HONEY: FOR INFANTS?

Honey is one of the gifts of nature; it's sweet taste no one can resist. As sweet as honey is, it is however not suitable for infants under 12 months. The reason for this is that, spores of harmful bacteria called clostridium are found in honey. These bacteria are not harmful in adults and older children, but are very harmful to infants. They can grow in the infant's intestine; the growth makes a strong poison and affects the health of the baby. Clostridium causes a serious health condition in infants known as Botulism.

Infant botulism is a very serious disease that affects baby's nerves and muscles. A baby who has botulism may be weak, constipated, and eat poorly. In extreme cases, the baby may not be able to move, may stop breathing and die.

All foods that contain honey (processed foods) should not be given to babies until their first birthday. By the twelfth month, their digestive systems would have been well developed. Remember, all your infant needs from birth till she turns 6 months old is strictly breast milk. At 6 months your baby is ready to be weaned. At this stage; our natural weaning baby foods (Soya beans better gain, Millgate and Okababy) are all your baby needs for her continuous healthy growth and development.