What do you do if you gave your infant honey?

Question

My nanny accidentally gave my 10 month old daughter honey. I've heard this may cause death. Is there anything I can do?

Answer 1

Navyprincess1227 is wrong. It has absolutely nothing to do with allergies. It's about botulism spores that could be in the honey. Their little bodies can't deal with those and it can cause infant botulism. This *IS* possibly a deadly condition. I know a little girl who almost died of botulism.

There is really nothing you can do besides watch for any signs that she is ill.

Symptoms of botulism typically appear between 18 and 36 hours after the infant consumes the bacteria. The possible symptoms, which tend to occur in the following order, include:

constipation
flat facial expression
poor feeding (weak sucking)
weak cry
decreased movement
trouble swallowing with excessive drooling
muscle weakness
breathing problems

While it is dangerous, infant botulism can usually be treated. But it's important to get your child medical care as soon as possible. So if you see warning signs of the illness, call your child's doctor right away.

Answer 2

IN Children that young almost anything can cause death. Expecially if the youngster is allergic to the product being given. There is no way to tell that without testing by a doctor. However if your daughter is not showing any signs of allergic reaction (Stopped Breathing for one) then I would say she is okie dokie. This however does not excuse the actions of the nanny.

The First action I would take is find our from the nanny why she gave the youngun the honey. Was she coughing? Was she being fussy? etc.

The next step would be to fire the nanny. Nannies are there to care for the child when mom is unable to. She over stepped her bounds and gave your daughter food poducts that you did not give her permission to.

The last step is to get the youngster into the Doctor and find out if the baby has an allergy to honey.

Answer 3

I agree that you should call the pediatrician. As others have said, the concern with feeding honey to infants is botulism. Here's what one website has to say about infant botulism:

"For a child under twelve months of age, there is a risk of botulism from eating honey and it should be avoided.

"The spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria can be found in honey, and when ingested by an infant, the spores can release a toxin that causes botulism.

"Infant Botulism

"According to the CDC, infants with botulism 'appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone,' which may 'progress to cause paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk and respiratory muscles.'

"Although parents often know not to give their infants under twelve months of age plain honey, they often overlook other foods that contain honey in them, such as Honey Graham Crackers, Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Wheat Bread, etc. Although the honey in these foods may be processed, it may not be pasteurized, and so may still contain botulism spores in them and should be avoided. If you feel strongly about giving these foods to your infant, call the manufacturer to make sure that they are safe."

Answer 4

I would call your pediatrician. The risk is with ecoli and botulism which can cause serious issues with babies. On that note, my 10 month old son had honey nut cheerios at 8 months with no problems.
Good Luck

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I wouldn't worry too much as long as it wasn't a large dose. If it were my daughter I would put a call into the pediatrician and see what the nurse says about it.

Answer 7

Just watch for sickness and don't give her honey until older. She's already ingested it, so there's nothing you can do about it now.

Answer 8

honey will only affect her if it is unpasturized and it won't kill her unless she developd botchelism, which is the deadly form of food poisoning. My son has had honey from the time he was little, granted only tiny amounts very far apart and he is fien.

Answer 9

I would call your doctor and find out what you need to be looking out for.

Answer 10

It wont cause death unless your child is severly allergic to honey.
Watch her for any reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing, rashes, etc...) Give her lots of water and just keep an eye on her.
Honey is not lethal to all babies, its just said not to give it to them due to the risk of allergic reactions and possible bochulism(spelling).
If your extremely concerned call your pediatrician, but she should be fine!!