Pacifiers With Honey Pose Problems for Babies

Sweetening your baby's pacifier with honey may seem like a good idea, but it is a practice that should be avoided, said Dr. Kathleen Motil, a gastroenterology and nutrition specialist at Texas Children's Hospital.

"The American Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics caution parents to avoid giving honey to babies in any form up until the age of 1," Dr. Motil said. "Honey, especially raw, can harbor spores of a toxic bacteria."

These spores are harmless for adults and older children; however, they can cause botulism, a severe foodborne illness that can be fatal in babies younger than 12 months, Dr. Motil said, in addition to promoting tooth decay.

- Courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital

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