Honey should not be given to infants under one year of age. This is due to the fact that honey contains a type of bacteria known as Clostridium that causes newborn botulism. Signs of infant botulism include constipation, poor sucking, a faint scream, and decreased muscular tone (floppiness).
What are symptoms of infant botulism?
The AAP notes that symptoms of infant botulism can escalate quickly. Babies may appear weak with poor muscle tone. Nicole adds that it can also result in difficulty sucking or feeding, a weak cry, and even breathing difficulties.
Other symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Paralysis
- Constipation
Babies under 6 months of age are at the highest risk. While this condition is rare, most of the cases reported are diagnosed in the United States. Before giving honey to your baby as a supplement or including it in their meals, considering their age is very important. It is also advised to take consultation from a pediatrician before giving honey to your baby.
What Else Should I Know?
As kids get older, they can have honey because their mature digestive systems move the Clostridium bacteria spores through the body before they can cause harm.
Tips on introducing kids to honey for the first time
Once your child is old enough to try honey, you can introduce them to it the same way you would any other condiment — in a small amount, added to some other food they already enjoy.
You may want to:
- Add it to yogart .
- Drizzle it onto toast or cereal.
- Use it as a dip for apple slices.
- Mix it into oatmeal.
- Top waffles or pancakes with it.
As a plant-based, natural sweetener with some antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can be a better choice than regular sugar. But it’s still sugar. Keep it out of your child’s diet in the first year of their life — and from there, use it sparingly to make life slightly sweeter.