Honey Should Not Be Given to a 6-Month-Old Baby
Do not give honey to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism, a potentially life-threatening disease. 1, 2
Why Honey Is Dangerous for Infants
- Honey contains Clostridium botulinum spores that can colonize an infant's immature gastrointestinal tract and produce botulinum toxin in vivo, leading to infant botulism 2, 3
- Studies have found C. botulinum organisms in approximately 10% of honey samples tested across the United States 3
- Epidemiologic data shows that 34.7% of hospitalized infant botulism cases worldwide had honey exposure prior to illness onset 3
- Honey is a statistically significant risk factor for type B infant botulism (P = 0.005) 3
Clinical Manifestations of Infant Botulism
If honey has already been given, watch for these warning signs:
- Initial symptoms: Constipation (often the first sign), poor feeding, and weak cry 4, 5
- Progressive symptoms: Descending flaccid paralysis, muscle weakness, drooling, irritability, and cranial nerve dysfunction 4, 5
- Severe manifestations: Generalized flaccid paralysis requiring intensive care unit admission 4
The disease can progress to severe neurological manifestations requiring prolonged hospitalization, though complete recovery is possible with appropriate treatment 4
Official Recommendations
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially recommends that honey not be given to infants younger than 12 months old 2
- Public Health England advises that honey should not be fed to infants under 12 months of age 6
- Multiple international health authorities emphasize this recommendation as critical infant safety guidance 6, 5
What Parents Should Know
- Honey should not be used as a flavoring agent, sweetener, or ingredient in any food or supplement given to infants under 12 months 2
- This includes avoiding honey-containing products and supplements 2
- The restriction applies to all forms of honey, regardless of processing or source 3, 5
Alternative Feeding Recommendations at 6 Months
At 6 months of age, appropriate complementary foods include:
- Iron-fortified infant cereals 1, 7
- Iron-rich pureed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, squash, carrot, white potato) 1
- Finely ground meats (beef, lamb, chicken, fish) 1
- Breast milk or formula should remain the primary nutrition source 1
The key message is absolute: no honey before 12 months of age under any circumstances.