Naturopathic and Integrative Care for Children and Infants: Cautions
What federal and pediatric sources say about supplements, herbs and complementary approaches for infants and children, why the pediatrician comes first, and where vaccine information should come from.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Urgent first, and the pediatrician first
If a child may have swallowed a supplement, herb or other product, Poison Control lists a poison center number: 1-800-222-1222.[1] In any emergency in the US, call 911. For anything else, start with your child's pediatrician or other licensed health care provider. NCCIH advises making sure your child has an accurate diagnosis from a licensed health care provider before you consider a complementary approach.[2]
This page is information only. It does not replace your child's medical care, and it gives no doses or treatment plans.
What is known, and what is not
NCCIH says we know a lot about how often complementary approaches are used for children but little about their effects and safety.[2] It adds that many complementary approaches have not been tested for safety in children, and that the evidence generally is not strong enough to show what works and what does not.[2] Children's small size, developing organs and immature immune system make them more vulnerable than adults to allergic or other adverse reactions to supplements.[2]
Studies of children are fewer than studies of adults. NCCIH's clinician digest notes that large, high-quality studies of natural products for children are lacking.[3]
Evidence by approach
| Approach | What the sources say | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness, yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, biofeedback | Among the approaches with the best evidence for some symptoms such as anxiety and stress, and low risk.[2] Yoga is generally safe with a well-trained instructor.[3] | Promising but limited (many small studies) |
| Omega-3 for ADHD | A Cochrane review found little evidence of benefit for ADHD symptoms.[3] | No good evidence of benefit |
| Melatonin | Appears safe short-term, with long-term effects in children not known.[4] | Insufficient evidence on long-term safety |
| Multivitamins | The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend them for healthy children and teens who eat a varied diet.[4] | Not recommended for healthy children |
| Spinal manipulation | Associated with rare but serious complications.[2] | Evidence of harm (rare) |
| Homeopathic "immunizations" (nosodes) | Not shown to protect children against disease.[4] | No good evidence of benefit |
Mind-body studies in children are often small and cannot be blinded, so expectation may affect results.
Vaccines are a separate question
Vaccine information should come from health authorities, not from product sellers or individual practitioners. The World Health Organization says that without vaccines, people are at risk of serious illness and disability from diseases like measles, meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus and polio.[5] The American Academy of Pediatrics says its schedule is based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific evidence, and that your pediatrician keeps track of your child's vaccines.[6] NCCIH states that homeopathic "immunizations" are promoted as substitutes for conventional immunizations but have not been shown to protect children.[4] For more, see what health authorities say about vaccines.
Choosing a practitioner for a child
NCCIH suggests being as careful and thorough as you would be when choosing conventional care. Ask about experience delivering care to children, education, training and license, and experience coordinating with conventional providers.[2] Licensed naturopathic physicians complete graduate-level education at an accredited naturopathic medical school, while traditional naturopaths may be trained in non-accredited programs and are not eligible for licensing, per NCCIH.[7] Rules vary by state; see credentials and scope of practice.
What to do
- Tell all your child's health care providers about every complementary or integrative approach your child uses.[2]
- Do not replace or delay conventional care or prescribed medicines with a product or practice that has not been proven safe and effective.[2]
- If a clinician suggests something, do not give more or for longer than recommended.
Related: natural remedy safety for children and teens and care for children, ADHD and autism claims.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a naturopath instead of a pediatrician?
NCCIH advises against replacing or delaying conventional care or prescribed medicines with an unproven product or practice, and recommends an accurate diagnosis from a licensed provider first.[2]
Are herbal teas safe for babies?
NCCIH reports that about 10 percent of infants are given teas or botanical supplements, but also that many approaches have not been tested for safety in children.[2] Ask your pediatrician before giving any.
Do children need multivitamins?
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend multivitamins for healthy children and teens who eat a varied diet, according to NCCIH.[4]
Where should I get vaccine information?
From health authorities such as the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and from your child's pediatrician.[5][6]
What if my child swallowed supplements?
Call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 in an emergency.[1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Supplements, teas and safety
NCCIH reports that about 10 percent of infants are given teas or botanical supplements, usually for fussiness or stomach problems.[2] Child-resistant packaging is not required for dietary supplements, and some supplements contain contaminants such as drugs, chemicals or metals.[2] NCCIH also notes significant differences between what is on the label and what is in the bottle for some supplements.[4] Some teens use products sold for weight loss or bodybuilding, which is a reason to talk with their provider.[4]
Store supplements out of children's sight and reach. For nutrient products specifically, see vitamins for children and teens and iron overdose and child safety.
References
- Poison Control, America’s Poison Centers. Read 2026-10-23.
- Children and the Use of Complementary Health Approaches, NCCIH. Read 2026-10-23.
- Children’s Use of Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says, NCCIH Clinical Digest (May 2017). Read 2026-10-23.
- 10 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements for Children and Teens, NCCIH. Read 2026-10-23.
- Vaccines and immunization: What is vaccination?, World Health Organization. Read 2026-10-23.
- AAP Guide: Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Read 2026-10-23.
- Naturopathy, NCCIH. Read 2026-10-23.