Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Why babies should not eat honey
avatar
Jennifer Shu, MD posted:
You may have heard that you shouldn't give honey to babies under 1 year of age, but do you know why people say this? It's because honey (and other products such as improperly canned foods or some corn syrups) may contain bacteria called Clostridium botulinum that can cause botulism in infants. The symptoms of botulism include severe muscle weakness, poor feeding, and breathing problems and occurs in about 100 infants every year. Babies (especially those younger than 6 months) are at risk because their digestive systems are not mature enough to handle the bacteria. Fortunately, most babies receive medical treatment and can recover fully.
Was this Helpful?
9 of 19 found this helpful
0 Replies |Report This| Share this:Why babies should not eat honeyYou may have heard that you shouldn't give honey to babies under 1 year of age, but do you know why people say this? It's because honey (and other products such as improperly canned foods or some corn syrups) may contain bacteria called <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> that can cause botulism in infants. The symptoms of botulism include severe muscle weakness, poor feeding, and breathing problems and occurs in about 100 infants every year. Babies (especially those younger than 6 months) are at risk because their digestive systems are not mature enough to handle the bacteria. Fortunately, most babies receive medical treatment and can recover fully.<br />
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

More from WebMD related to this Tip

breathing problems | weakness | symptoms | botulism

See Related Parenting Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Sara DuMond, MD, FAAP Expert
Sara DuMond, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and author. She is a 2000 Alpha Omega Alpha graduate of the West Virginia University School o...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Signatures are back
If you go to my exchange profile you can add a signature again. More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
12 of 20 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.