Chamomile

Herb/Spice

Last updated July 5, 2026. Can I Feed This safety guide guidance is checked against public pediatric and health sources, with source links included where available.

Written By

Tummi Food Team

Food prep and safety guidance

Medically Reviewed By

Andria ProcopioandArefa Mohamed

Pediatric feeding and development specialists

Direct answer

Can babies eat Chamomile?

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.

12+months Serve Age: Most babies start solids around 6 months once they show readiness signs. Match the texture and serving size to your baby's skills.
How to serve
No Allergens: Chamomile is not flagged as one of the major allergens tracked in this database. Still watch your baby closely when serving any new food.
Details
12345 1 Choking Risk: Lower choking risk when served in the right texture. Always supervise meals and adjust the shape for your baby.
Risk notes

This guide is for everyday food prep questions. Ask your pediatrician about medical concerns, feeding delays, allergy plans, or serious reactions.

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).

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.

Save Chamomile to your food log

Track foods, reactions, and prep notes in Tummi when you want to keep your baby's feeding history in one place.

Try For Free

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