Let’s understand all about this known gold of nature and its impact on infants-
Honey has been the natural sweetener taken by all of us for ages and lets be real most of us love it as an alternative to refined sugars!
It’s natural, healing, delicious, and has been trusted by our parents/grandparents. From soothing sore throats to adding a healthy twist to warm milk, honey has been in pur lives in more than one ways. So naturally, many new parents wonder:
“Can I give a tiny bit of honey to my baby too?”
It seems harmless, right? But hold on. If your little one is under 12 months, the answer is a clear and loud NO — and not because it's a myth or an old-school tradition.
It’s because honey, no matter how organic or pure, can actually be dangerous for infants.
Let’s break it down.
Why Honey Is Not for Babies Under 1
Honey may contain spores of a bacterium named Clostridium botulinum. And although these spores bother neither older children nor adults, babies are not so fortunate.
Their small gut systems, in the process of development and not capable of repelling some bacteria — may permit these spores to develop and produce a toxin within the intestine. This toxin leads to a rare but dangerous disease called infant botulism.
Honestly it might sound too scary for new parents but it is serious and should be considered same!
Infant botulism can cause:
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Constipation (usually the first symptom)
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Poor feeding or weak sucking
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Floppy limbs
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Weak cry
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Breathing trouble in severe cases
This is why even a small spoon of honey can be risky.
What the Experts and Authorities Say
You're not just hearing this from wellness bloggers or cautious parents — global health authorities say the same.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they make the following statement
“Do not give honey to children younger than 12 months of age.”
And in India, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Ministry of Health have also issued similar guidelines.
So no matter how natural, raw, filtered, or local your honey is — it’s not safe for babies under one.
Doctor Says: It’s Not a Myth, It’s Science
We asked Dr. Nivedita Mehra, a Delhi-based pediatrician who works closely with new parents, about this common concern.
“Many parents assume that just a tiny bit of honey — maybe mixed in water or rubbed on gums — can’t do harm. But infant botulism is real. I’ve seen cases where the symptoms started slowly — a bit of constipation, a weak cry — and parents didn’t even connect it to that ‘one spoon’ of honey.”
“I always tell parents: No honey till your baby turns one. After that, you’re good to go.”
So yes, there’s real science behind this advice — not just a family rule passed down from dadi or nani.
What About Cooked Honey or Honey in Food?
Another big doubt many parents have:
“If I cook or bake with honey, doesn’t that kill the bacteria?”
Unfortunately… nope.
Clostridium botulinum spores are pretty tough. If you think you can boil or bake honey in some form like cake, cereal or any other home cooked thing too, can kill them completely, you are wrong!
It is still a risk for babies under 12 months.
Is All Honey Unsafe? Even Organic, Raw, or Ayurvedic Brands?
Yes, all honey can potentially contain botulism spores.
Whether it’s raw, organic, filtered, local, infused, or from a premium ayurvedic brand… the bacterial spores don’t care about the label.
They’re invisible and can survive even in the cleanest-looking jars.
What Can You Give Instead? Natural Sweetness That’s Safe
The good news? Your baby doesn’t need honey yet. In fact, their tiny taste buds find even plain fruit sweet enough!
Here are some safe alternatives to sweeten their food:
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Mashed banana
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Boiled and pureed apple
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Boil some dates in water (in small amounts that too only after consulting your pediatrician)
So if you’re making porridge or fruit mash, these are perfect to add a little natural sweetness without the risk.
When Can You Start Giving Honey?
Once your baby celebrates their first birthday, it’s safe to slowly introduce honey — and enjoy all its goodness!
Start small:
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Stir into warm milk
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Make them pancakes or mix some drizzle with some organic honey over their pancakes.
Look for pure, organic honey from trusted brands (like Shiva Organic), and always watch for any signs of allergies when introducing something new.
Final Takeaway: True or Myth?
TRUE: Honey should not be given to babies under one year.
It’s not an exaggeration or a parenting overreaction — it’s a medically-backed precaution to keep your little one safe from a rare but very serious illness.
So if you’ve been wondering whether it’s okay to slip in “just a little” — wait till their first birthday. After that, your baby can enjoy this sweet treat like the rest of us!
