Is it possible for a one-year-old child to have honey?
Some parents are of the opinion that if honey is so useful, then it should be given to the child almost from birth. In fact, scientists have proved that this delicacy is strongly discouraged from introducing children to the diet for up to a year: in the digestive system of the child, it creates a favorable environment for the development of botulism. This is due to the fact that honey contains a spore-forming bacillus Clostridium botulinum, which causes severe toxic poisoning in the human body. Adult such toxicosis tolerates normal, but the children's digestive system can not cope with this. So, is it possible to give honey to young children? In many European countries on cans with this delicacy it is written that for a child until the year he is categorically forbidden!
At what age can you give honey to children?
The opinions of specialists on this issue vary greatly: some argue that it can be given little by little from almost the second year of life, while others recommend waiting, if possible, for preschool age. The only thing they agree on is that to introduce a baby the baby needs only by small doses - not more than half a teaspoon. So you can control the reaction of the child's body and at the same time prevent the allergic reaction in the child. If the baby does not show any redness and digestive disorders, then gradually you can start increasing the dose. It is best to give honey not in its pure form, but add to milk, cottage cheese, kefir, tea or kashka as a natural sweetener. Approximate age-specific dosages of honey consumption by children should be as follows:
- up to 1 year - categorically not recommended;
- 1-3 years - not recommended, but sometimes allowed a half-spoonful a day in several receptions;
- 3-5 years - 10 grams of honey per day, in several receptions;
- 6-9 years - 30 grams per day are recommended to promote health and immunity;
- 9-15 years, you can safely give an almost adult dose - up to 70 grams of honey per day.
Why not give honey to children?
Despite all the benefits described above, this product should not be started to give to a child too early, as the following may occur:
- allergic reactions: skin rashes, nausea, dizziness and runny nose;
- severe cases of botulism;
- urticaria, itching, runny nose, gastrointestinal disorders and severe headaches;
a set of overweight, overgrown in obesity. - caries development;
In conclusion, I would like to answer the question of whether it is possible for children to underestimate that the most optimal time for introducing it into the child's diet is 6 years. If the parents do not realize how you can do without this product, then you can try giving the baby a treat in small doses, starting from 3 years. But those adults who take risks and introduce honey to babies at an earlier age, take full responsibility of the given complementary foods, because it is impossible to foresee the consequences. That nothing bad happens, observe not only age dosages of honey for children, but also consider all contra-indications before the use not to do much harm to the kid.