For many new mothers, that morning cup of coffee can feel like a lifeline during the early days of caring for a new baby. The good news is that moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. However, every baby is unique and some may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. Paying attention to your baby’s cues and your own comfort level can help you find the right balance between enjoying your coffee and keeping your little one comfortable.

How Much Caffeine Is Okay?

Most babies are exposed to only a very small amount of caffeine through breast milk—about 1.5% of what the mother consumes. The CDC (U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) suggests that 300 mg of caffeine or less per day (two to three cups of coffee) is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Still, every parent and baby is different, so it helps to ask yourself:

  • Could my baby be more sensitive to caffeine?
  • What symptoms should I watch for?
  • What other sources of caffeine am I getting? (such as black, green, or herbal teas, soft drinks, energy drinks, or dietary supplements)
  • How much caffeine feels safe for me and my baby?
  • What changes can I make if I think my baby is reacting to caffeine?

Although caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, it doesn’t usually cause dehydration in people who consume it regularly. Even so, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated.

What Should I Watch For?

While caffeine is generally safe, some babies may be sensitive to this mild stimulant. Watch your little one's behavior and sleep patterns for clues as to whether or not they are struggling with effects of caffeine. Possible symptoms can include:

  • Fussiness or irritability
  • Jitteriness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Colicky behavior (intense crying and difficulty calming)
  • Change in stool patterns or consistency

If your baby seems unusually fussy, jittery, or has trouble sleeping, caffeine could be a factor. The more caffeine you consume, the more obvious the sensitivities may be, so it is generally advised to stay away from heavily caffeinated beverages or "turbo" energy drinks. If your baby is sensitive, it may take a few days or more to see these changes in behavior. Mothers of these infants may want to cut back on caffeine or stop consuming caffeine for two to three weeks to see a change in your baby’s behavior. Every baby’s tolerance is different, so keep an eye on patterns and talk with your provider if you’re unsure.

Cutting Back

Levels of caffeine can stay in your system for two to twelve hours, and levels in breast milk usually peak one to two hours after you consume it. Additionally, each person has a personal sensitivity factor to caffeine consumption. For example, some adults can handle four cups of coffee where others can only have one cup. Babies can have the same variability.

If cutting back on caffeine feels hard, try reducing your intake gradually. Lowering caffeine gradually can help to avoid withdrawal symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Reducing in small steps every two to three can make the change easier. Checking labels can help, and there are many online resources that list the caffeine content of common drinks, foods, and supplements.

Final Thoughts

For most breastfeeding mothers, moderate caffeine intake is safe. If your baby seems unusually fussy or has sleep troubles, caffeine might be worth exploring as a possible factor. Reducing intake—or eliminating caffeinated drinks from your diet until your baby is older—may help. And if you’re unsure, your healthcare provider can offer guidance tailored to you and your baby.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.