Manuka Honey for Children: From What Age, How Much and Which Grade
Lots of mums and dads ask us: is Manuka honey for children safe? From what age? How many spoonfuls? The answer depends first on your child's age, because there's one rule with no exceptions: no honey under one year old. After their first birthday, Manuka honey is a lovely addition to a child's diet when used properly. In this guide we explain the right age, amount and grade, plus easy ideas to get your kids eating it.
From What Age Can Children Have Manuka Honey?
From one year old and up. Honey of any kind, including Manuka, must not be given to babies under 12 months, as it can contain bacterial spores that cause a rare but serious illness called infant botulism. A baby's digestive system can't deal with them, but it becomes stronger after the first year. This is the advice of health authorities such as the NHS in the UK.
So never put honey on a dummy, in a baby's bottle or in baby food.
How Much Manuka Honey Is Right for Children?
| Age | Suggested daily amount |
|---|---|
| Under 1 year | Not allowed |
| 1 to 5 years | ½ to 1 teaspoon |
| 6 years and over | 1 to 2 teaspoons |
These are general amounts. If your child has diabetes, an allergy or any health condition, check with your paediatrician first.
Which Manuka honey grade is right for children?
Children don't need a high grade. We recommend a mild or medium grade, as it tastes gentler and is better priced for daily use:
- Manuka Health MGO 115+: a mild taste and a good place to start (BHD 12).
- Manuka Health MGO 263+: for daily use through the winter (BHD 15).
- Haddrell’s MGO 263+: the same grade from another brand (BHD 15).
To understand the numbers better, read about the difference between MGO and UMF.
Manuka Honey for Children with a Cough or Cold
Many health bodies recommend honey for mild coughs in children over one year old, as it coats and soothes the throat. But Manuka honey is not a treatment or a substitute for medicine, so see a doctor if:
- your child has a high fever or is struggling to breathe.
- the cough lasts more than two weeks or gets worse.
- your child isn't eating or drinking properly.
We've also written about Manuka honey for a sore throat and cough in detail.
Ideas to Help Your Child Love the Taste
- On toast instead of jam.
- With yoghurt or oats at breakfast.
- In a smoothie with banana and milk.
- In warm milk before bed, once it has cooled a little.
- A teaspoon on its own, since most children love the taste.
For School: Single-Serve Sachets
Single-serve sachets are the easiest option for school, as they're clean and small:
As for lozenges , they aren't suitable for young children as they could choke on them. Keep them for older children who know how to suck them.
Important Notes
- Teeth: honey is a natural sugar, so have your child brush their teeth afterwards, especially before bed.
- Allergies: if it's their first time having honey, start with a small amount and watch for any reaction.
- Diabetes: children with diabetes should check with their doctor first.
Manuka Honey for Children: FAQs
Is it safe for my child?
Yes, from one year old and up, in sensible amounts. Under one year, it's not allowed.
Can I give it every day?
Yes, a teaspoon a day is enough for most children. Keep an eye on the other sugars in their diet too.
Where can I buy real Manuka honey for my kids?
All products in the ManukaBH shop are original New Zealand honey, with delivery across Bahrain. See also the price of Manuka honey in Bahrain.
Got a question? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose the right honey for your kids 🍯