Did you know that honey is potentially lethal for babies of up to 12 months? This week there was a story on the German news wire (DPA) about the various problems of giving honey to babies. "Babies up to 12 months should not eat honey as it could contain certain bacteria that release "Botulinumtoxin", a neurotoxin which can lead to severe food poisoning", according to Antje Gahl who works for the German Nutrition Society.
Gahl was keen to stress that there is no need to panic but that parents should check baby food that may contain honey. To be on the safe said she suggested to avoid honey as a food for babies altogether. Gahl said that honey was safe to eat for toddlers from about 1 year onwards as their digestive system is fully developed and can neutralise the toxins.
Comment: We were told about honey (as in "DON'T GIVE IT TO YOUR BABY")by our midwife and I have always wondered about it. I couldn't work out why it would be dangerous - well, now I know. Apparently the particular species of bacteria that releases the toxin is not present in all types of honey and varies dramatically by geographic location as well. But hey - why take the risk!
-Stefan
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If you feel that you need to
If you feel that you need to sweeten something for your child try Agave Nectar (sweet and low glycemic index) or stevia extract.
And I would recommend making your baby food - that way you know what is going into it. Too much food these days is too highly processed. Very little in the way of nutrition.
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