Can Babies Have Elderberry Syrup?

It’s not uncommon for babies and toddlers to come down with colds regularly. If your children are regularly mixing with other youngsters, the risk of being infected with circulating viruses is even more significant. Elderberry syrup is often considered a go-to remedy for children suffering from cold and flu viruses. While elderberry syrup is certainly a far safer option than other over-the-counter remedies, parents should express some caution when administering it to youngsters. 

Is Elderberry Syrup Suitable for Children of Any Age? 

Can babies have elderberry syrup? As it’s a natural remedy, elderberry syrup is generally fine to give to youngsters over the age of 12 months. However, if you’re planning on administering it to children younger than that, you need to think carefully about what’s included in the bottle. 

Elderberry syrup tends to be enriched with added sugar or sweetener. If standard sugar or an artificial sweetener has been added into the mix, elderberry syrup should be fine to give to a baby. However, elderberry syrups like ours that contain honey as a natural sweetener should not be administered to any child under the age of one. Why? Honey carries a slight botulism risk that very young children should avoid entirely. Always consult the label before administering elderberry syrup to your child for dosage recommendations, regardless of the kind of sweetener used. 

What are the Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup? 

Elderberries offer a rich source of vitamins A, B, and C which can help boost the immune system and protect against infection from minor illnesses. Furthermore, elderberries are fairly high in dietary fiber which can aid digestion. Additionally, elderberry syrup is loaded with anthocyanins, the key ingredient that gives the natural remedy its anti-inflammatory properties. 

With its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, elderberry syrup is a go-to remedy for treating cold and flu symptoms. It can help prevent infection, and if administered quickly enough after the onset of symptoms, it can alleviate discomfort and significantly reduce illness duration.