You should never give honey to babies under the age of one due to the risk of botulism. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are harmless to older children and adults but can be dangerous for infants.
Babies’ digestive systems are still developing and lack the necessary bacteria to neutralize these spores. If ingested, the spores can grow into bacteria and produce toxins that cause infant botulism, a rare but serious condition.
Symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure.
Because of this risk, it’s recommended to wait until after the first year to introduce honey into a baby’s diet.
While honey offers many health benefits for adults, such as antimicrobial properties and antioxidants, these benefits do not outweigh the potential danger it poses to infants.
If you're looking for sweeteners for your baby’s food, it’s safer to stick to options like fruit purees or other baby-friendly alternatives until they’re old enough to tolerate honey.
Always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s diet.