Honey to children yes or no? And since when?

Although honey is a nutritionally great product, it is forbidden for children under the age of one because it could cause infant botulism.

Honey is a natural and healthy product, It is ideal in the children's diet, because from a nutritional point of view it is essentially composed of fructose, that is sugar, and therefore it is an extremely digestible energy food that is important for the child who has very high caloric demands, explains Paola Marangione, head of Neonatology and Neonatal Pathology of Humanitas San Pio X.

Honey and pacifier

Given these indications, it is well understood that it is not recommended to dip the pacifier in honey, as our grandmothers did, to make babies take it.

"A rule that also applies when children are older and also for all other products on the market to be applied on the pacifier: an abuse of sweet substances, in fact, can be at the root of tooth decay and oral hygiene problems in children".

How much honey to give

«Honey is certainly a product indicated in a child's diet, especially if it replaces refined white sugar - continues the expert -. And, in particular, if the child is in a moment of strong physical stress, or mental effort, or even when he is sick ».

Calorie intake honey

Having said that, however, it should be remembered that it has a great energy supply : about 320 calories per 100 ml. «This means that a teaspoon of honey is a good boost of energy : it is a gasoline readily available. The advice is therefore not to overdo the consumption, also considering that nowadays children move little and already take many foods in which there are simple sugars. A spoon a day, perhaps to sweeten the milk, is more than enough ».

What is the best honey for babies?

All types of honey can be consumed by children: depending on their personal taste, they will prefer one rather than another.

"For mothers and fathers it may be useful to know what emerged from an important study by the University of Pisa. Research has revealed that honey from

Fir , _

· chestnut

And eucalyptus

they are those that have the greatest anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial capacities ».