Can Babies Have Honey? What Parents Should Know Before 12 Months
Time to read 5 min
TL;DR — Can babies have Honey? Babies under 12 months should not have honey due to the risk of infant botulism . This includes raw honey, baked goods with honey, and honey-sweetened cereals like graham crackers or Honey Nut Cheerios .
What's in this blog?
Why Can’t Babies Under 12 Months Have Honey?
Honey may seem harmless—it’s natural and even beneficial for adults. But for babies under one year, it poses a serious health risk.
Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that may lead to infant botulism . While older children and adults can digest these spores without issue, a baby’s immature gut can’t handle them yet.
Even small amounts—like what’s baked into graham crackers or mixed into a smoothie—can be dangerous for infants under 12 months.
What Is Infant Botulism?
Infant botulism is a rare but severe illness that occurs when botulinum spores grow and produce toxins in a baby’s intestines. These toxins can affect the nervous system and cause:
Constipation
Muscle weakness or floppy limbs
Difficulty feeding
Poor head control
Lethargy or excessive sleepiness
Breathing problems (in severe cases)
It’s rare—but serious enough that even trace amounts of honey should be avoided in your baby’s first year.
Want a Simple Guide to First Foods?
Our free First Foods Guide is a visual cheat sheet on what’s safe (and not) to feed your baby under 1. Includes purees, soft solids, and what to avoid.
Get the Free Guide →Hidden Sources of Honey to Avoid
Some products may contain honey even if it’s not obvious. Check labels carefully, and avoid:
Honey graham crackers
Honey Nut Cheerios
Yogurt with honey
Baked goods or teething biscuits
Smoothies or sauces sweetened with honey
When in doubt, skip it. Baby’s First Year walks you through label reading and safe first foods with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 10-month-old have honey?
No. Babies under 12 months should not consume honey in any form due to the risk of infant botulism. This includes raw honey, baked goods, and cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios.
When can I introduce honey to my baby?
Most health experts recommend waiting until after your baby’s first birthday. By that time, their digestive and immune systems are mature enough to handle potential bacteria found in honey.
Are honey graham crackers safe for babies?
No. Even small amounts of honey baked into products like graham crackers can pose a risk for babies under 12 months. Always check labels and opt for honey-free snacks.
What is infant botulism?
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores that can grow in a baby’s intestines and produce dangerous toxins. Honey is a known source of these spores.
What can I use to sweeten baby food instead of honey?
Safe alternatives include mashed bananas, applesauce, pear purée, and breastmilk. These provide natural sweetness and nutrition without the risks associated with honey.
When Can Babies Have Honey?
The CDC, pediatricians, and child nutrition experts all recommend introducing honey after your baby’s first birthday . By then, their gut and immune system are better able to handle potential contaminants.
Better Sweet Options for Babies
Need a little natural sweetness? Try these baby-safe alternatives :
Mashed banana
Applesauce or pear purée
Stewed or blended peaches
Breastmilk or formula in cereals
Very small amounts of pasteurized date syrup (only if advised by your provider)
Avoid maple syrup or agave nectar before 12 months—they’re not known to cause botulism but offer little nutritional benefit and may promote early sugar preference.
Get Expert Feeding Support
All of this (and more!) is covered in our Baby’s First Year course—including downloadable guides, feeding timelines, and real-talk videos from parenting educators. It’s your one-stop resource for safe, confident feeding during your baby’s first 12 months.
Key Takeaways
- Do not give honey to babies under 12 months—this includes raw, cooked, or baked forms.
- Infant botulism is rare but serious, caused by bacteria that babies can't safely digest.
- Check labels for hidden honey in cereals, snacks, crackers, yogurt, and sauces.
- Wait until after 12 months to introduce honey safely.
- Use safe alternatives like mashed bananas, applesauce, or breastmilk to sweeten baby foods.
- Need help with feeding? The Baby’s First Year course includes expert videos, timelines, and real-world advice.
Can I give my baby honey if it’s baked into food?
No. Even when baked, honey can still contain spores that cause infant botulism. Babies under 12 months should not consume honey in any form—including in graham crackers, muffins, or other baked goods.
What are signs of infant botulism?
Symptoms of infant botulism may include:
Constipation
Weak cry or sucking
Poor muscle tone (floppy arms and legs)
Difficulty feeding
Excessive sleepiness
Trouble breathing (in severe cases)
If you notice any of these signs, contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately.
When is it safe to give my baby honey?
Most pediatricians recommend waiting until after your baby turns 12 months old. By that age, the digestive and immune systems are more developed and can handle any potential bacteria in honey.
Are honey-flavored cereals and snacks okay for babies?
No. Many cereals and snacks—like Honey Nut Cheerios or honey graham crackers—contain honey, even in small amounts. These are not safe for babies under 1 year old.
What can I use instead of honey to sweeten baby food?
Safe, natural sweeteners include:
Mashed bananas
Applesauce or pear purée
Stewed fruits like peaches or plums
Breastmilk or formula in cereals
These offer natural sweetness and are safe for babies under 12 months.
Bonus Resource
Want to read more from a medical organization? Nemours Children’s Health offers helpful insights on honey and infant botulism.
Want a fridge-ready cheat sheet on baby feeding? Grab our free First Foods Guide.
Wondering what’s safe to feed your baby? Get a free, expert-approved guide to first foods—including what to try, what to avoid, and how to start with confidence.
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Babies under 12 months should not be given honey in any form , including:
Raw honey
Baked goods
Cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios
This is due to the risk of infant botulism , a rare but serious illness.
A baby’s digestive system can’t safely handle Clostridium botulinum spores that may be present in honey.
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The blog explains:
Symptoms of infant botulism
Hidden sources of honey in common foods
Safe sweetening alternatives for babies
Parents are advised to wait until after 12 months to introduce honey.
For more expert-backed feeding support, the blog links to the
Baby’s First Year course which includes videos, downloads, and guidance on starting solids safely.
Create By The Nurtured Nest Team
Nurtured Nest’s content is developed by parenting educators, healthcare professionals, and real parents—so it’s always grounded in evidence and real-life experience. Learn more about our team.
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