I grew up in Pakistan and saw mothers giving honey to their babies even as the “ghutti” but here in the US couple of my friends (who grew up in the US) just don’t give honey to their babies.. consider it VERY bad for their babies and keep saying that only desis do such a thing to their children.. I was just wondering if honey is really that bad for babies then how come docs in Pakistan dun stop mothers from giving honey?!?!
I read a couple of articles here in the US regarding the benefits of honey for babies but not many are in favors.. anyone did any research on it or has any idea about it?!?! please share!
Yes actually my docs told me before I delivered my first baby - do NOT give honey to a baby under age one year. It contains trace amounts of botulism spores…not enough to have an effect on youngsters but it could potentially be deadly to an infant under age 1. I looked online and found many references to this, apparently its very true. Honey has some wonderful properties but its wise to wait till after the first birthday. Here is one of many links:
it's recommended to not feed honey to children under 1 year (maybe up until the age of 2 as well) because there is a possibility for teh child to develop an allergy at this age. (same thing goes for many foods such as peanuts, eggs and other common allergy causing foods)
hmm strange... I dunno anyone in my family in Pakistan whose infants have had problem with honey because they do give it to their kids on regular basis.. heck my sister used to feed a spoonfull of honey in winter to her boys at least once a week to keep them warm n free of cough/cold/flu!! Apparently it worked for all three of them! (I am talking for lil babies under the age of 1)
I understand the allergy part and considering everything has preservatives added here in west.. I would also suggest keeping raw food (fruits etc) away from babies until after the age of 1 but honey.. I dunno.. a part of me says better to be safe than sorry but I have never come across a baby who was harmed by honey considering I know hundreds of such children who have had it including me!!!
In an idiots dictionary honey like sugar works like a drug.
Take morphine for an example it triggers the orpoid system making one feel happy. The more you have it the more our body craves and demands it.
If a baby is given honey you are triggering the same cravings thus setting up a patter for adulthood.
Having said that Honey in itself in small amounts is not bad though, its known to be rich in antioxidants. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3, it combats seasonal allergies, cold and works wonders on the skin.
Also it can be substituted as an antiseptic on cuts and grazes, good for dry skin, can be used to treat ulcers.
Yes honey has some really amazing properties. Yet, since it can potentially be fatal to infants (even if its a 1 in 1000 chance), I'd never take that risk with mine. Wait till their immune system is developed enough...its only a matter of 12 months yeah?
True, some honey may contain a spore of the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum which causes food poisoning so its recommended to wait till the baby is atleast a year old to give them honey.
I waited until my girls turned one before I gave them honey, for the reasons mentioned above by MO3 and the others. They take honey now pretty regularly, a couple of teaspoons a day, and it really helps with their immunity.
Many honey manufacturers have written on their bottles now "do not feed to infants under one year". Botulism is rare but can be fatal to infants. Even in pakistan doctors are saying this now as my MIl who came from pakistan a few years ago for my son's birth knew this.
Babies up to 12 months should not eat honey as it could contain certain bacteria that release “Botulinumtoxin”, a neurotoxin which can lead to severe food poisoning", thats what my doctor said .but you know desis,mashahALLAH sai they are lakar hazam,pathar hazam.so when my son was born we did gave him Honey as Gurti:@:i told my hubby not to give it ,but he replied humaree amma nai bhi yahi dee so ,muhjai kooch howa:smack:
but i believe if the doctors are saying that honey was safe to eat for toddlers from about 1 year onwards as their digestive system is fully developed and can neutralise the toxins.then why take the risk.
i was told by doc to wait for the same reasons as stated by some posters above, but my elders didnt pay attention and little one has been having it since she was 2 months