May 9, 2025

Preparing for Baby: Medical Care Timeline from Birth to First Year 

As your partner in caring for your new baby, Manhattan Valley Pediatrics wants to give you an overview of what to expect regarding medical care and office visits during your baby’s first year. This comprehensive timeline will guide you through important checkups, vaccinations, and developmental milestones. 

 

What Happens in the Hospital and the First Few Days 

In the Hospital (Days 1-2) 

  • Initial newborn examination and daily exams with the hospital pediatrician
  • Hearing screening
  • State screening for multiple inherited or metabolic disorders (heel stick in hospital)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination
  • Monitoring for jaundice
  • Feeding support
  • Birth weight and discharge weight documentation

 

First Pediatric Visit (2-3 Days After Discharge) 

  • Birth and pregnancy history
  • Answer all questions and address parental concerns
  • Complete physical examination
  • Weight check
  • Feeding assessment
  • Jaundice screening
  • Discussion of newborn care basics
  • Schedule follow up appointments

 

Month-by-Month Well Visit Schedule 

 
2 Weeks 

  • Weight and growth check
  • Feeding evaluation
  • Parent adjustment support
  • Umbilical cord care

 
1 Month 

  • Check weight and discuss feeding
  • Discuss normal development
  • Discuss sleep expectations for young infants
  • Discuss gas, acid reflux, normal stooling patterns
  • Tummy time guidance
  • Answer all questions and address parental concerns

 

2 Months 

  • Vaccines- Pediarix, Prevnar, HiB and Rotarix
  • Weight and development check
  • Social smile emergence
  • Sleep pattern review
  • Answer all questions and address parental concerns

 

3 Months 

  • Assess weight and developmental milestones
  • Discuss sleep
  • Answer all questions and address parental concerns

 
4 Months 

  • Growth measurements
  • Vaccines- Pediarix, Prevnar, Hib and Rotarix
  • Motor skill assessment
  • Solid food discussion
  • Sleep schedule review
  • Answer all questions and address parental concerns

 

6 Months

  • Vaccines- Pediarix, Prevnar and Hib. Seasonally, influenza and COVID vaccines will be offered at this visit.
  • Solid food introduction
  • Weight check
  • Developmental screening
  • Tooth eruption check
  • Safety updates
  • Answer all questions and address parental concerns

 

9 Months 

  • Developmental milestone check
  • Growth assessment
  • Motor skill evaluation
  • Language development
  • Social interaction review
  • Discuss increasing solids, finger foods.

 

12 Months 

  • Complete physical examination, including weight and height measurements
  • Vaccines- MMR, Varicella and Hepatitis A
  • Finger stick to check for anemia and lead exposure
  • Vision screening
  • Development assessment
  • Nutrition evaluation
  • Toddler transition discussion

 

Common Concerns and Available Support 

 
Feeding Issues 

  • Lactation consultants available
  • Weight check appointments
  • Feeding schedule guidance
  • Formula consultation
  • Solid food introduction support

 

Sleep Concerns 

  • Sleep schedule guidance
  • Sleep training referrals
  • Night feeding advice
  • Safe sleep practices

 

Development Questions 

  • Milestone tracking
  • Early intervention referrals
  • Development screening
  • Parent education resources

 

Health Issues 

  • Same-day sick visits
  • 24/7 on-call support
  • Emergency care coordination
  • Medication guidance
  • Illness prevention education

 

Additional Support Services

  • Parent Education 
  • Newborn care classes
  • CPR training
  • Feeding workshops
  • Safety demonstrations
  • Development guidance
  • Active social media

 

Care Coordination 

  • Specialist referrals
  • Insurance navigation
  • Medical record management
  • Form completion
  • Prescription management

 

What to Watch For 

 
Contact Us Immediately For: 

  • Fever in infants under 2 months
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Feeding problems
  • Severe irritability
  • Changes in activity level
  • Unusual rashes

 

Preparing for Visits 

 
Bring to Each Appointment: 

  • Vaccination record
  • Growth chart
  • Feeding log (if applicable)
  • List of questions
  • Insurance card
  • Diapers and supplies

 

Manhattan Valley Pediatrics Advantage 

 
We offer: 

  • Extended office hours
  • Same-day sick visits
  • Walk in sick visits
  • Multilingual providers
  • All insurance accepted, including Medicaid
  • Convenient Upper West Side location
  • Patient portal access
  • Comprehensive baby to young adult care

 

Stay Connected 

 
Track your baby’s health journey through our: 

  • Patient portal
  • Mobile app
  • Email updates
  • Newsletter
  • Social media channels

 

Schedule Your Visits 

 
Don’t wait to establish care for your newborn. Contact Manhattan Valley Pediatrics to: 

  • Schedule prenatal consultation
  • Set up newborn first visit
  • Learn about our services
  • Meet our providers
  • Tour our facility

 

Contact us today at (917) 921-6219 or email us at info@manhattanvalleypediatrics.com to schedule your baby’s care at Manhattan Valley Pediatrics. Your child’s health journey begins here!

 

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