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As a store for honey and a parent, I get asked this question a lot: “When can my baby have honey?” At Local Nashville Honey, we’re passionate about sharing the golden goodness of honey, but we’re even more passionate about keeping our little ones safe. So let’s dive into the sticky subject of honey for babies.
Why the Wait?
Honey is a natural sweetener, packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits. However, it can also contain spores of a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. These spores are harmless to adults and older children, but they can cause infant botulism in babies under one year old. Infant botulism is a serious illness that affects a baby’s muscles, causing weakness and difficulty breathing.
The Magic Age: 1 Year Old
The good news is that once your baby celebrates their first birthday, their digestive system is usually mature enough to handle honey safely. So go ahead and share that delicious drizzle!
Honey, I’m Home (with a Toddler)!
Here are some delightful ways to introduce honey to your little one:
A spoonful of sweetness: Offer a small taste of raw honey on its own.
The swirl: Swirl honey into plain yogurt or oatmeal.
The drizzle: Drizzle honey over fresh fruit or pancakes.
The spread: Spread a thin layer of honey on whole-wheat toast.
The bake: Bake with honey! It’s a great natural sweetener for muffins, breads, and cookies.
Important Notes:
Raw vs. Pasteurized: While pasteurization can reduce the risk of botulism spores, it can also destroy some of honey’s beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. At Local Nashville Honey, we recommend raw honey for older children and adults.
Moderation is key: Honey is still a sugar, so offer it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Allergies: Always introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Honey and Your Growing Child
As your child grows, honey can be a healthy and delicious part of their diet. It’s a natural source of energy, and it can even soothe coughs and sore throats. So enjoy the sweet taste of honey together, knowing you’re making a safe and wholesome choice.
At Local Nashville Honey, we’re always here to answer your questions about honey. Stop by our shop or visit our website to learn more!
Hi I’m Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, the source for local honey here in Donelson, Hermitage and Nashville Metro Area
Local Nashville Honey brings you pure, delicious honey made right here in Music City. Our bees buzz around local gardens and wildflowers, creating a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
it’s the perfect way to sweeten up your morning tea, or add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your barbecue glaze.
And let me tell you, folks, honey from localnashvillehoney.com ain’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! Full of natural antioxidants and vitamins, it’s a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
So ditch the store-bought stuff and support local beekeepers! Head over to Mill Creek Mercantile or Troll House Cottage and get your jar of sunshine today.
Local Nashville Honey – A taste of home, made in Music City. Local Nashville Honey.com
Disclaimer: This blog and podcast were generated using Gemini AI, a language model designed to provide informative and engaging content. However, AI models are not perfect, and there may be instances where the information presented is incorrect or incomplete. Please use your own judgment and discretion when evaluating the content.
