Is Honey Safe for Babies? Here’s When They Can Have It

It’s golden, sticky, and naturally sweet honey is a pantry staple in many households and often seen as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. But if you're a parent or caregiver, it's crucial to understand when it's actually safe for your child to enjoy this sweet treat.

While most children and adults can eat honey without issue, it's a different story for babies. Here's what the science says about when kids can safely have honey and why giving it to an infant could be dangerous.

Why Honey Isn’t Safe for Infants Under 1

No matter how natural or organic it is, honey is not safe for babies under 12 months old. That includes raw, unfiltered honey, as well as honey used in processed foods and baked goods. The concern? A rare but serious illness called infant botulism.

Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a toxin dangerous to infants. While harmless to older children and adults with more mature digestive systems, a baby’s immature gut can't always handle these spores, allowing them to multiply and produce the botulinum toxin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cleveland Clinic, babies under 1 are at the highest risk.

Potential Symptoms of Infant Botulism:

• Constipation

• Poor feeding or weak sucking

• Sluggish or floppy body movements

• Trouble breathing

• Weak cry

• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)

• Lack of facial expression

If you suspect your child may have consumed honey and displays any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. While infant botulism is rare, it requires prompt treatment.

When Can Toddlers Have Honey?

Once your child celebrates their first birthday, honey becomes safe to introduce. That includes all varieties pasteurized, unpasteurized, and raw.

So, can a 2-year-old or 3-year-old eat honey? Absolutely. Their digestive systems are developed enough to neutralize the C. botulinum spores, making honey a safe and nutritious addition to their diet.

In fact, honey offers some health perks for older toddlers and kids when used in moderation:

• Cough relief: Studies have shown honey can help soothe a sore throat and calm nighttime coughing in children over 1.

• Digestive support: Its natural antibacterial properties may support gut health.

• Wound care: When used topically (and medically), honey can aid healing due to its antimicrobial qualities.

• Antioxidant content: According to a 2017 review in Pharmacognosy Research, honey contains polyphenols that may help protect against conditions like heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers.

Smart Ways to Introduce Honey to Kids

Once your child is over a year old, honey can be safely used in:

• Homemade granola or oat bars

• Drizzled over yogurt or oatmeal

• Mixed into smoothies

• Added to herbal teas as a natural sweetener

• Used in healthy baked goods in place of refined sugar

The Bottom Line

Honey is off-limits for babies under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. But once your child turns one, honey becomes a safe and potentially beneficial part of their diet.

Use it in moderation, just as you would with any sweetener, and talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about introducing new foods.

Was this helpful? Share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more child nutrition insights.