Can babies eat honey?
Not recommended Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores that a baby's immature gut cannot handle, causing infant botulism — a rare but serious illness — before 12 months.
How to serve honey safely
- Do not give honey in any form before 12 months — not raw, not cooked, not baked into biscuits or bread.
- Check ingredient labels on cereals, yoghurts and snacks for honey.
- After the first birthday, honey can be introduced normally.
Age guidance
Avoid entirely before 12 months, including honey cooked or baked into foods. After 12 months it is fine.
EU vs US guidance
| Authority | Region | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA | EU | EU guidance advises not giving honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. |
| AAP | US | The AAP advises against honey before 12 months of age because of the risk of infant botulism. |
Based on published EFSA, FDA and AAP guidance. Nibbino is not endorsed by or affiliated with these authorities.
Honey is one of the few clear “wait” foods. Unlike most first foods, the concern is not choking or salt — it is a specific microbiological risk that resolves after the first birthday.
If a recipe calls for honey and your baby is under 12 months, leave it out or swap in mashed fruit for sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't babies have honey?
Honey can carry Clostridium botulinum spores. A baby's gut cannot yet stop these spores from producing toxin, which can cause infant botulism before 12 months.
Is cooked or baked honey safe for babies?
No. The spores that cause infant botulism can survive normal cooking and baking temperatures, so honey should be avoided in all forms before 12 months.
When can babies have honey?
After 12 months. Once a baby is over a year old, their digestive system can handle the spores and honey can be introduced.
Guidance, not medical advice — always supervise feeding and consult your pediatrician.