Key takeaways: The CDC says moderate caffeine, up to about 300 milligrams a day (about 2 to 3 cups of coffee), is not usually harmful to breastfed babies. Newborns and preterm babies process caffeine more slowly, so some may be fussier. If your baby seems jittery or wakeful, cut back and see if it helps.
Many new parents rely on coffee or tea. Here’s what’s known about caffeine and breastfeeding.
How Much Gets Into Milk
A small amount of the caffeine you consume passes into breast milk, with levels usually peaking about an hour or two after you drink it.
How Babies Process Caffeine
- Newborns clear caffeine very slowly, so it can build up over the day.
- Preterm babies clear it even more slowly.
- By a few months old, babies process caffeine much faster.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. If you want feeding help you can flip to in the middle of the night, my book walks you through feeding month by month, from the very first latch to the first birthday.
How Much Is Considered Safe
The CDC states that moderate caffeine intake, less than about 300 milligrams per day, is not usually associated with problems in breastfed babies.
Approximate caffeine amounts (these vary widely by brand and preparation):
- Brewed coffee (8 ounces): about 80 to 100 mg or more.
- Black tea (8 ounces): about 40 to 50 mg.
- Cola (12 ounces): about 30 to 40 mg.
- Energy drinks: vary widely, some very high.
- Chocolate: small amounts.
Check labels and remember that coffee shop sizes are often larger than 8 ounces.
Signs Your Baby May Be Sensitive
- Fussiness or irritability.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Jitteriness.
If you notice these, cut back for a week or two and see if things improve.
Tips
- Drink caffeine right after feeding, not right before.
- Choose lower-caffeine options, like half-caff or tea.
- Avoid energy drinks, which often contain very high amounts and other stimulants.
- Stay hydrated with water too.
Does Caffeine Affect Supply?
There’s no good evidence that moderate caffeine lowers milk supply.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if: your baby is very irritable, isn’t sleeping, or isn’t feeding well.
The Bottom Line
Moderate caffeine is generally fine while breastfeeding. Watch your baby for sensitivity, especially in the newborn period, and adjust if needed.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Foods to Avoid in the First Year (Honey, Juice, and More)
- Cups, Straws, and Water: Drinks in the First Year
- Medications and Breastfeeding: How to Check What’s Safe
- Newborn Feeding Schedule: How Often and How Much in the First Weeks
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maternal diet: caffeine. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
- National Library of Medicine. Caffeine. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much? https://www.fda.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
