That golden, sweet honey might seem like a natural and healthy treat, but for babies under one year old, it's a big no-no! The reason? Botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning.
Honey can contain spores of the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum*. While harmless to older children and adults whose digestive systems are mature enough to handle them, a baby's immature gut can't. These spores can germinate and produce toxins, leading to infant botulism.
Symptoms to watch for include constipation, weak cry, poor feeding, lethargy, and a loss of head control. If you suspect your baby has botulism, seek immediate medical attention.
So, while you might be tempted to soothe a fussy baby with a little honey, it's simply not worth the risk. Wait until your little one is at least a year old before introducing this sweet treat. Plenty of other safe and delicious options are available for your baby during their first year!
