Can I Feed My Baby Honey?

For many of us, our first taste of honey was in the sort of either a spoonful added to our morning cup of tea or our evening bowl of apple sauce. The subject of whether or not you can give your kid honey reflects a common concern among new parents: can They feed my baby love? When starting solids, parents learn to avoid feeding their children certain foods due to safety concerns. These foods include those that can cause choking, such as grapes and hot dogs, as well as those that are difficult for infants to digest, such as cow's milk and sugary desserts.

Honey, on the other hand, is not restricted because of concerns with allergies or choking as are many other foods that are introduced to infants too early. Is honey safe for kids to eat? Yes! This golden nectar tastes incredibly good, but it actually has many health benefits for developing children. Honey's sweetness comes from the nectar of flowers that bees have laboriously pollinated. There is evidence that this sweetener was used medicinally in ancient Egypt, Greek, Rome, India, and other cultures.

The therapeutic qualities of honey, long kept a secret, are now common knowledge, and they can help your family as well.

Honey is delightful, but it shouldn't be given to babies and toddlers under the age of two. Guidelines for when infants can begin eating solids have evolved significantly since 2008.

It may come as a surprise to find that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently categorised numerous meals that were previously considered unsafe for newborns until they reached a certain age as safe for babies once they begin eating solid foods. On the other hand, honey and honey-based products are not affected in this way.

One-Year-Old Babies and Honey

Honey is still only safe for infants over the age of one, despite popular belief to the contrary. That goes for honey in its raw form as well as in cooked or baked goods. When referring to infants, the AAP Pediatric Nutrition Handbook recommends, "Infants younger under 12 months should avoid all amounts of honey." According to the phrase, honey and honey-containing products are to be avoided at all costs.

Risks

Ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores, which are present in soil and honey and honey products, can cause botulism in infants. These spores germinate in the intestines to form bacteria, which then secrete neurotoxins. The effects of botulism can be devastating. Approximately 70% of infants born with botulism may need ventilatory support for an aggregate of 23 days. Hospitalization for botulism typically lasts for about 44 days. Babies usually do well after receiving treatment. It's possible that after a string of incremental gains, things will eventually stall out.

Injuries and deaths account for less than 2% of all cases. The risk of botulism may also be present in other liquid sweeteners, such as molasses and corn syrup. The fact that maple syrup is extracted from within a tree and so cannot be polluted by soil lends credence to the idea that it is harmless. Some paediatricians, however, advise waiting until after the baby's first birthday to introduce sugar substitutes. You should talk to your child's doctor before introducing any kind of sugar into your child's diet.

Why honey is not recommended for infants

In this case, honey isn't being withheld because of fears of allergies or choking risks, but rather to prevent an extremely dangerous condition called newborn botulism. When an infant consumes Clostridium botulinum spores, they develop botulism. A toxin produced by these bacterium in the infant's digestive tract is taken into the body and has a profound effect on the infant's ability to control his or her muscles. Paralysis of the muscles used for breathing is extremely unusual but possible. The infant is in grave danger without the use of artificial aid. To name a few of the symptoms of baby botulism:

• Constipation
• Apathy-inducing scowl
• Feeding sluggishness or a feeble attempt to sucking
• Fragile sob
• Lesser activity
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing
• Facial muscle weakness
• Difficulty breathing

Constipation is a common early symptom, appearing anywhere from 12 to 36 weeks after consuming tainted food. Nonetheless, symptoms of botulism in babies are not always apparent until 14 days following exposure. It's vital to let your baby's boss know if they've eaten honey because the symptoms of botulism, such lethargy and irritability, can mimic those of other disorders like sepsis or meningoencephalitis.

Your infant will get the best care possible if you get an accurate diagnosis. Your kid needs immediate medical attention if he or she is showing signs of candidiasis and has lately swallowed honey. Please get yourself to the nearest emergency room right away.

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When Should I Begin Using Honey?

Our honey is safe to consume despite the presence of botulism. Indeed, these bacteria pose no health risk to anyone aged 1 and up. But it can badly sicken infants, who have less developed digestive and immunological systems. Wait till your child is at least a year old before giving them honey, as per paediatric advice.

Even while pasteurisation kills most bacteria, it's best to avoid consuming anything that claims to have gone through the procedure. In addition, honey-containing foods should be avoided.

Reasons Why Honey Is OK for Kids Over

Honey is not recommended for infants younger than one year old, but it is fine for everyone else. What determines the answer is the level of development of the infant's digestive system. Babies have weak stomach acids, which are ineffective against the poisons produced by bacteria. Children and adults can tolerate low doses of radiation, but infants cannot.

Honey has numerous health benefits

After a year of age, honey may provide your infant with a number of health benefits. It's true that honey has traces of these other substances:

• Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant enzymes

It also has some B vitamins like vitamin C, albeit in low concentrations. Since there are more than 320 different kinds of honey, the nutrients in it will vary depending on where you get it. Honey has a higher sweetness than table sugar. Therefore, a lot less of it can be used to provide the same level of flavour as the same amount of sugar.

It sustains their energy for a long time

The three main sugars in honey are sucrose, glycogen, and fructose. Our bodies have varying requirements for each type of sugar; while sucrose nor glucose are easily absorbed, they also lead to a sharp rise in blood sugar. However, the fructose in honey stays in the system for a longer period of time, providing your children with consistent energy throughout the day. They'll be awake without the hyperactivity that often follows the consumption of sugary foods.

Addition to being delicious, it also provides essential vitamins and minerals

A container of honey may not contain many things, but its abundance of essential nutrients can help your children thrive. There are certain amino acids in honey that are beneficial to your children's growth and development. nerals

Their liver is shielded from potential harm

Bee honey protects the liver from a variety of illnesses and injuries. It has been shown to mitigate the toxicity of paracetamol, which can cause liver damage when taken in high dosages. Common analgesics like Tylenol and Panadol include paracetamol. A teaspoon of honey will ease your sick child's medicine down and shield them from danger.

It aids in the quick recovery from injuries

Despite how strange it may sound, putting honey on your child's scratches and cuts helps speed up the healing process. Honey has been found in recent studies to significantly speed up wound healing compared to when no treatment was applied. Healing time is shortened, and skin irritation is calmed by honey.

Using this reduces the frequency and severity of coughing fits

Do you remember if, as a child, you ever got honey and lemon in your tea to help with your cough? As it happens, there is research to prove up this treatment option. Putting little honey on your child's scratchy, irritated throat will help calm his or her cough. If my child has a sore throat and is having trouble swallowing, try giving them a tablespoon of honey.

Potential further advantages include:

• It has antitussive properties but shouldn't be given to infants younger than 12 months.
• If administered topically, it might speed up the recovery process for wounds. Due to the ease with which botulism can entering the brain through broken skin, this approach should not be utilised on infants less than 12 months.

It's possible that the health advantages of honey are best obtained from raw, unprocessed forms. You'd still have to eat a lot of it to receive any real nutritional benefit. However, aside from the extra calories it provides, a tablespoon honey honey has little else to offer your body. That being said, moderation in its use is recommended. Some classic types may also have extra sugars and other ingredients, so be sure to check the labels.

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In the same way that you shouldn't rush to give your kid any kind of artificial sweetener, the same goes with honey. Sometimes all it takes to introduce someone to love is a little sprinkle over their favourite dishes. Honey should be introduced gradually, as should any new food. The "four-day wait" technique is one way to gauge your child's reaction.

Give your youngster honey and wait 4 years before introducing any additional new foods using this strategy. Contact your child's doctor if you notice any adverse reactions. Any one of the following can be used to introduce honey to your infant's diet:

• Combine honey with the oats.
• Toast each other with a little love.
• Adding honey to yoghurt will make it more delicious.
• Blend some honey with some fruit for a healthy snack.
• If you're looking for a change from maple syrup, try honey on your next stack of pancakes or waffles.

If you are unsure whether or not your child is old enough to try honey, it is recommended that you speak with a paediatrician. As an alternative sweetener, maple syrup could be used in cooking. Another alternative to honey that doesn't pose the risk of newborn botulism is agave nectar. Looking for the perfect nursery portable cot? My Baby Nursery have you covered. 

Substitutes in Baking

When baking, use honey in place of sugar; for every cup of syrup called for, use honey; for example, use honey for every half cup of sugar called for. It's up to you how much you use. Since honey has a more intense flavour than sugar, you might prefer to start with a smaller amount and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some further suggestions for using honey in place of sugar:

• When substituting love for another liquid in a recipe, use 1/4 less of the other liquid.
• Put about a quarter of a teaspoon pf baking soda into each cup of water to neutralise the acidity.
• Take the temperature down by 25 degrees and keep an eye on the browning process.

Honey-based Baked Goods

Honey-based baked items are still off limits. However, the botulinum spores are resistant to even the elevated heat used in frying and baking. Because of this, honey-based baked items and cooked dishes should not be given to your infant.

In Defense of Honey as a Natural Sweetener

Overprocessed white sugar, made from sugar cane that has had all of its nutrients removed, is now a top three ingredient in the vast majority of processed meals. It's not good for you, it encourages the growth of disease-causing germs, and it causes mood and energy changes. This is attested to by anyone who has witnessed the effects of sugar on a child and the subsequent meltdown. Raw honey has a unique flavour. To put it simply, honey is an unprocessed, all-natural substance. Despite its sugary flavour, which comes from the juice of flowers, which contains both carbs and water, this nectar is also rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

It is a healthier alternative to white sugar because it is a natural sugar and does not cause a quick rise in blood sugar levels.

Instead of syrup, put honey on your toddler's pancakes in the morning. It can be used as a sugar replacement in cooking and drinking.

Using Honey as a Cough Syrup

Most over-the-counter cold and cough remedies have age restrictions of four or six, and some do not even allow use by children younger than two. But beeswax for toddlers has more than just nutritional value; it may also be used as a natural cure for easing the discomfort of a cold or the flu. Honey soothes their sore throat as soon as it coats their tongue.

Beneficial Effects of Honey on the Immune System

Raw honey from your area, if purchased and consumed regularly, can also help you develop a natural resistance to allergens. Your body will begin desensitising to the dust, mould, and pollen in the air as it consumes this nectar, which is made from local flora and contains particles of pollen from the area. If your young child has seasonal allergies, you may want to give them some local honey to eat.

Reduces sinus pressure like honey

Sinus pressure can also be relieved with the help of honey, whether in the form of honeycomb as raw liquid honey. Ingestion of this compound, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic characteristics and can also reduce inflammation, can quickly alleviate nasal congestion. If your child is too young to use the Nosefrida or is unable to blow his or her nose effectively, try giving him or her a tablespoon of honey to assist clear the nasal passages.

Ointment Made with Honey

For those in need of a topical treatment, honey's antiseptic and antimicrobial characteristics make it a top choice. It helps prevent infection in minor burns and cuts and lessens the likelihood of permanent scarring. During our honey tasting, a nurse mentioned that medical-grade honey is used to treat wound at her hospital. If your toddler ever has a scraped knee, give this a shot.

Intestinal aid: Honey

In ancient Rome, honey was employed as a gentle laxative. Add honey to your newborn's diet for a number of health benefits, including the reduction of stomach distress, gas, indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, and constipation due to its antibacterial properties.

Is Breastfeeding an Option?

Breast milk does not pose a risk of botulism transmission to infants. Experts advise keeping your ill infant on breast milk by nursing or extracted milk if your child contracts botulism.

Reasons to Not Wait a Year

But there are some who think these recommendations are too conservative. That honey is commonly given to infants in cultures other than the United States can be cited as evidence. Some may also argue that the threat of baby botulism due to honey exposure is overstated. Most infants make good recoveries after receiving treatment, and less than 200 incidents are documented annually in the United States.

You should consult your child's paediatrician before giving honey to your infant under the age of one. However, we may learn from the numbers that it may be wise to proceed with care.

From 1976-1983, the CDC received reports of 395 instances of newborn botulism before guidelines were recommended for preventing the disease.

Most of the infants were hospitalised, and 11 of them regrettably did not make it. Considering how easily it may be avoided, why take the chance? Don't give your infant honey or honey-containing meals until on their first birthday.

Can You Really Tell If Raw Honey Is The Best Option?

Honey that's not been heated or filtered is considered "raw." It's unfiltered and unprocessed, so it retains all the beneficial chemicals and vitamins of raw honey. If you are using honey as try to alleviate seasonal allergies, you might get better results from utilising raw honey because it contains a slightly greater pollen count. Babies below one year old should still avoid consuming raw honey because it can induce botulism. The price of raw honey could be higher than that of honey that has been refined or pasteurised.

Conclusion

Allergy and choking safety concerns are not valid reasons to ban honey. This golden nectar is not only delicious, but also beneficial to children's health in many ways. Honey's medicinal properties were valued by ancient civilisations from Egypt and Greece to Rome and India. Both soil and honey and honey cellular component Clostridium botulinum spores. These spores can cause neurotoxic bacteria to grow and spread in the gut.

Babies born with botulism have a 70% chance of requiring ventilator support for 23 days. Anyone older than 1 is not at danger for any kind of illness from these bacteria. However, newborns, whose digestive and immune systems are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Honey shouldn't be given to a youngster under the age of one. If your child has a dry, itchy throat from coughing, putting honey on it will help.

Heal wounds more quickly and prevent further damage to your liver with the help of honey. Due to its expectorant effects, it is not recommended for use in infants under the age of 12 months. Like with any new meal, honey should be introduced slowly at first. One method for determining your child's reaction is the "four-day wait." Use honey instead of sugar in your next baking project.

However, you still can't eat any baked goods or prepared dishes that have honey. It's natural and unprocessed, so raw honey has no added sugar or other additives. As a healthier alternative to white sugar, it contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. By soothing a scratchy throat, honey can be used as a complementary treatment for the common cold and influenza. Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey is frequently used topically.

Baby botulism fears linked to honey exposure have been disputed by some. Keep honey and anything containing honey out of your baby's diet until after their first birthday.

Content Summary

• Although honey has a pleasant flavour, it shouldn't be given to infants and toddlers under the age of two.
• Babies a year old and sweet honey
• Despite widespread assumption to the contrary, honey should only be given to newborns who are at least a year old.
• Baby botulism can be caused by eating honey or honey-based products that contain Clostridium botulinum spores.
• Infant botulism occurs after ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores.
• If your child is exhibiting symptoms of candidiasis and has recently consumed honey, he or she needs to see a doctor right once.
• According to paediatric recommendations, you shouldn't give honey to your child until he or she is at least one year old.
• An infant's digestive system maturity level is the determining factor.
• Benefits to health from honey are numerous.
• If your baby is over a year old, honey may be beneficial to his or her health.
• Your children may benefit from the amino acids in honey, which aid in their development.
• It helps injured people get better faster.
• It may sound unusual, but putting honey on your child's scrapes and injuries will help them heal faster.
• Your child's cough can be soothed by putting a small amount of honey on his or her throat.
• Like with any new meal, honey should be introduced slowly at first.
• The flavour of raw honey is quite exceptional.
• Honey is a better choice than syrup for your toddler's morning pancakes.
• Keep honey and anything containing honey out of your baby's diet until after their first birthday.