Is Honey safe during pregnancy?
Honey is fine for you while pregnant or breastfeeding. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old (infant botulism).
What the sources say
CDC warns honey can contain the bacteria that cause botulism and should never be given to children younger than 12 months, including on pacifiers or in formula or water. For adults, CDC explains botulism spores usually don't make people sick even when eaten, so honey isn't a pregnancy food-safety concern in the sources reviewed. Eating honey yourself while breastfeeding doesn't conflict with the infant rule — the rule is about feeding honey directly to the baby.
Also listed as
raw honey, manuka honey, local honey, unpasteurized honey, honeycomb, hot honey, clover honey
Sources
- CDC: Botulism Prevention
- CDC: Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit (Infant and Toddler Nutrition)
- CDC: About Botulism
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.