You might think, great, honey is healthy, it's pure, it's natural. What could be better? I'm going to give honey to the baby!
In theory, this could be true. Indeed, our dear friends the bees are hard workers who deserve our utmost respect. Think about it: to make one kilo of honey, they have to collect nectar from 20 million flowers, which represents 20,000 trips (per bee), or nearly 40,000 km, the equivalent of going around the Earth!
Then, to make honey, they have to collect the nectar from the flowers, which they swallow and accumulate in their crop, while their hind legs pick up a little pollen from the flowers each time they pass. Then, back in the hive, they regurgitate the nectar and pass it to the workers, who pass it to each other; in short, they do mouth-to-mouth sucking! From crop to crop, this nectar is enriched by the juices and salivary enzymes of the bees, and its composition gradually changes and is transformed into honey. They then place it in the cells of the hive and seal them with wax. This will be their caloric food reserve. Yes, but that was without counting on the human presence which comes to take some of it, to feast. I assure you, the beekeeper always leaves enough for the hive. There must be at least 15 kilos of honey left in a hive when winter approaches.
Giving honey to baby: yes or no?
A beehive is not just honey. It also contains pollen and spores carried by the bees' feet. And that's where the problem lies. Because among these spores, there is a risk of finding Clostridium Botulinum spores. For an older child or an adult, no problem. But for an infant whose flora is fragile and whose immune system is still immature, there is a possible danger.
These spores can hatch in the digestive tract and release botulinum toxin, which causes botulism.
The signs?
Constipation at the beginning, then very quickly significant neurological problems. Fortunately, if caught in time and well treated, no one will die. But if it can be avoided, it is better.
So restrain your desire to give him honey until he is one year old. After that, no problem!
