Laager Tea4Kidz partner dietician
Laager Tea4Kidz partner dietician shares 8 reasons why Rooibos tea is a healthy addition to babies’ diet, from the age of 6 months
*PLEASE NOTE: Water and/or Rooibos tea should never replace the baby’s primary source of nutrition which is breast milk or baby formula.
When it comes to childhood nutrition, parents are constantly looking for ways to ensure their children are getting the best possible start. Fortunately, South Africa’s fertile Cederberg region has been producing the ultimate dietary addition for babies and young children in the Rooibos plant. Used to create Laager Rooibos tea and its popular Tea4Kidz range, this delicious blend boasts a number of benefits for the growing body and mind.
“Laager Rooibos and Laager Tea4Kidz is a healthier alternative to sugar-laden fizzy drinks and other ready to drink beverages,” explained specialist dietitian, Mbali Mapholi. “Babies can start drinking Rooibos tea at the time that they start eating solids. This is around 6 months old, but it depends greatly on each baby’s milestones and readiness. Rooibos is a great natural hydrating drink which has so many associated health benefits.”
8 reasons why Rooibos tea is a healthy addition to babies’ diet:
1. Rooibos tea may reduce colic in babies
For generations, South African mothers have been using Rooibos to help soothe colic in babies. Breastfeeding mothers can also drink Rooibos tea as a source of hydration. While more research is needed for this to be documented officially, Rooibos is well-known for soothing upset tummies.
2. Rooibos tea is packed with antioxidants
Rooibos tea contains flavonoids, or plant chemicals, that have a variety of health benefits for babies. Rooibos tea also contains phenolic acids, found in fruits and vegetables, which have antioxidant activity. A diet rich in antioxidants helps the body reduce damage caused by free radicals and may lower the risk of diseases.
3. Rooibos tea is a great source of hydration
Because Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, it is a great source of hydration for babies. The Laager Tea4Kidz range also comes in a range of delicious flavours which are naturally sugar-free, making it an ideal beverage for babies and toddlers. It can also be enjoyed warm or cold.
4. Rooibos tea can help alleviate allergy symptoms
Nobody enjoys allergy symptoms, especially babies! Fortunately, Rooibos tea works as a natural antihistamine because it contains allergy-fighting antioxidants (like quercetin).
5. Rooibos tea can help support baby’s gut health
The anti-inflammatory properties of Rooibos tea, provided by antioxidants (quercetin, orientin, and vextin), aid in babies’ digestion. This can help with stomach pains, inflammation, cramps, and other stomach issues. Rooibos tea can also assist with rehydrating young bodies after episodes of diarrhoea.
6. Rooibos tea provides teething pain relief
The anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in Rooibos can help with baby’s teething discomfort. Tea4Kidz can be consumed as a warm or cold drink, or it can be frozen as an alternative to sugary popsicles to help soothe baby’s gums when teething.
7. Rooibos tea may improve baby’s sleep
Rooibos tea contains a mixture of magnesium and calcium which are known to aid with sleep. Calcium is a natural sleep aid while magnesium helps the body to relax so that baby has a more restful sleep.
8. Rooibos tea contains essential minerals
Minerals are so important for growing children as they help build strong bones, healthy teeth, and even benefit the immune system and blood. In addition to the naturally occurring minerals in Rooibos tea, Laager Tea4Kidz+ has added Vitamin C, further boosting the immune system.
“Parenting can be stressful, especially when it comes to babies and trying to ensure they are getting sufficient nutrients,” explained Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing Manager. “Laager Tea4Kidz comes in packs of 40 Rooibos tea bags, making it an affordable addition to a child’s daily routine, and providing them with the hydration they need along with many, many other benefits. Through our More4Momz website (www.more4momz.com) and Tea4Kidz Facebook page, we also share useful parenting tips and delicious recipes to keep children interested in healthy food options.”