Why Can't Babies Have Honey?

We can easily say that babies younger than 1-year-old should not be given honey. The main threat of this well-known sweetener is a type of bacteria (called Clostridium) that causes infant botulism. 

Clostridium botulinum bacteria can live on surfaces like carpets and floors and contaminate honey. The good news is as your infant's digestive system matures; this pathogen becomes harmless.

Infant botulism is most detected in babies three weeks to 6 months old but remains risky until their first birthday. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most adults and older children have developed natural defenses that prevent the growth of C. botulinum in their intestines.

Babies with infant botulism might show indications of worries from slight to severe, from constipation to breathing troubles.

Check with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice these conditions in your little one. Doctors diagnose infant botulism by asking detailed questions about the symptoms and will conduct an exam.

A stool or enema specimen is required to diagnose infant botulism in the digestive system. Further tests may be performed to find the severity of your little one’s muscle weakness.

Antibiotics do not help infant botulism and are unnecessary unless a secondary bacterial infection is present. The primary treatment for infantile botulism is an intravenous drug called botulism immune globulin. This treatment reduces hospital stays and results in less severe illness.

However, the infant may need several weeks to recover and receive special care and attention. Treatment will include proper nutrition and, in some cases, support of a breathing machine.

It is relatively simple, the only known preventive measure for infant botulism is to avoid feeding honey to infants 12 months of age or less.

By not giving their baby honey or any processed foods or drinks that contain honey, like honey graham crackers or sweet teas with honey, until after their child's first birthday, contamination and risk are close to zero.

It is essential to avoid honey jars that claim to have been pasteurized since this process still can't reliably remove all the bacteria.

Pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 12 months before introducing honey. After one year, your little one’s immune and digestive systems will have matured, and they will be ready to be introduced to this healthy sugar alternative. 

It is worth mentioning that because honey is a natural sweetener, many families look to this “healthy alternative to sugar” to add sweetness to their toddler’s meals.

However, to benefit from these nutrients, you must eat far more honey than is healthy. Organic toddler milk, simple ingredients infant porridge, and whole food nutrition are perfect complements to ensure a balanced diet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families aim for less than 25 grams (about six teaspoons) of added sugar (including honey) per day for children two years of age and older and avoid serving food and drinks with added sugar to children under two years of age altogether.

Infant nutrition is not always easy to navigate. It is good to know that for all little ones from birth through the toddler years, The Milky Box has allergen-free and sugar-free powdered baby formulas for all stages and developmental needs.

Your baby’s current and future health is our top priority.