A sweet treat for adults, honey can be a danger to an infant’s health. This is because of a type of bacteria, Clostridium, found in honey that can cause infant botulism.
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The health and wellness publication KidsHealth explains that infant botulism can cause muscle weakness. This is evident in poor sucking, weaker crying, constipation, and decreased muscle tone (seeing your baby flop around).
Cleveland Clinic, another health and wellness hub, lists more symptoms to look out for:
- A lack of facial expressions, inability to lift their head, or other signs of muscle weakness
- Change in bowel movements (not passing stool for days or weeks at a time)
- Drooping eyelids
How to prevent infant botulism
KidsHealth states that parents and caregivers should avoid giving their babies honey and other processed foods before the child celebrates their first birthday.
Managing and treating infant botulism
Cleveland Clinic reassures parents that infant botulism is “extremely treatable” and usually starts with an antitoxin called botulism immune globulin. This is administered through an IV line. The treatment helps neutralise the toxin circulating in the baby’s bloodstream.
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Antibiotics are generally not used to treat infant botulism because the bacteria release more toxin when they die, which can worsen symptoms. However, antibiotics may still be prescribed if the baby has another infection at the same time.
Furthermore, early treatment is crucial and often leads to better outcomes, which is why healthcare providers may begin treatment even before the diagnosis has been fully confirmed.
Also see: How diabetes in pregnancy can increase risk of ADHD and Autism in baby
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