Is Honey Ever Okay Before 1?

The quick answer here is- no.

Honey should not be offered to your bub in any form before they are 1.

We have seen this question crop up a lot recently in our amazing Facebook community. Although many people will jump in and say "no, it isn't safe" we have also seen a number of lovely parents come to the conversation feeling a little confused because healthcare professionals have advised them it is okay as long as it is cooked. So we want to set the record straight today and explain why we don't advise honey in any form before the age of 1.

Why do we avoid honey?

The main reason we avoid honey is because of the potential risk of something called infant botulism. Honey can contain a bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum which produces spores. These spores produce a toxin (a type of poison) which can cause infant botulism. Before the age of 1, and especially in the first 6 months of life, babies have immature digestive systems and may not able to move move the toxin out of the body safely before it can cause harm.

Infant botulism can be fatal. Although the potential of this happening is very low, recovery from infant botulism can take weeks, months and even years. If there is neurological damage, some infants will never make a full recovery. So although the risk is low, and there are very few cases reported each year, the potential for harm is incredibly high.

Why is it okay after 1?

After the age of 1 it is considered safe because our bodies are able to process the toxin easily.

Although it is safe to include, keep in mind that honey is also very high in sugar. It is recommended that we avoid or limit added sugar (this includes honey- even though it is "natural") before the age of 2. This doesn't mean don't use it, just don't be fooled into thinking it isn't sugar when you see it as an ingredient swap for sugar in recipes.

Is It safe if it has been cooked?

This is the myth we are most keen to bust. The temperatures and length of time we are cooking foods for in home kitchens may not destroy the Clostridium Botulinum spores. The spores are heat resistant.

Yes, cooking foods well at high temperatures can kill the bacteria and inactivate toxin that is already present in the food but the spores can remain. These spore can then produced more toxin. This is the reason we say no honey before the age of 1. Even in store bought or commercial products- we can't guarantee that it has been heated long enough or high enough to destroy the spores. We don't know if it is present AND it has not been tested.

Do I need to be worried if my baby has had honey?

Okay, we know that everything we just said sounds a little scary but you do not need to stress if your bub has already had honey. The risk of infant botulism is very low, so they'll likely be fine. Keep an eye on them and avoid honey in the future.

The signs of infant botulism include loss of appetite, constipation and weak suck/cry, fatigue as well as muscle weakness like poor head and neck control. You may also see nausea and vomiting. In most cases, with early diagnosis and treatment there are good rates of recovery. Symptoms can occurs anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the contaminated food has been eaten. If you are concerned or see any of the above signs, seek medical advice.