We all know honey is a natural sweetener, a golden elixir loved by many. But did you know it's a big no-no for babies under one year old? The reason is a sneaky bacteria called *Clostridium botulinum*, which can sometimes be found in honey.
Adults and older children have mature digestive systems strong enough to handle this bacteria. However, a baby's immature gut isn't equipped to fight it off. When *Clostridium botulinum* spores germinate in a baby's intestine, they produce a dangerous toxin that can cause infant botulism, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
Symptoms of infant botulism 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, resist the urge to sweeten your baby's food with honey. Play it safe and wait until they celebrate their first birthday! There are plenty of other age-appropriate ways to introduce sweetness into their diet, like naturally sweet fruits.
