Should I give iced tea to my toddler and 4 year old?

[anonacfr]

I make my own iced tea- literally leaf tea and water- no sugar flavourings or anything else added. I tend to use green tea as it's less caffeinated and I drink quite a bit of it when it's hot.

The other day kiddies (4 and 21 months) caught me and I gave them a sip to try. They now clamour for it every time I reach for the fridge. Surely it's OK as a drink in moderation isn't it? There can't be more caffeine in green tea than there would be in a square of chocolate?

its the tannin in tea that is the issue not the caffiene (it inhibits iron absorption). A little bit every so often would probably be ok but I wouldnt go out of my way to give them their own cup of it.

I don't think it could be too bad now and again.
You can get decaf green teabags (not sure about the loose tea,maybe at the health food shop) you could switch to that if your'e concerned.
If you let them have some they may go off it pretty quick

Good point schroeder!

It's amazing how kids seem to have this radar and just know when I'm trying to eat something they're not allowed...

it will be fine now and again but not for a regular drink IMO.

In slovenia they give children tea above juice or water. Often fruit tea.

debka that's interesting - and I'm sure it's been done for years that way and the children aren't iron deficient the way people in the UK panic over things (myself included!).