Why Shouldn’t Infants Have Honey? Here’s What You Need to Know About When It’s Safe to Introduce Honey to Your Child.

If you’re a fan of honey’s sweet flavor or the health benefits it’s sometimes credited with, you might be tempted to share this treat with your baby. However, honey isn’t safe for babies until they reach toddlerhood, and even then, it should be given in very small amounts.

Why Can’t Infants Have Honey? Everything You Need to Know

You should refrain from giving your baby honey in any form until she turns 1. This means avoiding it in food, water, or formula, and steering clear of processed foods containing honey, such as honey graham crackers. You should also avoid products like honey-infused cough syrups or honey pacifiers. The reason behind this is the presence of Clostridium botulinum spores in honey. These spores can lead to infant botulism, a rare but extremely dangerous condition that causes muscle weakness and breathing difficulties. Even a tiny amount of honey can potentially harm your baby, so it’s important to keep it off the menu completely.

Once your baby reaches her first birthday, her digestive system will be mature enough to fight off these spores, making it safe for her to consume honey without the same risks.

How Should You Serve Honey to Toddlers?

After your toddler turns 1, honey becomes safe for consumption. However, even though small amounts might be okay for occasional use, it’s not advisable to offer honey frequently. In fact, it’s recommended to avoid all added sugars, including honey, for babies and toddlers under the age of 2. Despite the common belief that honey is a healthier alternative to table sugar, it is still a form of sugar and essentially an empty calorie. Consuming too much sugar can increase the likelihood of problems such as tooth decay and obesity.

It’s better to avoid using honey as a regular sweetener for foods like yogurt, oatmeal, muffins, pancakes, or smoothies. Instead, try relying on the natural sweetness of fresh fruit — for example, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or crushed berries. These options not only add nutritious value to your toddler’s meals but also help them develop a taste for foods that aren’t overly sugary.

However, like with many rules, there are exceptions. Honey is a well-known remedy for soothing the throat, especially during a cough. If your toddler is suffering from a cold and has a persistent cough, offering a spoonful of honey may help make her more comfortable. Additionally, if you’d like to offer your toddler a treat with honey during a holiday or special occasion, it’s okay to do so, but keep it to a minimum.

What Are the Benefits of Honey for Toddlers?

Although honey is often touted as a healthier sweetener, it’s not exactly a health food. While honey contains small amounts of antioxidants and B vitamins, your child can get much higher quantities of these nutrients from whole foods. However, honey has shown to be helpful for alleviating nighttime coughing and throat soreness. Its ability to thin mucus can be particularly useful when your toddler is struggling with throat discomfort, as it can make it easier for her to rest. This is especially helpful since toddlers are often too young for over-the-counter cough medications.

Can Toddlers Be Allergic to Honey?

Although it’s uncommon, toddlers can have an allergy to honey, which is often triggered by bee pollen that may be present in the honey. As with any new food, it’s a good idea to watch for signs of a possible allergic reaction, particularly the first time your toddler tries honey.

Signs that your toddler might be allergic to honey include:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the skin, lips, or tongue
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• Trouble breathing

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. In the case of a more severe reaction — especially if multiple parts of the body are affected — it could lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. If you notice severe signs like difficulty breathing or swallowing, don’t hesitate to call 911 right away.

Honey can certainly be a helpful throat soother and an occasional treat for your toddler, but it’s important to keep it off the menu until your child turns 1. After that, it’s best to offer honey sparingly and only on special occasions.