Is honey as bad as sugar to give to young children (over one years old)?

Question

Can I use honey to sweeten food for children or does it lead to tooth decay, poor nutrition etc?

Answer 1

Well, if you get unfiltered honey it will be more nutritious than sugar and have some minerals and vitamins the sugar won't. However, (unfiltered) hone is more caloric than sugar. And I think that this is due to the increased amount of vitamins. I would opt to give them the honey over the sugar, but that's just my personal opinion.

Answer 2

It is suggested the honey not be given to children under 2 years of age. It is a raw food and can contain bacteria that a younger child's body may not be able to defend against. It is also suggested that sugar or other sweeteners not be used for younger children because they do lead to tooth decay. I personally have used infant juice to prepare my daughter's infant cereal rather than using formula because it is sweeter and she likes it more. But it is important for your child to learn that not all foods are sweet. I would try vegetables, you might be suprised. Start with carrots and sweet potatoes and then start sneaking in other veggies that are not so sweet. It will help your child to be a much less picky and much more healthy eater. If you have more questions, contact your local W.I.C. office and they can give you a lot of information on your child's nutritional needs. Also your child's pediatrician can be a good source of information as well.

Answer 3

Sugar is still getting that old bum rap? There are 16 calories in a teaspoon of sugar and it does not make the teeth decay as quickly as an apple.

Let's all head over to the nutrition site and pick up a few facts.

PS Honey has a natural bacteria and should not be given until the child is two.

Answer 4

natural honey is a great thing to use to sweeten foods...is it only bad when you dip childrens dummies in it as it causes sooo much tooth decay x

Answer 5

Try not to get into the habit of sweetening your childrens food, give them natural flavours otherwise you will have big problems later on when they won't eat savoury foods, if they don't have things like biscuits, crisps, sweets through the day they will be hungry at meal times and eat whatever you cook for them. If they don't eat the food you have made just remove it, don't feel bad and offer an alternative, make them wait until next mealtime and soon enough you will have good eaters in the family! This saves you money, you will only have to cook one dish, instead of several to please everybody, it works !!

Answer 6

Honey is better than sugar. It is firstly all natural and really healthy for the young since it builds up the natural defenses of the young body. It is also really nutritious and contains a lot of what a baby needs while still and infant.

Answer 7

Honey is obviously more natural than refined sugar, but it's just sugar all the same. I suppose it's the same as everthing else - ie everything in moderation. A little will do no harm, just don't overdo it.

Answer 8

why would you want to sweeten food for someone a little over a year old? they have yet to experience the natural taste of food to the fullest and now you are going to alter it? where will you be if you are somewhere where there is no sweetener, or if you send them to daycare and school... these places don't offer extra's... your kid will be a picky eater.

Answer 9

I sprinkle a little honey or sugar over carrots for my daughter. She's very healthy and active and her teeth are fine. My husband as great teeth and is very fit and healthy. This is what his mother did for him when he was little. It got him to eat all veggies.

Just use it in moderation

Answer 10

Honey is fine as long as they are over one year old. Used in moderation of course.