Honey Should Not Be Given to Breastfeeding Infants Under 12 Months of Age
Honey is safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume, but should never be given directly to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism.
Safety of Honey During Breastfeeding
For Breastfeeding Mothers
- Honey consumption by breastfeeding mothers is safe and does not pose a risk to the infant through breast milk
- There are no contraindications in any major breastfeeding guidelines regarding maternal honey consumption 1, 2
- Honey is not listed among foods that breastfeeding mothers should avoid in any of the dietary recommendations for lactating women 1
For Infants Under 12 Months
- Honey should NEVER be given directly to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism 3, 4
- Infant botulism is a serious neuroparalytic disease caused by Clostridium botulinum spores that can be present in honey 5
- Honey has been identified as the only well-known food risk factor for infant botulism 6
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that honey not be given to infants younger than 12 months old 3
Why Honey Is Dangerous for Infants
- Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores that may colonize an infant's immature intestinal tract 7
- These spores can germinate in the infant gut and produce botulinum toxin, causing potentially life-threatening paralysis
- Infant botulism is characterized by constipation, poor feeding, descending hypotonia, and cranial nerve dysfunctions 7
- Cases of infant botulism linked to honey consumption have been documented worldwide 5, 7
General Breastfeeding Nutrition Recommendations
While honey is safe for breastfeeding mothers, they should follow general nutrition guidelines:
- Breastfeeding women need approximately 500 additional calories per day over pre-pregnancy requirements 1
- Adequate hydration is important - approximately 700 mL/day higher than non-lactating women 1
- A balanced diet with sufficient protein intake (19 g/day during first six months of lactation) 1
- Continued iron and folic acid supplementation for 3 months after birth 1
Key Points to Remember
- Honey consumption by breastfeeding mothers poses no risk to infants through breast milk
- Direct honey consumption by infants under 12 months is dangerous and should be avoided
- Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both mother and infant, including reduced risk of infections, SIDS, and various cancers 1, 2
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months, with continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced 2
Remember: While honey is a natural food, its safety profile differs dramatically between breastfeeding mothers (safe) and infants under 12 months (dangerous).