You must have heard: Children under one year old cannot eat honey! This is because they cannot resist the Botulinum toxin secreted by Clostridium botulinum spores in honey.
Boston, MA (Business Northeast) – It is dangerous for babies to eat honey. Any food containing honey should not be given to children under one year old. These are basic parenting knowledge. Then, how old can a child eat honey?
The effect of honey on babies
Babies cannot eat honey because honey contains Clostridium botulinum spores, which can survive in the intestines and secrete Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that can cause poisoning. Symptoms: difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, etc., severely may lead to death.
How old is the child to eat honey
Children can eat honey after one-year-old. Babies before six months of age are particularly susceptible because the digestive system of babies at this period is not strong enough to resist the growth of Botulinum toxin in the intestines. Therefore, it is best to wait until children are one year old before letting them eat honey, or even after three years old.
Check the baby’s food
Children under one year old cannot eat honey, nor can honey cakes and honey water! Please check the baby’s food. As long as it contains honey, it cannot be given to them. Adults can eat honey because the bacteria in the intestines of adults are more abundant, which can resist the growth of Botulinum toxin.
About non-staple food
Children start to come into contact with non-staple foods after four months. It is best to provide natural and light foods, do not give processed foods, pickled foods, and avoid excessive salt or sugar intake. In the beginning, let the children learn to eat food. It is recommended to provide an appropriate amount of “fresh fruit pieces + water.”
As a rigorous suggestion, please avoid giving your child honey, chocolate, tea, coffee before the child is three years old. Commercial chocolates too much sugar and caffeine, which may affect the development of children.
Reference information:
1. When Can a Baby Have Honey?
2. Honey Risk Factor for Infant Botulism, SIDS
3. Remind families: honey can cause infant botulism
