Can Kids Drink Coffee? What Pediatricians Say
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Can kids drink coffee? Pediatricians generally say it is best for children to avoid caffeine altogether. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that avoiding caffeine is the best choice for all kids, and a national expert panel supported by the AAP recommends that children 5 and under have no caffeinated drinks at all. For older kids and teens, talk to your pediatrician about what makes sense for your child.
That does not mean a teen's sip of your latte is an emergency. Below we explain why doctors are cautious, how much caffeine common drinks contain, where decaf fits in and some kid-friendly ways to share the coffee ritual without the buzz.
What Pediatricians Say About Kids and Coffee
The AAP's parent website, HealthyChildren.org, published an updated guide to caffeine and kids in August 2025, written by the chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition. Its message is simple: avoiding caffeine is the best choice for all kids, and caffeinated foods, drinks and medicines should be kept out of young children's reach. It does not set a safe daily amount for children.
For the youngest children, a 2019 consensus report from Healthy Eating Research, a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, set beverage recommendations for ages 0 to 5. It was supported by the AAP, the American Heart Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and it concluded that all caffeine-containing beverages are best avoided at those ages. The AAP summarizes it on its recommended drinks for young children page.
Energy drinks get special attention. A 2011 AAP clinical report published in the journal Pediatrics concluded that energy drinks have no place in the diets of children and adolescents, and the 2025 guide points out that some contain very high amounts of caffeine plus other stimulants.
Why Caffeine Affects Children Differently
Children have smaller bodies, so the same drink delivers more caffeine per pound than it does for an adult. The AAP lists possible side effects of caffeine in kids, including:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat and higher blood pressure
- Anxiety, restlessness and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches, irritability or tiredness as the effects wear off
According to the AAP guide, caffeine's effects can last more than 8 hours, which makes an afternoon iced coffee a real problem for bedtime. Our article on caffeine and sleep explains why timing matters even for adults. The AAP also notes that sweet coffee drinks can crowd out more nutritious foods and drinks, and that kids with heart or lung conditions, or those taking stimulant medications, may be more sensitive.
How Much Caffeine Is in Common Drinks?
Many kids get caffeine without a cup of coffee: from soda, iced tea, chocolate and energy drinks. Here are typical ranges, which vary widely by brand, size and brewing method:
| Drink | Typical serving | Approximate caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee | 8 fl oz (240 ml) | About 80 to 100 mg |
| Espresso | 1 fl oz (30 ml) shot | About 60 to 75 mg |
| Black tea | 8 fl oz (240 ml) | About 40 to 50 mg |
| Cola | 12 fl oz (355 ml) can | About 30 to 40 mg |
| Decaf coffee | 8 fl oz (240 ml) | A few milligrams |
| Energy drinks | 8.4 to 16 fl oz (250 to 475 ml) | From about 80 mg to 300 mg, per the AAP guide |
For more detail on adult drinks, see how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee and coffee vs tea caffeine. For adults, the FDA cites up to 400 mg a day as an amount not generally linked to negative effects in most healthy people; that guideline does not apply to children.
Is Decaf Coffee OK for Kids?
Decaf is not caffeine-free. It typically contains a small amount of caffeine, which we break down in how much caffeine is in decaf coffee. For an older child or teen who loves the taste, a small, milky decaf drink is a very different thing from a large iced coffee with extra shots, but it is still worth discussing with your pediatrician, especially for younger kids or children with health conditions.
Also watch what comes with the coffee. Coffee shop drinks for kids are often more syrup, whipped cream and sugar than coffee.
Age Considerations: A Practical View
- Toddlers and preschoolers (5 and under): no caffeinated drinks, per the expert consensus supported by the AAP. Water and milk are the recommended staples.
- School-age children: the AAP's guidance is that avoiding caffeine is best. Watch for hidden sources like soda, iced tea and chocolate drinks.
- Teens: many teens start drinking coffee, often for early classes or studying. Talk with your teen and their pediatrician about how much, when and why. Avoiding energy drinks, caffeine pouches and late-day caffeine is a good place to start. Our guide to coffee for studying is written for adults but covers timing ideas that may help older students and their parents talk it through.
If your child has a heart condition, anxiety, a sleep problem or takes medication, always ask their doctor before allowing any caffeine.
Kid-Friendly Ways to Join the Coffee Ritual
Kids often want the experience more than the caffeine: the special mug, the foam, the cozy moment with a parent. Try these caffeine-free ideas:
- Steamed milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sometimes called a babyccino, in a little mug.
- Warm cocoa made with milk, keeping in mind that chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine.
- Caffeine-free herbal tea. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, and many herbal blends contain no tea leaves. Check ingredients and ask your pediatrician about herbs for young children.
- A grinding helper. Let kids smell the beans, press the grinder button with supervision or help measure water. They share the ritual and you get your cup.
Can Kids Drink Coffee FAQ
At what age can a child drink coffee?
There is no official age. The AAP says avoiding caffeine is best for all kids, and experts recommend no caffeinated drinks for children 5 and under. For teens, decide together with your pediatrician.
Does coffee stunt your growth?
This is a long-standing myth without good evidence behind it. The more practical concerns for kids are sleep, jitteriness, added sugar and drinks crowding out milk and water.
Is iced coffee worse than hot coffee for kids?
Not by temperature, but large iced drinks can contain multiple espresso shots or concentrated cold brew, plus lots of sugar. Size and strength matter more than whether it is hot or cold.
What should I do if my child drank a lot of coffee or an energy drink?
If your child seems unwell, has a racing heart, vomits or seems very agitated, contact your pediatrician or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms such as fainting or seizures.
The Bottom Line
Pediatricians agree that kids are better off without caffeine, and children 5 and under should skip it entirely. For teens, open conversations and a pediatrician's input beat strict rules. As for the grown-ups: Feel Espresso roasts every coffee order 1 to 5 days before delivery. Try our Peru Decaf for a late-day cup, or brew a pot of our rooibos-based Apple Cider Rooibos herbal tea, and browse the full tea collection for more cozy evening options.