Why shouldn't Honey be given to infants?

Answer 1

The digestive tracts of adults are capable of destroying the botulism spores found in honey. Baby digestive tracts are not capable of breaking down these spores and it could make them gravely ill.

Answer 2

Infants younger than 12 months are at risk of infant botulism from eating honey. Infant botulism is a rare but serious form of food poisoning.

Honey is a known source of bacterial spores that produce Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria are typically harmless to older children and adults. But when ingested by an infant, these bacteria make a toxin that can cause infant botulism. It's unclear why this occurs in infants and not in older children or adults.

Infant botulism affects a baby's nervous system and can result in death. Signs and symptoms of infant botulism include:

* Persistent constipation
* Floppy arms, legs and neck
* Weak cry due to muscle weakness
* Weak sucking and poor feeding
* Tired all the time (lethargy)

Botulism spores may also be found in undercooked food, corn syrup and even maple syrup. For this reason, feeding an infant any of these foods is risky as well.

Answer 3

Honey can contain botulism. Adults and older children are able to fight it off but not infants.

Answer 4

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

Answer 5

Because it can cause botulism which can be SERIOUS. I know a little girl who almost died of botulism. NO HONEY prior to 12 mos of age.

Answer 6

It contains botulism

Answer 7

Because of the risk of botchulism (sp?) That's what my doctor said.

Answer 8

Because it could poison them and in some cases KILL them.

There are bacteria and other things that a child under two could get really sick from....also, it could cause an allergic reation that could kill them.