Why Do We Introduce Baby Foods One at a Time but Give Multiple Vaccines at Once?
The Real Truth About Vaccines
Here’s something that confuses some parents. Have you ever wondered why it is recommended that you introduce baby foods one at a time, but we give multiple vaccines at once?
Let’s clear up the confusion!
Why Do We Introduce Baby Foods One at a Time but Give Multiple Vaccines at Once?
And understand that there is a very easy way to think about this.
Although in most cases this is a concern about allergic reactions, what are the consequences of only introducing one baby food at a time?
Is there any danger in giving your baby broccoli one day and then waiting four days to give peas?
Of course not!
On the other hand, what’s the danger in delaying a vaccine?
Well, it means an extra visit to your pediatric provider, several extra shots, and that your baby is left vulnerable to getting those vaccine-preventable diseases until you get caught up!
And since allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare, and it is safe to give multiple vaccines at one visit, there is no good reason to only give one vaccine at a time.
What about other kinds of serious reactions to vaccines?
Fortunately, they are also very rare and the only reason you might hear about them frequently is that anti-vaccine influencers believe that anything and everything that happens to you after a vaccine is a vaccine injury. This is even if it is weeks, months, or even years later! To them, everything is a vaccine injury, from asthma and eczema, to ADHD and autism.
Lastly, know that babies get tremendously more antigens from one spoonful of baby food than they do in a vaccine!
How many more?
Let’s take a look!
The routine infant vaccines, combined, contain about 60 different antigens.
Is that a lot?
Nope!
If you remember, the older DPT vaccine contained 3,002 antigens all by itself, and the smallpox vaccine contained 200 antigens.
And that spoonful of baby food?
It is likely to contain thousands of proteins, with up to 10,000 different antigens.
Also know that either way, your baby’s immune system is usually able to handle all of this without any problems.
Bottom line - getting multiple vaccines at one time is safe and doesn’t overwhelm your baby’s immune system, and unlike new baby foods, there is no good reason to give your baby only one vaccine at a time.