Honey

Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum, spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness. Babies under 12 months of age are most at risk, so wait until after baby’s first birthday to introduce honey.

While it is considered safe to introduce honey after baby’s first birthday, it can be beneficial to wait until closer to the 2nd birthday to introduce sugar and sweeteners (including agave, date syrup, and maple syrup). In excess, sweeteners like honey can reduce the diversity of foods a child is interested in eating and even increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, dental caries, and negatively impact cardiovascular health.

No. Honey is not a safe food for babies because of the risk of infant botulism. If a child is older than 12 months of age, it’s generally accepted to be fine to offer a small amount of honey from a reliable source. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends small amounts of honey (2 to 5 ml) for the treatment of cough in children older than age one. Based on recent research, it’s our professional opinion that it may be best to wait until after the 2nd birthday to regularly use honey and other sweeteners.

Once you are ready to introduce honey, there are hundreds of options to try. The nutrient profile varies widely depending on the bee’s diet and the form of honey; for example, raw honey can offer more antioxidants than processed honey. There’s even evidence that suggests that some honey can have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties, but more research is needed.

All honey has one thing in common: sugar. What honey lacks in protein and fat, it makes up for in carbohydrates in the form of simple sugars that fuel the body with energy. Honey does contain more nutrients than refined sugars, but sugar is still sugar—and too much of it can contribute to health problems. If you want to sweeten baby’s food, consider using fresh fiber-containing fruits, such as banana, figs, strawberries, or another naturally sweet fruit.

Finally, try to purchase honey from a reliable source as some honey contains contaminants. Some suppliers mix honey with corn syrup or other ingredients during processing to increase yield and profit.

It can be, if served on its own or if it is coating another food that is challenging to chew (such as raw apple). To reduce the risk, wait until 12 months of age and limit the amount of honey you are serving and/or mix it well into other foods. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

No. Honey allergies are rare, though not unheard of. As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first couple of servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Although honey is often promoted as a home remedy for seasonal allergies, a study has demonstrated no difference in patients who ingested raw honey, commercially processed honey, or a honey-flavored placebo. In rare cases, honey may actually increase allergy symptoms in individuals with pollen or bee venom allergies when eaten or applied to the skin.

No. Never give honey to a baby, even if it’s been sterilized. Honey is associated with an increased risk of infant botulism—a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by Clostridium botulinum spores, which colonize a baby’s gut and produce toxins that attack the nervous system. Babies under 3 months of age are most at risk for infant botulism, while the gut microbiome is still developing, and risk of serious illness slowly decreases as baby approaches their first birthday. Even though some producers sterilize honey to reduce the risk of contamination, there are inconsistent regulations in the global market that call into question the safety of this beloved sweetener, even when it’s treated.

Unfortunately, no. The spores that cause infant botulism are quite resistant to heat. This means that there is no guarantee that cooking or baking would eliminate the botulism spores. This includes commercially produced baked goods and foods, including honey graham crackers, honey-flavored cereal, or certain nut butters.

First, take a deep breath, and know that the risk of illness is extremely low. Infant botulism is uncommon; for instance, infant botulism affects about 160 infants in the United States each year, and the majority of these cases are not due to honey. Make sure to stop serving the food that contains honey. Then, watch baby for symptoms. Symptoms can take anywhere from 3 to 30 days to appear and can range from mild to severe. These symptoms include: constipation, a weak cry, a weak suck (and thus slowed bottle feeds or nursing sessions), inability to make facial expressions, a weak gag reflex, and overall loss of muscle tone so that baby appears floppy, with an inability to hold their head up. If you are worried that your infant has botulism, take them to a physician right away.

Yes, but in moderation and with some caution. Those who have pollen allergies may have allergic reactions to honeycomb. Additionally, in some cases, beeswax, propolis, and/or royal jelly, which are present in varying amounts in honeycomb, can also cause allergic reactions that have ranged from mild to severe.

The chewy component of honeycomb that is mainly made of beeswax may have beneficial health properties such as supporting liver and heart health, but consistently eating large amounts of honeycomb can be associated with stomach blockages, so avoid offering in large amounts. Because of this waxy consistency, honeycomb can become gummy in the mouth and can be a choking hazard. Cutting the honey into smaller pieces and making sure the toddler fully chews and swallows the honeycomb before moving onto the next bite can help reduce this risk. Lastly, honey is rich in sugars, and it is best to limit sugar intake for toddlers, children, and adults alike. Bottom line: If you are positive there is no allergy and the child is 12 months or older, a little honeycomb prepared in an age-appropriate way is okay.