What is the main concern associated with feeding honey to infants?

The primary concern about feeding honey to infants revolves around the potential for exposure to harmful bacteria, specifically Clostridium botulinum. Infants, particularly those under one year of age, have an immature digestive system that is not fully developed to handle certain bacteria and their spores. If an infant ingests honey containing these spores, it can lead to botulism, a rare but serious illness that affects the nervous system.

Unlike older children and adults, infants do not have the necessary gut flora to inhibit the growth of these spores, which can produce toxins once ingested. This risk highlights the importance of avoiding honey as a food source for infants, despite its natural qualities and sweetness, until they reach an age where their digestive systems are more capable of handling such exposure.

The other concerns listed, such as diabetes or choking from spillage, are not as critically associated with honey specifically for infants, and while high calorie content can be a concern, it is not the primary issue that warrants caution in this context.