Honey

Babies are often given honey once their first set of teeth emerges completely. Paediatrician recommendations state that babies can consume honey once they cross the 12-month mark and are over a year old. Babies are prone to the illnesses caused by spores of bacteria, especially between the ages of three to six months, due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Although honey are often consumed by children and adults, special care must be taken when it involves babies and it's best that they don’t consume honey until their immune systems develop wholly. Consumption of pasteurized honey for babies. What Are the Benefits of Honey for Toddlers? Although infant botulism affects babies aged below 1 year, honey is safe for consumption by toddlers over 18 months aged . The following are the foremost noted benefits of honey for toddlers aged 18 months and above: Provides instant relief from cold, flu, and cough Strengthens the immune system Acts as a natural aid for sleep and eczema Is a storehouse of multivitamins, essential amino acids, minerals, and flavonoids Promotes regular bowel movements and enhances the health of the digestive system Contains rich anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which lead to faster healing of wounds Promotes cognitive development and improves mood levels Promotes increased energy levels throughout the day due to fructose content What If Honey Is Accidentally Given to Your Baby? If honey is accidentally given to your baby – If your baby is above 18 months of age: If your baby accidentally ingests honey in her meal, it's not getting to be an enormous problem since her immune system is developed and acidic enough to eliminate spores of the bacterium in their gastrointestinal tracts upon the consumption of honey. If your baby is below 12 months of age: She may be susceptible to paralysis and, in severe cases, death, due to an immunocompromised system. In this case, contact your doctor or concerned medical practitioner immediately. Look out for symptoms: If your baby has already consumed honey, look for signs of infant botulism, such as listlessness, lack of appetite, lethargy, and muscle cramps. Pressure-cook homemade foods to eliminate any spores of the bacterium and reduce the probabilities of botulinum spores developing in her gastrointestinal tracts. Before serving canned foods, boil them for 10 minutes. Prolonged constipation: If the situation worsens and your baby experiences severe constipation (which is one of the first signs of infant botulism), consider administering a dose of the Botulism Immune Globulin. This is a substance that treats the toxin ingested in the baby’s digestive system and works immediately, thus preventing further complications. However, do consult your doctor once before doing so. Is It Safe to Use Honey Pacifiers? No. the elemental fact about honey applies here too – any amount of honey are often dangerous for a baby below 12 months aged . There is a possible scenario of honey ingestion through the small hole present within the pacifier, which may pose a risk to your baby’s Honey in Different Forms Honey can be used as a medicinal supplement for treating cough and infections. It cleanses the digestive tract and can be served with porridge and fruits. Tummy conditions like diarrhoea can be prevented with the help of honey. Honey is employed in baked products and may even be served raw to kids aged two and above. As a precaution, never serve honey to a neonate or infants aged 12 months and below. Infants above the age of 18 months are typically safe from the consequences of the botulism spores and may tend honey in any form. Honey for Your Baby’s Cough For the treatment of fever, cold, and flu; mix 1/3 teaspoon of pure honey with a teaspoon of predicament . Give this to the baby and repeat this twice a day for best results. Babies above the age of two with upper tract infections are often given up to 2 teaspoons of honey during bedtime to scale back nighttime coughing and improve sleep quality. Honey contains a standard cough suppressant referred to as dextromethorphan (in over-the-counter doses), which treats cough and cold effectively. Honey Allergy in Infants Infants and babies above the age of two could also be allergic to honey thanks to pollen allergens being present in it. Children with weak digestive systems also are susceptible to this, which is why buying pasteurized honey from a licensed brand is vital . FAQs 1. Can Babies Eat Baked Products made from Honey? According to the American Academy of Paediatrics and the World Health Organization, it is advised not to add honey (raw or pasteurized) to food, baked products, or formula for babies under 12 months of age. Thus, it's advisable to not allow babies to eat baked products made up of honey. 2. Are Molasses & syrup Safe for Babies Under 12 Months? Molasses and corn syrup may contain botulism spores, which are harmful to babies. Thus, it is not advisable to give these to babies under the age of 12 months. Molasses and syrup for consumption could also be unsafe. For more info, please consult with your concerned paediatrician. Can honey be given to babies? This is a question that can only be answered with age. When administering honey in meals or as a supplement, consider your baby’s age and therefore the condition of her system . It is best to consult a paediatrician before including honey during a baby’s diet. Instead, focus on foods that can be substituted for honey. Please consult a certified paediatrician and nutritionist regarding your baby’s dietary requirements and learn more about the foods that must be avoided by infants .