Can babies eat honey?
The age-by-age verdict
| Age | Verdict | How it reads |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 months | 🚫 No | Not at this age — keep it off the plate |
| 9–11 months | 🚫 No | Not at this age — keep it off the plate |
| 12 months + | ✅ Yes | Fine with safe prep (see below) |
Why
Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores. An adult’s gut simply flushes them, but a baby’s gut is still immature, so the spores can germinate and produce toxin inside the body — that is infant botulism. It has nothing to do with pasteurization: even processed, cooked or baked honey keeps the spores, so honey toast and honey cereals are off-limits too.
How to serve it safely
Before 12 months, skip honey in every form — jarred, raw, in baked goods, in soothing remedies, and in processed snacks that list honey as an ingredient. After the first birthday the gut is mature enough and honey is fine as an occasional sweetener.
Warning signs to watch for
Infant botulism shows up as constipation (often the first sign), weaker sucking, drooping eyelids, a weak cry, floppy movements and trouble breathing. It can develop over days to weeks after eating honey.
When to call for help
If your baby under 1 has eaten honey, do not panic — most exposures cause no illness — but watch for constipation and weakness, and call your pediatrician promptly if you notice them. For breathing trouble, seek emergency care immediately. US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Common questions
Can my 10-month-old have honey graham crackers or honey yogurt?
No. Baking and processing do not destroy botulism spores, so any food containing honey counts as honey before the first birthday.
Is pasteurized or cooked honey safer for babies?
No — this is a common myth. Pasteurization kills yeasts and bacteria on the surface but not the botulism spores, which survive heat that would ruin the honey anyway.
Can I use honey on a pacifier or teething remedy for a baby?
No. Traditional remedies that coat pacifiers with honey have caused infant botulism. Use nothing sweet on a pacifier, and ask your pediatrician about teething relief.
More drinks & sweeteners for babies
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every baby is different — if your baby ate something concerning or is unwell, contact your pediatrician right away. Emergencies: 911 (US). Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222.