The short rule: no honey before 12 months
Do not give your baby honey until they are 12 months old. Products made with honey are not suitable during this time either. All the US and UK health sources in this article give the same age limit. Once your baby turns 1, honey is considered safe.
What is infant botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness. The bacteria that cause it can live in soil and dust. When their spores reach a baby's gut, they grow there and make a toxin. This toxin acts on the nerves and causes muscle weakness. Infant botulism is most common in babies younger than 6 months.
Why honey in particular?
In most cases of infant botulism, nobody knows where the spores came from. That is why most cases cannot be prevented. Honey, however, is a known source. Honey can carry the spores of these bacteria. So leaving out honey is a concrete step families can take.
What to watch for at home
Do not give your baby any product that contains honey. Do not use pacifiers that contain honey or have been dipped in it. In the US, several babies became ill after using pacifiers with honey. When you set aside food from the family table, check that it has no honey in it. A breastfeeding parent can eat honey.
Which signs are warning signs?
Signs often start with constipation. Your baby may have trouble sucking and swallowing. Their cry may be weak or sound different than usual. Their eyelids may droop, their face may move less and they may struggle to hold up their head. Their arms and legs may look floppy, or your baby may be quieter and sleepier than usual.
Botulism is an emergency that needs treatment right away. Signs can appear 3 to 30 days after contact with the spores. If your baby looks floppy and weak, call your emergency number. If you notice any of the other signs, see your child's doctor or go to the emergency department without waiting.