Welcoming Your Baby to the World — and to Our Care

Congratulations on your new arrival!

At Bronx Kids Pediatrics, we know the newborn stage is full of joy, questions, and adjustments. Your baby’s first check-up - usually within the first 3–5 days after birth which helps us ensure a healthy start and gives you a chance to talk through anything on your mind.

What Happens at the Newborn Visit

We’ll gently examine your baby from head to toe and discuss how things are going at home. This visit typically includes:

• Measuring weight, length, and head circumference

• Checking for healthy growth since birth

• Assessing feeding patterns — whether breast, formula, or combination

• Reviewing wet diapers, bowel movements, and sleep patterns

• Evaluating skin color, muscle tone, reflexes, and breathing

• Checking the umbilical cord and, if applicable, circumcision site

• Talking about crying patterns and comfort techniques

Vaccines & Screenings

• Hepatitis B vaccine if not given at the hospital

• Review of newborn metabolic and hearing screen results

• Screening for jaundice if needed

Guidance for the First Weeks

We’ll provide personalized advice on:

• Feeding tips and how to know your baby is getting enough

• Safe sleep practices to reduce SIDS risk

• Car seat safety and home safety

• Signs and symptoms that should prompt a call to our office

• Ways to bond with and soothe your newborn

We’re Here for You

The newborn period can be overwhelming — and no question is too small. We encourage you to share any concerns about feeding, crying, rashes, or anything else. Our goal is to support you as you get to know your baby.

Checking In on Your New Baby’s First Weeks of Life

The first month of your baby’s life is full of changes — for both your little one and your family. At Bronx Kids Pediatrics, the 1-month visit is our chance to make sure your baby is thriving, address any early concerns, and guide you through this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) stage.

What We Do at the 1-Month Visit

At this visit, we’ll:

• Measure and track weight, length, and head circumference

• Check feeding patterns — whether breastfed, formula-fed, or both

• Review wet diapers, bowel movements, and sleep habits

• Examine your baby’s skin, eyes, heart, lungs, belly, hips, and reflexes

• Assess muscle tone and early developmental signs

• Talk about crying patterns and soothing techniques

• Answer your questions about life with a newborn

Developmental & Safety Guidance

We’ll provide tips on:

• Tummy time and early motor development

• Safe sleep practices (to reduce the risk of SIDS)

• Car seat safety and home safety

• Bonding and responding to your baby’s cues

Vaccines & Screenings

• No routine vaccines are given at the 1-month visit (unless your baby missed a newborn dose).

• If not already done, we’ll review newborn screening results.

Your Questions Are Welcome

The first month can be full of “Is this normal?” moments — from hiccups to feeding amounts to sleep stretches. We encourage you to bring a list of questions so we can cover everything that’s on your mind.

Building a Healthy Foundation

At 2 months, your baby is becoming more alert, starting to smile socially, and responding to voices. This visit focuses on ensuring healthy growth, tracking early development, and beginning important immunizations.

What We Do at the 2-Month Visit

• Measure weight, length, and head circumference

• Review feeding patterns, wet/dirty diapers, and sleep habits

• Check your baby’s eyes, heart, lungs, belly, hips, and reflexes

• Assess early milestones like smiling and tracking objects with their eyes

• Talk about tummy time and safe play

Vaccines Given

• Vaxelis (DTaP, Hib, Polio, Hep B combo)

• Pneumococcal

• Rotarix (oral)

Guidance Provided

• Tips for soothing and bonding

• Safe sleep reminders

• Car seat and home safety

• What to expect in the coming months

Growing Stronger Every Day

At 4 months, babies are usually laughing, cooing, and rolling from tummy to back. This visit checks growth, fine-tunes feeding routines, and continues vaccine protection.

What We Do at the 4-Month Visit

• Measure growth and review feeding/sleep patterns

• Check head shape, muscle strength, and movement

• Assess milestones like holding up the head and social interaction

• Talk about safe toys, floor time, and early communication skills

Vaccines Given

• Pentacel (DTaP, Hib, Polio combo)

• Pneumococcal

• Rotarix (oral)

Guidance Provided

• Encouraging motor skills and tummy time

• Preparing for teething

• How to recognize and respond to early cues

• Ongoing safety tips

Half a Year of Growth and Discovery

At 6 months, your baby is usually sitting with support, babbling, and showing curiosity about the world. This visit checks developmental progress, discusses introducing solid foods, and provides the next round of vaccines.

What We Do at the 6-Month Visit

• Measure growth and review feeding, sleep, and activity

• Assess physical skills like rolling both ways and reaching for objects

• Check hearing and vision responses

• Talk about introducing solid foods while continuing breast milk or formula

• Discuss baby-proofing as mobility increases

Vaccines Given

• Vaxelis (DTaP, Hib, Polio, Hep B combo)

• Pneumococcal

Guidance Provided

• Safe feeding tips for solids

• Teething comfort strategies

• Preventing falls and injuries as baby becomes mobile

• Social and language development tips

On the Move and Full of Curiosity

By 9 months, many babies are crawling, pulling to stand, and exploring their environment. This visit focuses on safety, nutrition, and developmental progress.

What We Do at the 9-Month Visit

• Measure weight, length, and head circumference

• Review feeding, sleep patterns, and mobility milestones

• Check your baby’s vision, hearing, and muscle strength

• Assess skills like sitting without support, transferring objects, and responding to their name

• Talk about baby-proofing and injury prevention

Vaccines Given

• None scheduled (unless your child is catching up on missed doses)

Guidance Provided

• Advancing solid foods and introducing finger foods

• Encouraging speech with reading and talking

• Safety in the home and car

• Promoting exploration while preventing accidents

One Year Old and Ready for New Adventures

The first birthday marks a big milestone! At 12 months, your child is becoming more independent, and this visit helps ensure they’re thriving in all areas.

What We Do at the 12-Month Visit

• Measure growth and review nutrition, sleep, and daily routines

• Check walking skills, hand coordination, and first words

• Perform a full physical exam, including vision

• Discuss transition from formula/breast milk to whole milk (if appropriate)

• Talk about discipline, routines, and toddler safety

• Will get screening for Anemia and lead level via blood

Vaccines Given

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Guidance Provided

• Healthy eating habits for toddlers

• Encouraging language development

• Sleep and nap transitions

• Preventing injuries as your child becomes more mobile

Walking, Talking, and Growing Every Day

By 15 months, toddlers are often walking on their own, using several words, and showing big personalities. This visit focuses on growth, development, and continued protection with vaccines.

What We Do at the 15-Month Visit

• Measure growth and review diet, sleep, and activity levels

• Assess walking, climbing, and fine motor skills

• Discuss social and emotional changes

• Talk about discipline, boundaries, and toddler independence

Vaccines Given

• Pneumococcal

• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)

Guidance Provided

• Toddler-proofing your home for new climbing and exploring abilities

• Building language and social skills through play and reading

• Managing tantrums and setting limits

• Encouraging active play and healthy habits

Exploring the World with Energy and Curiosity

At 18 months, your toddler is moving fast, talking more, and asserting independence. This visit focuses on developmental milestones, safety, and supporting healthy habits.

What We Do at the 18-Month Visit

• Measure weight, height, and head circumference

• Review diet, feeding routines, and growth

• Check walking, climbing, and coordination

• Assess vocabulary, comprehension, and social interaction

• Discuss behavior, temper tantrums, and setting boundaries

• Review home safety as mobility increases

• Will get screen for Autism and other developmental concerns

Vaccines Given

• DTaP

• Hepatitis A

Guidance Provided

• Encouraging language through reading and conversation

• Toddler discipline and positive reinforcement

• Healthy eating and portion sizes

• Safety inside and outside the home

The Thriving Toddler Stage

At 2 years old, children are developing rapidly in language, movement, and personality. This visit helps ensure they’re meeting milestones and staying healthy as they become more independent.

What We Do at the 2-Year Visit

• Measure growth and review nutrition, sleep, and activity

• Assess language skills, motor skills, and problem-solving abilities

• Discuss social development and play skills

• Screen for autism and other developmental concerns

• Talk about toilet training readiness

• Will get screening for Anemia and lead level via blood

Vaccines Given

• Hep A (2nd dose)

Guidance Provided

• Strategies for toilet training

• Limiting screen time and encouraging active play

• Promoting healthy sleep habits

• Supporting emotional development and patience-building

Stepping Toward Preschool Readiness

At 2½ years, children are refining language, showing greater independence, and preparing for the preschool years. This visit supports both physical and emotional growth.

What We Do at the 2½-Year Visit

• Measure height, weight, and growth trends

• Review language, problem-solving, and social skills

• Check coordination, running, and climbing abilities

• Discuss emotional regulation and behavior changes

• Talk about readiness for preschool and structured learning

• Screen for Autism and other developmental concerns

Vaccines Given

• None (unless catching up)

Guidance Provided

• Expanding vocabulary through reading and storytelling

• Encouraging independence while setting limits

• Nutritional needs for an active toddler

• Preparing for the transition to preschool

Growing into a Big Kid

At 3 years old, children are full of energy, imagination, and questions. This visit focuses on tracking growth, supporting preschool readiness, and building healthy habits.

What We Do at the 3-Year Visit

• Measure height, weight, BMI, and growth progress

• Check vision

• Assess language, memory, and problem-solving skills

• Review fine and gross motor skills (drawing, running, climbing)

• Discuss behavior, social skills, and play

• Assess for Anemia, lead and Tuberculosis

Vaccines Given

• None scheduled (unless catching up on missed doses)

Guidance Provided

• Encouraging early learning and preschool adjustment

• Healthy eating and active play routines

• Safety inside and outside the home

• Limiting screen time and encouraging reading

Ready for School

At 4 years old, your child is preparing for kindergarten. This visit ensures they’re healthy, protected, and developmentally ready for school success.

What We Do at the 4-Year Visit

• Measure growth and review nutrition and activity levels

• Perform a full vision and hearing screening

• Assess language, memory, and early academic skills

• Review coordination and physical activity readiness

• Discuss social skills, independence, and emotional development

• Screen for Anemia and lead level via blood

Vaccines Given

• Kinrix (DTaP & Polio combo)

• MMR

• Varicella

Guidance Provided

• School readiness skills and routines

• Healthy lifestyle habits for children

• Building friendships and social confidence

• Staying safe at home, school, and in the community

Healthy Habits for the Growing Years

These are the “steady growth” years — your child’s body, mind, and confidence are developing quickly. Annual visits from ages 5 to 11 ensure continued health and readiness for school and extracurricular activities.

What We Do at Each Visit

• Measure growth and BMI

• Check vision, hearing, and dental health

• Review school performance and learning progress

• Assess social skills, friendships, and emotional wellbeing

• Talk about nutrition, physical activity, and screen time

• Discuss safety (bikes, sports, water, and stranger safety)

• Screen for Anemia

Vaccines Given

• HPV (2-dose series) can be started at 9-years of age.

• Annual influenza vaccine if recommended

• Catch-up vaccines if any doses were missed

Guidance Provided

• Healthy eating for active kids

• Encouraging sports, hobbies, and reading

• Sleep routines for school success

• Bullying prevention and open communication

Supporting Teens Through Change

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. Annual visits help keep teens healthy and supported through these transitions.

What We Do at the Adolescent Visit

• Measure growth, BMI, and puberty milestones

• Review nutrition, sleep, and activity

• Discuss school performance, social life, and mental health

• Talk about safety, peer pressure, and healthy decision-making

• Offer private time with the teen to encourage open communication

• Annual blood work, if required

Vaccines Given

• HPV (if not already given)

• Tdap (at 11 years)

• MCV4 (at 11 years, booster at 16 years)

• Tetanus booster at 21 years

• Annual influenza vaccine recommended

Guidance Provided

• Healthy lifestyle and self-care habits

• Online and social media safety

• Managing stress and emotions

• Preparing for independence and future goals