Is it safe to give a premie baby tea (strong or weak) for a stomach upset or bowel blockage?

Question

My friend's mother in law wants to give the new baby (5 months olds, born 3 months premature) some tea because she believes that the baby has an upset stomach or bowel blockage. She's not in any medical field but insists the baby is sick and it will be okay to give him tea.

Answer 1

NO!!! Tea has tannic acid in it & it should never be given to kids under the age of 2. My infant once has a bowel blockage & the nurse said to give him apple juice. You need to talk to your doctor about the steps to be taken.

Answer 2

You did not say what kind of tea or how she's planning to give it. I will assume she's going to use an herbal tea known to relieve the upset stomach.

One traditional way to give tea (herbal teas are more properly called tisanes) to a baby is by enema. Some that are traditionally used are dill seed, catnip, German chamomile or fenugreek. These are generally considered safe and effective for constipation.

HOWEVER, I would never recommend an inexperienced person give an enema to an infant. The tea must be weak, the water must be warm and one must use NO PRESSURE. It is very easy to injure a newborn's internal organs.

An alternative would be to give a very small amount of weak tea (1/4 tsp. dried herb to make 8 ounces liquid) in a bottle, if the baby will accept it. Warning: star anise is too risky for infants. Misidentification of species has led to nerve damage.

Another even safer method to get the bowels moving is to use massage. Use 3 drops lavender oil to 2 tablespoons olive oil. Don't rub. Gently smooth the oil over child's distended belly in a clockwise motion - from your left side go up, over to the right, down and back to the left, round and round for 2 or 3 minutes.

All that said, don't let his constipation go on untreated. If your gentle ministrations don't achieve a bowel movement, by all means see a health care practitioner.

Answer 3

I do not suggest you give a preemie anything but formula or breast milk unless directed by a doctor. As their organs are not as fully developed, giving him tea would likely cause more of a tummy ache. Her doctor can give her some ideas to use on an upset stomach.

Answer 4

I would ask you OB/GYN about that. You might also want to check yourself out and make sure your food is being digested properly, especially if you're breast-feeding. If your body doesn't produce enough enzymes to properly digest your food, your baby may not be getting enough nutrients from your milk to sustain his hunger. Like I said, check with your OB/GYN. Good luck!

Answer 5

I don't think it would hurt your baby, but it is your decision. I would call your pediatrician and talk to him/her about your concerns. If your baby has an upset stomach you can always give him/her a little prune juice. Not the baby prune juice, the adult one. And delute it half with water.

Answer 6

See a doctor asap. But dont give it tea.

Answer 7

I don't think that it is a good idea - check with your doctor first.

Answer 8

Call an advice nurse..better safe then sorry..oldwise tales are not always right...

Answer 9

Nov. 12,, 2004 -- A soothing cup of herbal tea with star anise has traditionally been heralded as an easy way to calm a colicky baby. But before your child takes a sip, consider this. Contaminants in the herbal tea can cause dangerous neurological problems in infants.

In recent years, mounting evidence has indicated cross-contamination between Chinese star anise (llicium verum), which is considered generally safe for consumption, and the closely related species Japanese star anise (Illicium anistatum). The Japanese version of star anise contains potent nerve toxins.

Physicians reporting in the journal Pediatrics treated seven babies, aged 2 to 12 months, with signs of star anise poisoning over a two-year study period. Symptoms of toxicity in these infants included jitteriness, vomiting, irritability, jerky movements, and seizures.

All infants had received at-home herbal tea with star anise at least once, although the doses may have varied in all cases from one star to six anise stars boiled in water, and given to the infants as little as once per day to as much as four times per day.

Analysis of samples of the anise star herbs used to make the herbal tea showed toxic compounds, some at very high levels.

None of the infants had abnormal labs of electroencephalograms (brain waves) and all of the infants experienced complete recovery within 48 hours of treatment.

Barbara M. Garcia Pena, MD, MPH, and co-authors say the toxicities found in the infants could be due to an overdose of Chinese star anise (which at high doses can be toxic to the nervous system), contamination with the Japanese star anise, or a combination of the two.

"Star anise tea should no longer be given to infants because of its potential danger in this population," the authors conclude in the journal report.

On Sept. 10, 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to buy herbal teas brewed from star anise. The statement read: "It has come to FDA's attention that brewed "teas" containing star anise have been associated with illnesses affecting about 40 individuals, including approximately 15 infants."

also

The giving of green tea to infants and children is popular with mothers anxious to see that their children attain higher standards of health. The average intake of theobromine levels in these same children were reported to be 42.5 mg. or 23.8 mg./1000kcal. Theophylline targets the heart, bronchia, and kidneys, and is the most common medication used for asthma and COPD patients.

Precautions for green tea users are noted in the Herbal PDR. Those who have a weakened cardiovascular system, renal diseases, thyroid hyperfunction, elevated susceptibility to spasms or certain psychic disorders (for example, panic or anxiety), or who are pregnant or nursing should avoid its use. Long term usage produces the same symptoms as other caffeinated drinks do: restlessness, irritability, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, vertigo, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headaches. The resorption of alkaline medications can be delayed because of chemical bonding with the tannins. An overdose is considered to be greater than 300 mg. caffeine or five cups of tea, which can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, tremors, and an elevated reflex excitability. The first signs of poisoning are vomiting and abdominal spasms.

Green tea may also interfere with the absorption of atropine, if taken orally. Large quantities may also increase the activity of Warfarin (Coumadin), which is a blood thinner. In addition, tannin-containing foods have been known to affect the absorption of Codeine and Cardec medications.

Water is best for a constipated baby!!!

Answer 10

My mom has old school remedies as well. They have all worked. I would consult a doctor but thank your friend anyway.