With the arrival of cooler weather and the cold season, almost every parent of young children considers the above question. But is this golden liquid a miracle cure or a potential danger for little ones?

Let's see what is worth knowing about honey!

Honey in Complementary Feeding

Although honey seems like an ideal ingredient from the perspective of babies, as it is sweet and easily consumable even without teeth, it is strictly forbidden to introduce it before the age of one due to the risk of botulism!

But what is botulism?

Unfortunately, certain “dormant” bacteria (spores) can also be found in this wonderful, liquid treasure, which, once in the digestive system, are likely to start multiplying and, in the process, produce toxic substances known as toxins. These toxins are then absorbed from the intestines along with nutrients, causing serious consequences, even neurological damage.

Since the digestive system of children under one year is not as developed as that of adults, they are particularly susceptible to the possibility of botulism! This is why honey is listed in our country among the foods that can be introduced after the age of one. (Moreover, there are countries where the official stance is to wait until the age of 2!)

And that's not all!

Unfortunately, the risk of botulism is not reduced by heat treatment, so during the Christmas season, it is especially important to ensure that children under 1 year do not accidentally eat gingerbread decorating the table or sip from the delicious honey tea!

The Beneficial Effects of Honey

It is appropriate to mention the outstanding merits of honey alongside its negatives: it is a true superstar, as it contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, and small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C.

Moreover, it is an excellent sweetener, as it is natural and local. These are qualities that any (environmentally) conscious parent will surely appreciate! (I believe and profess that there is nothing better for our children than what comes to the table in roughly the same form as nature created it.)

Furthermore, it is a healing miracle!

Folk tradition holds that honey is a great remedy for soothing coughs and relieving sore throats, and several scientific experiments have already supported this!

In one study, for example, more than 500 children were divided into different groups: some received antibiotics for their cough, some received honey, some received a yellow, harmless “liquid” very similar to honey (this was the placebo), and some received nothing. Afterwards, parents rated the relief of cough symptoms on a scale from 1 to 7. (The smaller the number, the less significant the recovery.)

The results were not unexpected: in cases of mild, chronic cough, honey competed well with antibiotics in terms of cough relief.

Overall, honey is indeed a natural treasure worth keeping on the shelf at home - and using in moderation, while adhering to general supplementary feeding guidelines.