tea
Tea is not suitable for babies and toddlers. Caffeinated drinks should be avoided under 24 months, and the tannins in tea bind iron in food and stop a child absorbing it - which matters a great deal at the age when iron stores are running low.
How to serve
Not recommended, including iced tea and sweetened tea drinks.
Water and unflavoured whole milk are the drinks to offer. Herbal and fruit infusions are not automatically safe either - check with your health visitor or paediatrician first.
Nutrition
No nutritional benefit for a child, and an active downside: drinking tea with meals measurably reduces iron absorption.
Good to know
Avoid caffeinated drinks under 24 months. Tea's tannins reduce iron absorption, sugary iced teas add sugar a child under 2 should not have, and hot drinks are a scald risk.
Tip
If an older child does drink tea, keep it away from mealtimes so it does not block iron absorption from the food.
