Preparing For Baby

A Guide to Care For Baby in the First Year

Your comprehensive guide to your baby's first year of medical care at Manhattan Valley Pediatrics. From birth to first birthday, we're here to support you through every developmental milestone.

What Happens in the Hospital (Days 1-2)

Complete physical examination of your newborn
Newborn screening tests (blood work and hearing test)
Hepatitis B vaccine (first dose)
Vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding
Eye ointment to prevent infection
Circumcision (if desired)

First Pediatric Visit

Within 48 hours of leaving the hospital

What we'll cover:

Complete physical exam
Weight check and assessment
Jaundice screening
Feeding evaluation and breastfeeding support
Address all your questions and concerns

Well Visit Schedule

Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring your baby's growth and development. Here's what to expect at each visit:

2 Weeks

• Physical exam and measurements
• Feeding assessment and guidance
• Sleep guidance and safe sleep practices
• Umbilical cord care

1 Month

• Growth and development check
• Social smile emergence
• Tummy time tips and importance
• Review of newborn screen results

2 Months

• First round of vaccinations
• Head control assessment
• Cooing and babbling development
• Sleep pattern discussion
• Car seat safety and safe sleep practices

4 Months

• Second round of vaccines
• Rolling over milestone
• Introduction to solid foods preparation
• Laughing and responsive smiling
• Teething guidance

6 Months

• Third round of vaccines
• Sitting up assessment
• Starting solid foods
• Stranger anxiety discussion
• Baby-proofing your home

9 Months

• Crawling and pulling up to stand
• Pincer grasp development
• First words emerging
• Expanded diet varieties
• Developmental screening

12 Months (1 Year!)

• First birthday vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A)
• Walking assessment
• Vocabulary growth (several words)
• Transition to whole milk
• Lead screening and anemia check
• Celebrate all the milestones!

Common Concerns and Available Resources at MVP

We're here to support you through every challenge. Here are common concerns and how we can help:

Feeding Issues

• Lactation consultant support
• Formula guidance and recommendations
• Bottle refusal strategies
• Starting solids help

Health Issues

• Jaundice monitoring and treatment
• Reflux and colic care
• Skin issues (eczema, rashes, cradle cap)
• Ear infections and colds

Sleep Concerns

• Safe sleep practices and education
• Sleep training guidance
• Night waking solutions
• Nap schedules and routines

Development Questions

• Milestone tracking and assessment
• Early intervention referrals
• Physical therapy coordination
• Speech evaluation and support

Additional Support Services

• Lactation support groups
• Postpartum mental health resources
• New parent workshops

• Community referrals
• Social work support
• Specialist coordination

What to Watch For

Call us immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in babies under 3 months old
Difficulty breathing or fast breathing (grunting, flaring nostrils, chest retractions)
Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking your baby
Refusing to eat or drink for extended periods
Fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours (sign of dehydration)
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (especially if projectile or bloody)
Bleeding or signs of injury that concern you
Blue lips or skin (cyanosis)
Inconsolable crying for extended periods (more than 2 hours)
Parental intuition - if something feels wrong, trust your instincts and call us

24/7 After-Hours Support

We have a provider on-call around the clock for emergency/urgent concerns. Call our office number and follow the prompts to reach the on-call provider.

Preparing for Your Visit

Make the most of each appointment by coming prepared. Here's what to bring:

Bring to Each Appointment

Insurance card and photo ID
Immunization records (especially if transferring care)
List of questions or concerns (write them down beforehand!)
Diaper bag essentials (diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks for older babies)
Favorite toy or comfort item to help soothe your baby

Why Manhattan Valley Pediatrics?

Exceptional Care

• Board-certified pediatricians & pediatric nurse practitioners
• Evidence-based medicine
• Compassionate, family-centered approach
• Extended appointment times

Convenient & Accessible

• Two NYC locations
• Same-day sick visits
• 24/7 on-call provider access
• Patient portal for easy communication

Stay Connected

Ready to Start Your Baby's Health Journey?

Call us today to schedule your first appointment!

(917) 921-6219