Why Can't Babies Have Honey?

Honey is an amazing food due to its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities but it contains bacteria that can cause botulism in newborns. Symptoms of this illness can appear within a few hours or several days after honey consumption. . Understanding why should babies not have honey, and when it's appropriate to start feeding them this food is essential. Read on to know more.

Why you should avoid feeding honey to an Infant?

If you’re concerned about why should babies not have honey, you need to understand the risks involved. Honey includes bacteria that are too strong for an infant's developing digestive system. So, it should not be given to babies younger than 12 months. Your baby could develop botulism from consuming honey. Botulism is caused by the toxins generated by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is found in honey but can appear in other foods, including contaminated canned foods. The term "infant botulism" particularly describes the disease that affects infants less than a year old. To remind you, almost all honey jars have a warning on them not to offer honey to children younger than 12 months of age.

The symptoms of infant botulism can include:

• Constipation

• Lack of facial expressions

• Less gag reflex

• Slower feeding

• Weakness or floppiness

• Breathing issues

• Decreased movement

When Can Babies Have Honey?

Your child can take honey after he/she becomes a year old. By then, the digestive tract will have developed enough. Paediatricians always advise waiting at least 12 months before introducing honey to your baby. The infant’s digestive and immune systems are less developed, so honey can make them severely sick. Your infant may have trouble breathing and swallowing if he/she has been diagnosed with botulism. Remember to scan the list of ingredients in all foods, particularly baked goods and cakes, to check whether they contain honey.