Infant botulism is a relatively rare but serious infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which can contaminate water and poorly preserved food. Thus, the bacteria can enter the baby’s body through the consumption of contaminated food and starts to produce a toxin that results in the appearance of symptoms.
The most common source of infection in babies is the consumption of honey, because honey is a great means of spreading the spores produced by this bacteria. The presence of the toxin in the baby’s body can result in serious impairment of the nervous system, and the infection can be confused with a stroke, for example.
For this reason, the consumption of honey is not recommended before the age of 2 to avoid the development of botulism, which could end up harming the baby’s development. Check out other foods that should be avoided in your baby’s diet.

Main symptoms
The initial symptoms of botulism in babies are similar to the flu, however they are followed by paralysis of the nerves and muscles of the face and head, which later progresses to the arms, legs and respiratory muscles.
Thus, the baby may present:
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Weak suction;
- Apathy?
- Loss of facial expressions;
- Somnolence;
- Lethargy;
- Irritability;
- Unreactive pupils;
- Constipation.
Whenever botulism is suspected in a baby, it is important to go to the hospital or consult a pediatrician, as the lack of diagnosis and delay in treatment increases the risk of worsening the infection, which can put the baby’s life at risk.
Diagnosis is easier when there is information on the child’s recent dietary history, but it can only be confirmed through a blood test or stool culture, in which the presence of the bacteria must be checked. Clostridium botulinum.
See more details about the symptoms and diagnosis of botulism.
How the treatment is carried out
Botulism treatment in babies involves washing the stomach and intestines to remove any contaminated food debris. Intravenous anti-botulism immunoglobulin (IGB-IV) can be used, but it produces side effects that deserve attention. In some cases it is necessary for the baby to breathe with the help of devices for a few days and, in most cases, he recovers completely, without major consequences.
In addition to honey, see other foods that babies cannot eat until they are 3 years old.