How Honey Can Harm Your Baby and Why to Avoid it

Apr 7, 2025

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#27: Honey might seem like a natural, harmless food—but it can actually be dangerous for babies under age 1. In this episode, we’re breaking down why honey can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness, and why it’s also considered an added sugar that babies don’t need. Learn what makes honey risky, how to spot hidden sources of it, and what to offer your baby instead.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. Why babies should avoid honey; how honey contributes to infant botulism and a little bit about how botulism is a very rare - but real - risk

2. Why baked goods with added sweeteners and sugars shouldn’t be a high priority food for your baby…but how to sub out honey if you need to

3. Tips for preventing added sweeteners and sugars from sneaking into your baby’s diet...plus more info on packaged goods with honey as an ingredient and whether or not they’re ok for babies to eat

Shownotes for this episode can be found here:

https://www.babyledweaning.co/podcast/27

Links from this episode:

• Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro program with the 100 First Foods™ Daily Meal Plan, join here: https://babyledweaning.co/program

• Baby-Led Weaning for Beginners free online workshop with 100 First Foods™ list to all attendees, register here: https://babyledweaning.co/baby-led-weaning-for-beginners