Milk and honey are two common first foods given to babies, but knowing the right age to introduce them is important. Both milk and honey can be highly beneficial foods for babies and young children, but they also carry potential risks if given too early. This article provides a thorough overview of the appropriate ages and precautions for introducing milk and honey.
When Can Babies Have Milk?
Milk is one of the most crucial foods for babies. Breast milk or infant formula are vital in providing complete nutrition for newborns. However, the type of milk and age it is appropriate can vary.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is the ideal first food for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Breast milk contains the perfect blend of vitamins, protein, fat, and carbohydrates to fuel a baby’s rapid growth and development in the early months. It also provides immunologic benefits to help fight infections.
Ideally, breast milk should be the sole source of nutrition for babies until around 6 months old. At that point, other foods can be introduced to complement breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends continuing breastfeeding until 2 years old or beyond.
Formula
For babies who are not breastfed, standard cow’s milk infant formula is the recommended alternative. Infant formula is specially formulated to provide complete nutrition for babies and contain more vitamins and minerals than regular cow’s milk.
Most pediatricians recommend starting infant formula immediately if breastfeeding is not possible. Formula should be the only milk source for babies under 1 year old.
When Can Babies Have Regular Cow’s Milk?
Regular cow’s milk has much higher levels of protein, minerals, and fat compared to breast milk or formula. The high nutrient contents make it difficult for a young baby’s kidneys and digestive system to process. Most pediatricians recommend against giving cow’s milk to babies under 12 months old.
Around the 1-year mark, babies’ systems have matured enough to transition to cow’s milk after first being weaned off formula or breast milk. Cow’s milk does not have iron, so pediatricians may recommend iron-fortified whole milk for babies under 2. Low-fat or skim milk is not recommended until age 2.
Lactose-Free Milk
For babies with lactose intolerance or milk allergies, lactose-free formula may be an option instead of standard cow’s milk-based formula. Completely eliminating lactose is not recommended if possible since it is an important source of calories and nutrients for babies. Lactose-free milk is also not usually necessary for babies, since lactose intolerance is rare in infancy.
Soy Milk
Soy milk and soy-based infant formula have been more controversial in recent years. Some studies have linked phytoestrogens in soy with potential developmental effects. Most pediatricians advise avoiding soy products for infants under 1 year old if possible, especially for baby girls.
For babies with severe lactose intolerance or galactosemia, soy formula may still be recommended under a doctor’s supervision. Non-GMO soy milk after age 1 may be acceptable, but cow’s milk is still preferred unless medically necessary.
When Can Babies Have Honey?
Honey has unique nutritional properties and flavor that make it tempting to give to babies. However, raw honey carries a risk of infant botulism, so caution is warranted.
No Honey Before 1 Year
The strongest recommendation is to avoid giving babies any honey in the first year of life. Honey can contain bacterial spores that can lead to botulism poisoning in babies. Botulism spores are harmless to adults and children over 1 year old, but infants lack the gut flora to fight off the toxin. Just a small amount of contaminated honey can be fatal.
Even pasteurized honey carries a botulism risk and should also be avoided. Honey should never be added to infant food, formula, or given directly before 12 months old.
Local Honey May Have Additional Risks
Raw, local honey poses a slightly higher botulism risk compared to commercial processed honey. Local honey is minimally filtered and may contain more botulism spores from the environment. When using honey after age 1, it may be safer to opt for a commercial brand.
Honey Has Benefits After Age 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that honey can be given safely to babies over 1 year old. At this point, their digestive system is mature enough to handle the botulism spores. The rich taste and nutritional benefits also make honey a nice additive to foods once babies are old enough.
Raw honey specifically has antioxidants, vitamins, and antimicrobial properties. Past 12 months old, local raw honey may even help babies build immunity and minimize seasonal allergy symptoms.
Signs Babies Are Ready for Milk and Honey
Knowing the right age to introduce new foods can prevent adverse reactions. But every baby develops on a slightly different timeline. There are some signs to help determine if a baby is ready for milk and honey.
Milk
- Around 6 months old
- Doubling birth weight
- Able to sit up supported
- Chewing motions
- Reaches for food
- Opens mouth for spoon
Honey
- 12 months old minimum
- Tolerates other new foods well
- Able to chew and swallow spoon-fed foods
- No longer sticking tongue out
- Allergic reaction unlikely
Even if a baby seems ready, proceed cautiously with small amounts of new foods. Stop any food that causes vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or other adverse reaction.
How to Give Milk and Honey Safely
When introducing milk or honey, there are some simple safety steps to follow:
Milk
- Breastfeed or formula feed exclusively until around 6 months
- Transition slowly from formula to cow’s milk between 12-24 months
- Start with small amounts of whole milk with meals
- Do not add to bottle or sippy cup
- Switch to lower fat milk at age 2
Honey
- Avoid all honey under 12 months old
- Use pasteurized commercial honey when first introducing after 1 year old
- Mix a small amount with water or food
- Give with foods, not on its own
- Discontinue if any reactions occur
Proceeding cautiously can help identify any intolerances. Speak to a pediatrician before giving milk or honey if any concerns.
Healthy Recipes With Milk and Honey
Once babies can tolerate milk and honey, there are many healthy and tasty ways to incorporate them into the diet:
Milk Recipes
- Whole milk oatmeal made with water and milk
- Pureed fruits or veggies mixed into whole milk
- Smoothies with bananas, yogurt, and whole milk
- Overnight oats with whole milk, cinnamon, and fruit
- Whole milk kefir or yogurt with mashed fruit
Honey Recipes After 1 Year Old
- Honey graham crackers
- Thin layer of honey on toast
- Honey drizzled on plain yogurt
- Warm milk with a touch of honey
- Apple sauce with a swirl of honey
Always monitor for any signs of reaction when trying new recipes. Both milk and honey can be used to create healthy, balanced meals once baby is ready.
Potential Risks and Precautions
Though milk and honey have nutritional benefits for babies, they do carry some potential risks and precautions parents should be aware of:
Milk Risks and Precautions
- Infant formula must be properly prepared and handled to avoid illness.
- Cows milk allergy affects 2-3% of babies and children.
- Can cause intestinal blood loss or malnutrition if given too early.
- Too much may reduce appetite for more nutrient-dense foods.
Honey Risks and Precautions
- High risk of infant botulism before 12 months old.
- May contain bacterial or fungal toxins in raw form.
- Natural sugars can promote tooth decay.
- Can cause allergic reaction in those with bee pollen sensitivity.
Speaking with a pediatrician can help identify any specific concerns or adjustments needed if giving milk or honey to babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my 8 month old a little bit of regular milk?
No, regular cow’s milk should not be given until 12 months old. Before 1 year, breast milk or formula should be the only milk source.
What milk is easiest to digest for a 1 year old?
Whole milk cow’s milk is easiest to digest once babies reach 12 months old. Reduced fat milk is harder to digest until age 2.
Can I put honey in my baby’s bottle?
Absolutely not. Honey should never be put in bottles or given to babies under 1 year old due to botulism risk.
Is honey safe at 9 months old?
No, honey is not considered safe until 12 months old minimum due to the risk of infant botulism.
Can I give my baby milk from cows or goats?
Cow’s milk can be given after 1 year old. Goat’s milk is not recommended as it lacks folate and other nutrients babies need.
Conclusion
Determining the right age to introduce new foods can help keep babies healthy and safe. Both milk and honey carry potential risks if given too early but provide nutrition benefits when introduced after 1 year old. Following pediatrician guidelines on the timing and amounts of these foods can ensure babies get the best start on solid foods.