I know honey is a no-no for infants, but how about a honey-based bronchial syrup as a substitute for something like Robitussin?

A.

Honey is a "no-no" for infants because honey can contain the spores of the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, which produces a toxin that causes the disease botulism. In adults botulism results from eating food that contains the toxin, common in poorly processed home-canned vegetables, fish and condiments. However in infants, botulism can result when Clostridium spores from foods or the environment are ingested,leading to infection of the gastrointestinal tract and production of the toxin. The toxin causes nerve and muscle paralysis affecting the muscles of the eyes, the throat, the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract as well as the extremities. Honey and other thick sweeteners like maple syrup and corn syrup often contain the spores which can cause disease in infants, although not in older children and adults whose gastrointestinal tracts don't allow the growth of the Clostridium bacteria. So, the answer to your question is no - infants under the age of 1 year should not have honey in any form including as a cough syrup base. Also avoid other syrups like maple and corn in this age group. Soil can also contain the Clostridium spores, so infants should be prevented from ingesting dirt.

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