nutritious-foods
You’re Giving Tea to Your Child? Here’s Why Doctors Say Stop Now
Published: 08/11/25
Updated: 28/01/26
In many homes, tea is a part of daily life. Morning tea, evening tea, tea when guests come, tea during conversations - tea has become an important part of our daily life. So sometimes, children also start drinking tea. Maybe they first take a sip from your cup, then slowly they get their own small cup.
It feels normal. It feels harmless. But doctors say that giving tea to young children is not good for their health. It can affect their growth and their development.
1. Tea Stops the Body From Taking Iron
Children need iron to grow strong and to have energy. Iron helps their blood carry oxygen to the brain. If the body doesn’t get enough iron, children can feel tired and weak. They may become less active. It also affects their overall. Growth.
Tea has something called tannins, which stop the body from absorbing iron from food. So even if your child eats healthy food, drinking tea can block the benefit.
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2. Tea Has Caffeine
Many people think caffeine is only in coffee, but tea also has caffeine. Caffeine is not good for children because it creates trouble sleeping and restlessness. When children don’t sleep properly, their growth and learning are also affected.
3. Tea Fills the Stomach But Gives No Nutrition
Children have small stomachs. They need food that gives them nutrients. But tea has almost no nutrition. It just fills the stomach for some time, so they eat less food. This can slow growth and lead to weakness.
4. Tea Usually Contains a Lot of Sugar
Most children drink tea with a lot of sugar. This creates tooth problems and in some cases, health problems later in life.
Many of us may be thinking “But We Also Drank Tea as Children!”
Yes, many of us had tea growing up. But life was different then. Food was fresher and healthier. Children played outside more and there was less junk food
Today, children eat more packaged snacks and spend more time on screens. So their nutrition must be even stronger.
Better Options Instead of Tea
|
Drink |
Why It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Warm milk (plain or with turmeric) |
Gives strength and improves immunity |
|
Milk with cardamom or cinnamon |
Tastes nice and natural |
|
Fresh fruit smoothie |
Gives vitamins and energy |
|
Coconut water |
Keeps them hydrated |
|
Ragi or millet drink |
Very good for growth |
How to Stop Tea Slowly
If your child is already used to tea, don’t stop suddenly. Go step-by-step:
- Reduce sugar slowly
- Add more milk and less tea
- Give an herbal drink at the same time tea was given
Tea is fine for adults. But children are still growing. Their bodies and brains need the right fuel. Giving tea may look like a small thing, but it can affect their growth and health over time.
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