

Gluten

Tree Nut

Peanut

Sesame

Shellfish

Soy

Chamomile is not a common food allergen but can cause allergic reactions in people sensitized to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (eg, ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums). Topical products or ingestion may trigger contact dermatitis, hives, or respiratory symptoms in susceptible children. Avoid giving chamomile tea or products to infants without pediatrician approval, and be cautious if your child has known pollen/plant allergies. Seek urgent care for signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, widespread hives).

What Nutrients Does Chamomile Have?

Chamomile is not a significant source of calories, vitamins, or minerals for babies but does contain bioactive flavonoids (e.g., apigenin) with anti-inflammatory and digestive-soothing effects that may help with colic or mild digestive upset. It is not iron-rich and is not commonly allergenic, though rare allergic reactions can occur; for toddlers limit chamomile tea to small amounts (recommendation often ≤4 oz/day for 12–24 months) and use bagged/commercial preparations to reduce botulism risk. Use chamomile as an occasional soothing aid rather than a nutritional substitute for breastmilk/formula or iron-rich foods.

Is Chamomile a Choking Hazard?

Very Low Choking Risk

Chamomile in tea form is not a common choking hazard, though any food or liquid can theoretically cause choking. Avoid giving babies loose dried flowers themselves and keep small pieces or loose herbs out of reach. Always stay close and attentive during meals so you can respond quickly if gagging or choking occurs.

Have More Questions?

Yes, babies who are 12 months and older can generally have chamomile in small, appropriate amounts. It is important to choose tea bags over dried, loose forms due to botulism spore risk.

Yes, chamomile can be used in cooking or beverages for toddlers, such as in teas or flavorings. Always ensure the product is safe and prepared appropriately before giving it to young children.

It depends. While chamomile is generally recognized as safe for children over 12 months, its use should be cautious and preferably under medical guidance, especially due to potential allergenicity or contaminants.

Yes, chamomile is often used to help soothe digestive issues and promote relaxation in children over 12 months. However, consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if your child has allergies or sensitivities.

Yes, you can store chamomile tea bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality. Proper storage helps prevent mold or spoilage.

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Sources

Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) — Chamomile ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Bianco MI et al., Presence of Clostridium botulinum spores in Matricaria chamomilla (Int J Food Microbiol, 2008) doi.org
U.S. Food & Drug Administration — CFR Title 21 Part 182 (GRAS) ecfr.gov
Srivastava JK et al., Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future (Molecular Medicine Reports, 2010) doi.org
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) — Chamomile nccih.nih.gov
Martinelli M et al., Efficacy of a standardized extract... in infantile colic (Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2017) doi.org
Savino F et al., ColiMil randomized trial (Phytother Res, 2005) doi.org
Becker B et al., Apple pectin-chamomile extract trial (Arzneimittelforschung, 2006) doi.org