Honey and Babies

During my newborn intake exams, I usually give a fair amount of education and advice. The one advice that I get the most perplexed looks is the recommendation of NO honey for babies.

Honey should not be given to infants one year or younger.

The reason is an infection called botulism. The botulinum spore is found in honey. When a baby ingests honey, the spores grow in the digestive tract and then the toxin spreads into the body. The infection does not typically cause problems in adults or children but in babies can cause a multitude of complications.

Most cases of infant botulism are mild but few are progressive.

The potential signs and symptoms include:
1. Constipation (typically first sign) in two to thirty days following ingestion
2. Increased listlessness/lethargy
3. Poor cry
4. Decreased feeding
5. Diminished gag or suck (as the disease progresses)
6. Loss of head control
7. Respiratory arrest
8. Temporary paralysis

If the signs and symptoms are progressing, contact your primary physician. Diagnosis can be made with lab work. Some babies may need to be hospitalized.

Treatment is supportive care. Some infants may need mechanical ventilation as they recover. There is an anti-toxin available to help with treatment.

The fatality rate is less than 1% due to increased awareness and prevention.

Honey should never be placed on the pacifier to sweeten it or added to baby food.

The bottomline is do not give honey (of any kind) to infants one year of age or younger.

Contact your primary physician for more information. Thank you.