Honey for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve honey to your baby, by age.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Honey to a 6–9 Months Old
Serving Instructions
DO NOT SERVE. Honey is strictly contraindicated for infants under one year of age due to the severe risk of infant botulism. Their digestive systems are not mature enough to handle potential Clostridium botulinum spores, and there is no safe serving size. Instead of honey, you can naturally sweeten foods like yogurt or oatmeal with fruit purees such as mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or pear puree. These alternatives provide natural sweetness along with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a much safer and more nutritious choice for your developing baby. Always read food labels carefully.
How to Serve Honey to a 9–18 Months Old
Serving Instructions
Do not serve honey to any child under 12 months old. After your baby's first birthday, you can introduce a very small amount of pasteurized honey, starting with no more than 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1-2 ml) mixed thoroughly into other foods. Use it sparingly to lightly sweeten plain yogurt or oatmeal. Pair it with foods rich in fiber and protein, like whole-grain toast with a thin layer of seed butter, to help stabilize blood sugar. Avoid serving it daily due to its high sugar content, which can contribute to tooth decay and a preference for overly sweet foods.
How to Serve Honey to a 18+ Months Old
Serving Instructions
For toddlers, honey should be used as an occasional treat, not a daily staple. Limit servings to about 1 teaspoon (5 ml; 0.17 oz) per day at most. Drizzle it over pancakes, mix it into plain yogurt, or use it as a sweetener in a smoothie. To support balanced nutrition, pair honey-sweetened items with healthy fats and proteins, such as serving a honey-drizzled whole-wheat waffle with a side of scrambled eggs or avocado. Always encourage brushing teeth after consuming sugary foods like honey to protect dental health. Encourage self-feeding by allowing your toddler to dip fruit slices into a small amount.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Family Apps for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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