Is Honey Really Dangerous for Babies? What Parents Need to Know

Postpartum and Newborn
Written By MissPoppins

There are many traditional foods that although healthy for humans, can be dangerous for the underdeveloped system. Conversations over the dangers of honey in infants are resurfacing with many recent TikTok videos providing explanations. 

With insight from Ravina Thomas, functional medicine practitioner and guest on MissPoppins: The Art of Parenting, we discussed the importance of pediatric nutrition knowledge.

Why Can’t Babies Have Honey?

The problem is not the sugar. It’s the bacteria. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness that affects the nervous system. Ravina Thomas, a functional medicine practitioner stated:

"When it comes to honey it is dangerous for babies under a year and honey can carry spores of Clostridium botulinum. Their gut lining is not mature. So it's still like, I say the word 'holey' like it's got holes in it, like a colander. So those spores can actually pass through the gut lining and lead to illness."

These spores don’t affect older children and adults because their gut microbiome is mature enough to block colonization. In infants, however, the digestive system is still developing and vulnerable.

What Is Infant Botulism?

Infant botulism occurs when ingested spores germinate in the large intestine and begin producing neurotoxins. It’s uncommon but dangerous. Symptoms usually develop 12 to 72 hours after exposure and may include:

  • Constipation (often the first sign)

  • Lethargy or muscle weakness

  • Poor feeding

  • Weak cry

  • Floppiness

  • Breathing difficulty

According to the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, honey, raw or pasteurized, should never be given to babies under 12 months of age. This includes honey in water, formula, baked goods, or on pacifiers.

Is Pasteurized or Baked Honey Safer?

No. Pasteurization does not destroy C. botulinum spores, and baking does not guarantee their elimination either. Whether honey is raw, organic, pasteurized, or cooked into food, it remains unsafe for infants under one.

What About Pregnant or Breastfeeding Mothers?

Honey is safe for adults, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The adult digestive system can neutralize the spores effectively. Ravina clarifies:

“A breastfeeding mother who eats honey will not pass the spores to her child.”

The risk is exclusive to infants consuming honey directly. Ravina noted that “After a year is when we say it's safe to introduce honey.”.

Safer Sweeteners for Babies

If you want to naturally sweeten your baby’s food, consider these honey alternatives:

  • Mashed bananas

  • Stewed apples

  • Pureed dates

  • Unsweetened applesauce

  • Breast milk (for cereals or purees)

These options are gentle, digestible, and don’t pose bacterial risks.

“We don’t need artificial sugars. Nature has already given us sweet foods like bananas and dates.”

Always be sure to consult with an expert before defining your meal plan while pregnant and when planning for toddler stages.

MissPoppins
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