No, cooked honey is not okay for babies under 12 months old.
Why Babies Under 12 Months Should Avoid Honey
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against giving honey, whether raw or cooked, to infants under one year of age. This is due to the risk of infant botulism, a serious illness caused by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.
- Spores: Honey can contain spores of this bacteria. These spores are harmless to older children and adults whose digestive systems are more mature. However, in babies, these spores can germinate and produce a toxin within their immature digestive systems, leading to illness.
- Infant Botulism: Infant botulism can be very serious and cause symptoms like:
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Cooking Doesn't Help: Cooking or processing honey does not eliminate the risk of botulism spores.
When Can Babies Have Honey?
- After 12 Months: Once your baby is over 12 months old, their digestive system has developed enough to handle potential Clostridium botulinum spores, and it is considered safe to introduce honey.
- Introduction: You can then introduce honey as a natural sweetener, but always start with small amounts.
Summary Table
| Age of Baby | Honey Safety | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Not Safe | Risk of infant botulism due to Clostridium botulinum spores; immature digestive system. |
| Over 12 months | Safe (in moderation) | Digestive system is developed enough to process honey; can introduce as a natural sweetener. |
In short, it is crucial to avoid all forms of honey for your baby until they turn one year old, regardless of whether it is raw or cooked, to ensure their safety.
