Author Topic: Honey querie??  (Read 1084 times)

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Offline JamieRyansmum

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Honey querie??
« on: July 16, 2007, 10:13:01 am »
I have heard that you shouldn't offer honey to babies - (dd now 8mths and trying solids).  If this is true, why not?  My mum likes to put a dab of honey on her finger when she is having it on toast and give dd a taste.   I have asked her not to but I don't really know why. 

Offline Sharondp

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Re: Honey querie??
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2007, 10:26:01 am »
I think it can cause botulism which can be quite nasty in babies.


Offline aisling

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Re: Honey querie??
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2007, 11:22:21 am »
This is from babycentre.co.uk

Honey sometimes contains a spore of the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. This can cause a rare form of food poisoning (botulism) in babies and, very occasionally, in adults. Babies under six months are most vulnerable. The symptoms of botulism appear around eight to 36 hours after consuming the honey or other contaminated food. Symptoms may include constipation, listlessness and lack of appetite. If you suspect your baby may be affected, seek medical help straight away. Although cases of botulism in babies are very rare, it is recommended that you don't give your baby honey until after his first birthday.

Another reason not to add honey or sugar to your baby's foods and drinks is because they can harm his teeth and may also give him a 'sweet tooth'. If, however, you do choose to add something sweet, then fruit juice, puréed fruit, mashed banana or dried fruit make good alternative sweeteners.



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Aisling x

Offline taygensmom

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Re: Honey querie??
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2007, 12:34:12 pm »
They definately recommend no honey until a year due to botulism. Some moms used to add a touch of honey to bottles, and they found that some infants got VERY sick with the bacteria. I believe it has even caused some deaths. So I would definately wiat until after a year. HTH

Offline JamieRyansmum

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Re: Honey querie??
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2007, 06:21:25 am »
Thanks to all.  Its funny how you can hear of these things but not know the reason why.  Now I have some facts and can give a stronger 'no'.

Offline Samuel's mum

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Re: Honey querie??
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2007, 07:56:17 am »
Yes, it can be fatal. Botulism is about as bad as food poisoning can get.
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