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Can I give my baby honey?

No, do not give honey to babies under 12 months. It can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness.

Honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can grow in a baby's immature gut and produce toxin.

Strength of evidence

Strong

This is a consistent, long-standing recommendation from major pediatric and public health guideline bodies (AAP, CDC), based on well-documented case surveillance and biological understanding of infant gut vulnerability.

What the evidence says

No — babies under 12 months should never be given honey, whether plain, cooked into food, mixed into water or formula, or on a pacifier. Honey can contain spores of a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in a young baby's immature gut and produce a dangerous toxin, causing infant botulism.

This includes honey in baked goods or processed foods, not just spoonfuls of honey. Breastfeeding mothers can safely eat honey themselves — it does not pass the risk through breast milk.

Once your baby turns 1 year old, their gut has matured enough that honey is considered safe. Infant botulism is rare but can be serious, causing constipation, poor feeding, and muscle weakness, so it's worth being cautious until that first birthday.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 25, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so its answers may not apply to you. Never delay or disregard advice from a qualified health professional because of something you read here. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.