Most of us are aware that babies under 12 months of age should not be given honey. This is because honey may contain the spores that can lead to botulism poisoning, a serious condition that can even be fatal in extreme cases.

Briefly about the symptoms of botulism

The most common symptoms of botulism are:  Weakness, Anorexia, Constipation and Lethargy.
Your baby may also be irritable, have trouble breathing, or have poor crying. Some babies may also have seizures.

Benefits of using honey for children

Now, there is research to support the fact that certain types of honey do have some redeeming features. In addition to anti-oxidants and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, honey has been found to be useful in relieving the night-time coughs of children two years and over, making it a great (and natural) alternative to over-the-counter cough medicines. It is known to possess anti-bacterial properties, which are particularly useful when it’s applied as a topical agent – i.e. when applied directly to the skin to help heal burns and wounds. Some varieties of honey even contain bacteria that are ‘friendly’ to the gut and aid digestion. Honey helps soothe muscle pain and even growing pains in children. A teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water will do wonders.
In defense of honey, there are studies that suggest that it may be beneficial to teeth, due to its anti-bacterial properties. However, some dentists explain that this is dependent on the type of honey consumed and does not apply to all varieties.
Like other sweeteners, honey can be part of the diet of children over 1 year old. If you want to introduce honey to your child, you can add it to his favorite foods. Like any new food, it is a good idea to gently introduce honey to the child so that he does not become sensitive to it.
To ensure that natural honey is not harmful to your baby, a four-day waiting method is very useful to see if your toddler has reacted. To use this method, give honey to your child (if he is older than 1 year). Then wait four days to add it to another brand new dish. If you have a reaction, call your pediatrician.
Eventually, honey can be a good addition to your baby's diet. However, it is important to wait until 12 months. Prohibited foods up to 12 months of age include liquid honey - whether processed or raw - and any cooked or processed food that contains honey. Under the age of 12 months, read the product label carefully to see if processed foods contain honey.

Web Reference:
1-    www.kidshealth.org
2-    https://parenting.firstcry.com
3-    www.doctorspiller.com
4-    www.babycenter.com

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