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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have given my toddler a drink of tea?

33 replies

YummyorSlummy · 15/11/2010 10:12

I wouldn't normally do this but ds (23mths) is ill with a vomiting bug so he can't have his usual drink of milk. He has refused to have a drink of water and I was worried about him becoming dehydrated so I made him a weak cup of tea with a small amount of milk in. He drank it all so I'm quite pleased that he has at least taken some water in even though it obviously isn't ideal! Just the once won't affect his iron will it?

OP posts:
fifitot · 15/11/2010 10:14

One cup of tea won't hurt him! Give yourself a break woman.

Why not try water though or weak juice. Milk isn't great when you have a tummy bug he just needs liquids as you know to keep hydrated.

coatgate · 15/11/2010 10:16

What on earth is wrong with tea? I remember reading somewhere that in years gone by, before all the choice of drinks we have now, children were always given tea to drink, and it is believed it had several health benefits. My DD has been drinking tea for years.

Original poster
YummyorSlummy · 15/11/2010 10:17

I know it isn't great, just put a tiny bit in- he was refusing everything else water, juice etc, fussy thing that he is! Trust him to develop an obession with drinking milk just as he catches the local sickness bug Smile

OP posts:
VinegarTits · 15/11/2010 10:19

if he has drank it and it will stop him dehydrating then thats great, but remember tea does contains caffeine, so its not something i would make a habit of

maybe try a mixture of milk and water without the tea next time

Original poster
YummyorSlummy · 15/11/2010 10:19

Coatgate, my mum always used to give me a cup of weak tea when I was ill in a beaker, used to make me feel a bit better. Apparently though it reduces absortion of iron.

OP posts:
sasamaxx · 15/11/2010 10:19

I don't think there's anything wrong with giving tea to kids at all - my 2yo drinks tea.

As pp said tho, milk can make diarrhoea worse so it might be better to avoid anything with milk just now.

Onetoomanycornettos · 15/11/2010 10:20

Why shouldn't children have one cup of tea every now and again? It's not my drink of choice, they drink water, OJ and milk, but if they ask for a cup of milky tea (with a sugar!!!!) once a week if they are cold or shivery, I certainly don't say no.

cupcakesandbunting · 15/11/2010 10:20

Tea is full of antioxidants that outweigh the negatives of caffeine. Get it down him Wink

BuntyPenfold · 15/11/2010 10:21

No it won't deplete his iron levels; hydration is much more important just now.
Trust your instincts :)

edam · 15/11/2010 10:22

No, it won't affect him. Relax! ds has been having a cup of (very milky, sweet) tea as a treat after his gym lesson since he was four or five - he really looks forward to it. And always finishes the dregs of my pot when we go to a cafe (with loads of milk). The sugar's not such a good idea but I reckon one cup once a week won't kill him.

Numberfour · 15/11/2010 10:22

you could also try red bush / rooibos tea. it is a bit scentier, but has no caffeine in it.

hope your DS is feeing lots better.

Original poster
YummyorSlummy · 15/11/2010 10:22

Thanks for the reassurance! He seemed to enjoy it Grin

OP posts:
VinegarTits · 15/11/2010 10:24

you can buy caffeine free tea though, or fruity teas

BonniePrinceBilly · 15/11/2010 10:31

Its TEA, not crack cocaine. Sheesh.

MrsTumbles · 15/11/2010 10:42

You can buy childrens tea in Tesco (not sure what makes it child-friendly, but Mickey Mouse is on the front of the pack so it must be good for them!Hmm)

bluecardi · 15/11/2010 10:43

nowt wrong with a cuppa

GrimmaTheNome · 15/11/2010 10:46

It won't affect iron absorption at all if he doesn't have it at the same time as food.

SirBoobAlot · 15/11/2010 10:48

If he's drinking it, he's drinking it! Better than nothing.

To put your mind at ease you could get caffeine free / redbush / green tea.

Hope he feels better soon.

FindingMyMojo · 15/11/2010 11:04

My DD (3) is always after my tea and will drink cold dregs Shock if she can & go yum (if I don't get it away in time).

badcoverversion · 15/11/2010 12:17

My 2.7 year old has a cuppa about once or twice a week. I brew it in the pot but give him half tea, half semi-skimmed milk and a small teaspoon of honey.

He usually sticks to "sparkly water", plain ol' corporation pop or flavoured milk on the rarest occasion so I don't see the harm in it myself.

Heracles · 15/11/2010 12:19

Nothing wrong with tea; he's BRITISH for starters; it's in his blood... Wink

Rosa · 15/11/2010 12:21

Weak tea is suggested in some parts of Europe to help children rehydrate - usually witha bit of sugar and no milk.

Rockbird · 15/11/2010 12:26

DD has ben drinking the odd cup of tea for ages (she's 2.10yo). Now it's turned colder and she's not as much of a milk monster as she was, she's drinking loads of tea and loves it. But she's of English/Irish parentage so not surprising :o

I make it half milk, half water which is just a nice temperature for her to drink.

She also drinks fizzy 'busy' water if we're out :)

AnnieLobeseder · 15/11/2010 12:28

What's wrong with tea? I make my two tea - it's very weak and mostly milk, but they like it!

kreecherlivesupstairs · 15/11/2010 12:34

My 9.6 DD loves the idea of tea, but hates the actuality. I don't drink it (coffee only) so she must have got the idea from her lip smacking dad.
Can't see anything wrong TBH, in Switzerland we were advised to give her some medicine in tea. I duly went out and got some kinderthe and her face was Hmm to say the least.