Is Manuka Honey Safe for Children? A Parent's Guide
Parents can feel helpless when a child's nose or cough is persistent. While you're trying to help your child, navigating the pharmacy aisles can be overwhelming. Parents are often forced to seek out natural alternatives because many over-the-counter medicines don't suit young children.
This search usually leads to your pantry, where you'll find a jar filled with honey. Manuka is the honey of choice. The honey is well-known for its unique wellness and antibacterial benefits. There's still one big question: is Manuka safe for kids?
The answer is "yes", but there is a very significant age restriction.
This is the place to be if you're wondering if it's safe to give Manuka Honey to Toddlers or trying to determine the correct "manuka dosage for children". This guide will help you understand the safety rules and benefits of Sunhighlands manuka honey.
Manuka Honey Age: Golden Rule
Be sure to read the following safety precautions before discussing any benefits.
Do not give honey as a treat to any child younger than 12 months.
It's not because the honey is high in sugar, nor are there any choking risks. This is due to an extremely rare but deadly condition called infant Botulism. Honey can contain spores that are caused by a bacterium called Clostridium bacillinum.
Although these spores do not harm older children or adults, as their digestive systems have matured, the digestive system of an infant is still developing. These spores, which can produce toxins in infants below one year of age, can grow.
Is it safe to give manuka honey to children? Yes, as long as they have reached their first year of age. Once a child reaches the 12-month milestone, their intestinal flora has developed to the point where they can safely digest honey.
Why Manuka for Kids?
Manuka is an amazing addition to the diet of your child once they're old enough. Raw Manuka contains Methylglyoxal. Standard table honey, often pasteurised or stripped of its nutrients, does not. Manuka is a "superfood", thanks to its compound.
Manuka is a great alternative to sugar.
1. You can soothe your little throat
One of the questions we are asked most often is, "Is manuka bee honey good for children with coughs?" The answer is supported by science. Honey can reduce night-time coughing as effectively, if not more so, than other over-the-counter cough suppressants.
MGO works its antibacterial magic while honey's thick texture coats your throat, soothing irritation. A spoonful at bedtime will help soothe a cough. Both child and parent can sleep better.
2. Supporting Immunity
Toddlers can bring home almost any illness that has been going around at preschool or daycare. Is Manuka Honey suitable for Toddlers? Absolutely. Adding high-quality Manuka to their diet will provide them with a boost of antioxidants and help their immune system grow.
3. Healing Scratches and Grazes
The knees and elbows of active kids are often scraped. Manuka Honey isn't only for eating. It is also widely used as a wound dressing. Manuka high-grade honey promotes healing by creating a moist environment.
4. Digestive Health
Is manuka honey good for a child's digestive health? Many parents have found it helpful. Manuka acts as a prebiotic, feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut. A healthy digestive system is often related to general health and Immunity.
Understanding Potency: Manuka Honey for Kids MGO Guide
Manuka is usually marked with a number, often preceded by "MGO". This is Methylglyoxal.
In the case of adults, it is often said that "the higher, better" applies to medicine. When it comes to kids, you have to strike a balance between taste and potency. The taste of high-MGO honey may be medicinal and slightly bitter. This might turn off picky eaters.
You can use this guide to find the best Manuka Honey for Kids:
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The MGO 100+ and MGO 263+: honeys are great for "daily care". The honeys have a mild sweetness and are perfect to spread on toast or add to smoothies. Start with this honey when you introduce it for the very first time.
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MGO 550+: This is a medium to high strength. You can keep it in your pantry to use when the flu and cold season strikes. The bioactive ingredient is stronger, but the taste is still pleasant for most kids.
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MGO 850+ and Above: These high-grade honeys are medicinal. It is safe, but the taste is very strong. These should be reserved for use in acute situations or on wounds.
Dosage Chart: How Much Honey Can A Child Eat?
When you know that Manuka can be used by toddlers, your child is over one year of age. The next question to ask is about the quantity. Honey is still sugar, so you must use moderation to protect their tiny teeth.
Age 1 to Two Years
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Object: Introduction.
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Dosage: How safe is Manuka for children 2 years old? Yes. Do not exceed 1 teaspoon each day.
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To serve: Mix into warm (not very hot) milk or water. Or stir it in oatmeal. This helps to reduce the sweetness of the syrup and prevents a "sugar crash."
Age 3 to 4 years
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End goal: Support for Immunity and energy.
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Recommended dosage: Manuka honey dose for a 4-year-old child? You can also increase it to 1 or 2 teaspoons each day.
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Serving: Spread onto toast, drizzled with yoghurt and taken directly off the spoon when you have a swollen throat.
Age 5+
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Goal: General wellness.
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Recommended dosage: 2 spoons spoons a day, depending on how much sugar they consume.
The Right Sunhighlands Products for Your Family
Sunhighlands only uses raw, pure honey that has been tested to ensure its quality. This is how Sunhighlands fits into family life:
Manuka Honey MGO100 & MGO263: The Daily Defender
The best Manuka for kids is available in these products. The honey is mildly flavoured and offers the same benefits as Manuka.
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For: To sweeten porridge, to make honey-lemon beverages, or for daily immune support.
Manuka Honey: The Wellness Warrior - MGO 550
This is what you grab when you hear that first sneeze. It is more antibacterial.
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For: Sore throats, coughs or periods of low Immunity.
MGO 850, 1200, 1500
These are honeys with a lot of power. It might be a bit much for a simple honey snack. These products are intended for adults and those with specific health concerns.
Manuka Honey for Children: 5 Creative Ways
Manuka honey can be a great substitute for medicine if your child doesn't like it. It actually tastes good. Here are some kid-friendly ways to enjoy it:
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The “Dinosaur” Toast: A wholemeal toast with avocado topped off with Sunhighlands MGO 100. The sweetness is the perfect balance to the savoury avocado.
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Immunity Popsicles Mix Yoghurt, Banana, Berries, and 1 tablespoon Manuka honey. Blend and freeze the mixture in popsicle moulds. Perfect for soothing sore throats in the summer!
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Warm Honey milk: Does manuka bee honey work for toddlers? Yes! Stir one teaspoon of honey into warm milk. The warm milk combined with honey has a calming effect. Tip. Ensure that the milk has not been boiled, and is at a warm temperature.
Allergies, Safety and Precautions
In addition to the question "Is manuka safe to consume?", there are other safety considerations for parents.
Plant Nectar Allergies: When honey is made, it creates pollen. If your child has a severe allergy to bees or certain pollens, you should consult with a physician before introducing Manuka Honey. However, honey allergies can be rare.
Oral Health: Does manuka bee honey work for 1-year-old teeth? Honey is sticky and sweet. Tooth decay can be caused by prolonged exposure to sugary foods. If you can, give honey after eating instead of right before going to bed without brushing your teeth afterwards.
Chest: When very young toddlers are still learning to eat solids, it can be difficult for them to handle a large amount of thick honey. You can eliminate this risk by mixing honey into food or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are children not allowed to have Manuka?
Children can only have Manuka after one year. They are not yet able to digest the honey that contains naturally occurring bacteria. This can lead to infant botulism. After a year, honey is both safe and beneficial.
What is the maximum amount of Manuka honey a child can take?
For toddlers (1-3 year olds), 1/2 - 1 teaspoon is enough. Safe amounts of sugar for older children are 1 to 2 tablespoons. Be sure to monitor the total amount of sugar consumed throughout the day.
What can Manuka Honey do for kids?
Manuka honey is antibacterial, as well as antiviral. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is great for easing coughs or sore throats. It also supports the immune system, heals minor cuts and bruises, and provides natural energy.
At what age is it safe to consume Manuka?
Manuka honey is suitable for children as early as they are over 12 months old. There is no age restriction. It's beneficial for adults and teens alike!
Conclusion
The health of an expanding family can be challenging, but the natural world has some wonderful tools that will help. Is manuka honey safe for children? Is manuka honey safe for children?
Sunhighlands can help you find the right jar for your needs.
Never forget the golden rule to wait until your child is at least one year old and begin with a mild concentration so that their taste buds can adjust.
Sunhighlands offers a range of honey products that are safe for your entire family.
