No honey before 12 months
What it is
Honey can carry botulism spores that a baby's gut cannot handle — including in baked goods and dummies dipped in honey.
Always on
- Check labels on baby biscuits, cereals and teething products.
- Tell grandparents and carers explicitly — a taste on a dummy is the classic route.
- After 12 months honey is fine; it is still sugar, so keep it small.
When to check with a professional
A baby under a year who becomes floppy, constipated, feeds weakly or has a weak cry after honey should be seen the same day.
Related
Sources
- Dietary guidelines (Mediterranean pattern) — Israel Ministry of Health
- Start4Life — weaning and baby sleep — NHS
Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.