Honey is perfectly safe for most toddlers and may be particularly useful in households with a young child. This syrup-like substance not only adds a sweet taste to foods and drinks, it can also be used as a natural remedy for respiratory infections and wound care. Concerns about the use of honey in toddlers stem from advice by the American Academy of Pediatrics to avoid giving honey to babies under 1 year, but the dangers of honey to babies do not extend past a child's first birthday.
Concerns
The main concern about feeding honey to a young child is the fear of botulism, a disease caused by the botulinum bacterium, which is sometimes found in honey. However, only infants under the age of 1 are vulnerable to botulism caused by honey ingestion. By the time your child reaches toddlerhood, his digestive tract is able to destroy the toxic bacterial spores. Avoid giving honey to a child with an immune system disorder. Some children might also be allergic to honey, since allergies are possible with any food.
Cough Suppressant
Honey can be a useful product to keep in the house when you have a toddler, since it can be an effective remedy for coughs and colds. A 2007 study in the "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" found that giving a child with a cold honey before bedtime reduces nighttime coughing. Because traditional cough medicines can be dangerous for children under 6, honey provides a safe alternative for treating respiratory infections in your toddler.
Nutrition
Honey is often used as a sweetener for foods and drinks. One advantage of using honey over table sugar is that it provides more antioxidants, which can be protective against disease. Darker colored honey varieties contain more antioxidants than lighter colored varieties. However, like any sweetener, honey also contains calories, which can lead to weight gain if too much is consumed. Honey has 64 calories per tablespoon, so it should be used in moderation for toddlers, older children and adults alike.
Considerations
Honey also has other uses that could provide a benefit to a household with a toddler. Honey can be applied topically to minor wounds and burns to help speed healing, according to a 2007 report in the "International Journal of Clinical Practice." Honey has antibacterial properties that also help protect wounds against infection. However, you should consult a doctor before attempting home treatment on any wound or burn your toddler sustains.
References
- AskDrSears.com; Risks of Giving Honey to a Toddler; June 2011
- Parenting.com; Treating a Cough with Honey; Rachel R Pechman
- National Honey Board: Benefits of Honey
- "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine"; Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents; I.M. Paul, et al.; December 2007
- "International Journal of Clinical Practice"; Honey: Nutrition and Medicinal Value; F.R. Khan; October 2007
- Drugs.com: Complete Honey Information
