We wouldn't be wrong if we said that bees and the honey they produce greatly attract children's attention, would we? So, have you ever wondered if this special food, which children love so much, is suitable for their consumption?
Balanced and quality nutrition gains extreme importance, especially when it comes to children. While it's important to introduce children to foods with rich nutritional values, satisfying their snack cravings with light and natural options also becomes one of parents' biggest endeavors. Honey, in this regard, is one of the most special foods parents can choose. However, some points need to be considered regarding honey consumption in children. Now, let's answer the most frequently asked questions about children and honey!
1. IS HONEY HARMFUL FOR CHILDREN?
Thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains, honey holds an important place in children's nutrition, as much as it does for adults. This special food offered by bees makes it possible to introduce children to sweet and delicious recipes with a light and natural ingredient.
Parents looking for the best for their children may still scrutinize whether honey consumption is harmful to children. The fact is that honey has no harm if it is not given to children under 1 year old and if it does not exceed the appropriate grammage for children older than 12 months. In summary, to protect against the possible harms of honey consumption, honey should not be given to babies under 12 months whose digestive systems are not yet developed, and excessive consumption should be avoided for children older than 12 months.
2. AT WHAT AGE CAN CHILDREN EAT HONEY?
As mentioned above, experts recommend that children should only eat honey from the age of 1. In babies who have not completed their 12th month, honey can cause a serious condition called "infant botulism." Botulism, a type of food poisoning, develops when the intestines are exposed to bacterial spores. Honey consumption in babies under 1 year old can cause these bacteria to enter the baby's body and grow in their intestines. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that honey be given to children only after they turn 1 year old. It is also important to ensure that the given amount is not excessive and that consumption is not at frequent intervals.
3. CAN BABIES EAT HONEY?
Honey consumption in babies can only begin after the age of 1, due to reasons such as their digestive systems still developing and certain bacteria found in honey potentially causing significant harm to their intestines. Honey consumption in babies under 1 year old can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, waiting for the right time for babies to consume honey is extremely important.
4. WHEN CAN BABIES BE GIVEN HONEY?
We mentioned that honey consumption in children can start after the age of 1. So, when and how can you give honey to your child?
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You can spread it on pancakes and bread for breakfast.
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You can prepare honeyed yogurt as a snack.
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You can add honey to finely ground oatmeal for breakfast or snacks.
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You can add it to homemade smoothies and milkshakes prepared with fruits and milk.
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You can add it to some pureed recipes that you will give as a main meal.
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You can make homemade preservative-free bars by adding honey to various dried fruits to give during snack time.
5. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF HONEY ON CHILDREN?
Honey, thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains, is a food whose importance in children's nutrition cannot be underestimated. Did you know which vitamins and minerals honey contains? Honey contains B group vitamins as well as many minerals such as magnesium, potassium, manganese, selenium, iron, copper, and phosphorus. In this respect, it contributes comprehensively to meeting children's daily vitamin and mineral needs.
6. HOW MUCH HONEY SHOULD CHILDREN CONSUME?
It is necessary to pay attention to the amount of honey consumed by both adults and children. Honey consumed in excess of what is necessary can cause various problems, especially in children. To calculate how much honey children can consume, it is sufficient to consider their weight. Children are recommended to consume an average of 1 gram (g) of honey per kilogram of body weight. Thus, the daily amount of honey that a child in the 25-30 kg range can consume can be determined as 25-30 grams, or two to three teaspoons.
How about introducing your children to quality, natural, and real honey? Then you can start browsing Balparmak honey varieties right away!
Resources:
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Dan Brennan, “When Can a Baby Have Honey?”, WebMD, 2021.(online)
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“When Is It Safe for Babies to Eat Honey?”, Healthline.(online)
