Does drinking tea during breastfeeding affect the baby?

Generally, whether drinking tea during breastfeeding affects the baby depends on the type of tea. Drinking weak herbal tea usually has no effect, while consuming strong tea or tea containing caffeine may have an impact. The details are as follows:

If a nursing mother chooses mild herbal teas such as weak chrysanthemum tea or weak rose tea—teas that are free of caffeine or contain only trace amounts—these are typically gentle in nature. When consumed in moderation, the amount of active components transferred to the baby through breast milk is minimal and generally does not cause discomfort. These teas may even help the mother relax and improve her mood.

However, if a mother frequently drinks strong tea or large amounts of caffeinated tea—such as black tea or green tea—the caffeine can pass into her breast milk and enter the baby's system. Since infants' metabolic systems are not yet fully developed, they cannot efficiently eliminate caffeine. This may lead to symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness, and restlessness. It could also interfere with the baby's calcium absorption, potentially affecting growth and development.

During breastfeeding, it's best to choose mild herbal teas, avoid strong or high-caffeine teas, and limit overall tea consumption. Drinking plenty of warm water daily is recommended, as it effectively hydrates without affecting the baby. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet helps ensure high-quality breast milk for the infant.