Are Herbal Supplements Safe for My Baby?
Content reviewed against published AAP, FDA, NIH guidelines
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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect are herbal supplements safe for my baby, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Herbal supplements are generally not recommended for infants and young children. Unlike medications, herbal products are not regulated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. They may contain undisclosed ingredients, contaminants, heavy metals, or doses inappropriate for infants. Some popular products marketed for babies (such as gripe water, chamomile tea, or herbal teething remedies) may pose risks including allergic reactions, drug interactions, and toxicity. Always consult your pediatrician before giving any herbal product to your baby.
Key takeaways
- Herbal supplements are generally not recommended for infants and young children. Unlike medications, herbal products are not regulated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. They may contain undisclosed ingredients, contaminants, heavy metals, or doses inappropriate for infants. Some popular products marketed for babies (such as gripe water, chamomile tea, or herbal teething remedies) may pose risks including allergic reactions, drug interactions, and toxicity. Always consult your pediatrician before giving any herbal product to your baby.
- Usually normal when: You discuss any supplement interests with your pediatrician before giving them to your baby.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has ingested an herbal product and is showing signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting — seek emergency care and bring the product with you.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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When to Seek Immediate Care
- Your baby has ingested an herbal product and is showing signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting — seek emergency care and bring the product with you.
- Your baby is having unusual symptoms after taking an herbal supplement: seizures, extreme drowsiness, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing — call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
- You discover that an herbal product you have been giving your baby has been recalled or contains undisclosed toxic ingredients — stop use immediately and contact your pediatrician.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Infants under 6 months should receive only breast milk, formula, or medications prescribed by their doctor. No herbal supplements, teas, or water are recommended at this age. Some parents give gripe water for colic, but many formulations contain ingredients that are unsafe for young infants, including alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, or undisclosed herbs. The FDA has issued warnings about certain gripe water brands due to contamination. Giving herbal teas to young infants can also fill them up, reducing milk intake and potentially causing nutritional deficiency or water intoxication.
6-12 months
Even as babies start solids, herbal supplements remain risky. Products marketed as natural are not necessarily safe — many herbs have pharmacological effects. For example, star anise tea has been linked to seizures in infants, and some herbal teething products have been found to contain dangerous levels of belladonna. If you are interested in herbal remedies, discuss each specific product with your pediatrician, who can evaluate the ingredient list and potential interactions with any medications. Your baby's liver and kidneys are still maturing and may not process herbal compounds safely.
12-36 months
While toddlers are more physiologically mature, herbal supplements still carry risks. The lack of FDA regulation means potency, purity, and dosing for children are often unknown. Elderberry syrup, echinacea, and vitamin supplements with herbal additives are commonly given to toddlers but may interact with medications or cause allergic reactions. If you choose to use herbal products, look for those with third-party testing (USP or NSF certification), use only products specifically formulated for children, and always inform your pediatrician about any supplements your child is taking.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You discuss any supplement interests with your pediatrician before giving them to your baby.
- You use only pediatrician-recommended vitamins (like vitamin D drops for breastfed babies) rather than herbal alternatives.
- You read ingredient labels carefully and avoid products with undisclosed or unfamiliar ingredients.
- You are considering giving your baby an herbal supplement and want to discuss its safety with your pediatrician.
- A family member or caregiver wants to give your baby a traditional herbal remedy and you want medical guidance.
- Your baby is already taking an herbal product and you want to ensure it is safe.
- Your baby has ingested an herbal product and is showing signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting — seek emergency care and bring the product with you.
- Your baby is having unusual symptoms after taking an herbal supplement: seizures, extreme drowsiness, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing — call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
- You discover that an herbal product you have been giving your baby has been recalled or contains undisclosed toxic ingredients — stop use immediately and contact your pediatrician.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Are Herbal Supplements Safe for My Baby?.
Things to mention
- You are considering giving your baby an herbal supplement and want to discuss its safety with your pediatrician.
- A family member or caregiver wants to give your baby a traditional herbal remedy and you want medical guidance.
- Your baby is already taking an herbal product and you want to ensure it is safe.
Observations to share
- You are considering giving your baby an herbal supplement and want to discuss its safety with your pediatrician.
- A family member or caregiver wants to give your baby a traditional herbal remedy and you want medical guidance.
- Your baby is already taking an herbal product and you want to ensure it is safe.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has ingested an herbal product and is showing signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting — seek emergency care and bring the product with you.
- Your baby is having unusual symptoms after taking an herbal supplement: seizures, extreme drowsiness, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing — call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
- You discover that an herbal product you have been giving your baby has been recalled or contains undisclosed toxic ingredients — stop use immediately and contact your pediatrician.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
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Is Goat Milk Formula Safe for My Baby?
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Frequently asked questions
Is are herbal supplements safe for my baby normal?
When should I call the doctor about are herbal supplements safe for my baby?
When is are herbal supplements safe for my baby normal?
What causes are herbal supplements safe for my baby?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about are herbal supplements safe for my baby?
Is are herbal supplements safe for my baby normal at 0-6 months?
Is are herbal supplements safe for my baby normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for are herbal supplements safe for my baby?
Does are herbal supplements safe for my baby go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of are herbal supplements safe for my baby are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has ingested an herbal product and is showing signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting — seek emergency care and bring the product with you.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Are Homeopathic Teething Tablets Safe for My Baby?
The FDA has strongly warned against giving homeopathic teething tablets and gels to infants and children. Testing has found inconsistent and sometimes dangerously high levels of belladonna (a toxic substance) in some products, and over 400 adverse events including seizures, breathing difficulty, and at least 10 deaths have been reported. The FDA advises parents to stop using these products immediately and use safer alternatives for teething pain.
Is Osteopathy Safe and Effective for My Baby?
Cranial osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are alternative manual therapies sometimes sought by parents for conditions like colic, reflux, plagiocephaly, and sleep difficulties. The current scientific evidence for their effectiveness in treating infant conditions is limited and inconclusive. While these therapies are generally considered low-risk when performed by trained practitioners, they should not replace evidence-based medical care. Always discuss complementary therapies with your pediatrician.
Is Goat Milk Formula Safe for My Baby?
FDA-approved goat milk-based infant formulas are now available in the United States and can be a safe option for healthy, full-term infants. However, raw or unpasteurized goat milk and homemade goat milk formulas are dangerous for infants and should never be used. Goat milk formula is not appropriate for babies with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), as the proteins are very similar and cross-reactivity occurs in up to 90% of cases.
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