Next Step Pediatrics

10/14/2026

Are you, or someone you know:
--Currently 34 weeks into your pregnancy
--Have you given birth in the past 6 weeks
-Do you receive Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC?

If so, you may be eligible for a free Pack N' Play!

Follow the QR code for more information!

10/07/2026

From Healthy Children: Social media can be fascinating to teens, who can be both impulsive and drawn to behavior that gets attention.

Some social media challenges, like the ALS ice bucket challenge, can be fun and positive activities. But other viral challenges that pop up on the internet are dangerous and can lead to lasting harm.

Examples of risky trends include misusing medicines or household products, such as the Benadryl challenge, cooking NyQuil chicken, huffing or "chroming" aerosol sprays and eating laundry pods. Others involve restricted breathing, such as the choking game or "blackout" challenge, or dangerous skin-related trends like sunburn "tattoos" and tanmaxxing. More recently, viral videos encourage microwaving gel-filled squishy toys, which can explode and cause severe burns.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Dangerous-Internet-Challenges.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawUzdZpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMWk3Q0J1RGR4bnZiNFM3ZFlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe21I0rpwjtUABmp0i543Vdt4wwHq8rsZW4omyfKECDZT15Ah1BBLcwgZwM_w_aem_aDP0oQfbH3Ux6qGTSaJvhA

10/05/2026

Respiratory Virus Season Is Here! What the AAP Recommends for Your Child in 2026–2027

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its updated recommendations to protect kids from the three big respiratory viruses this season: flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Here's what parents need to know.

FLU (Influenza)
--Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year.
--Get it as early as possible. Ideally by the end of October.
--Some younger children need 2 doses — your pediatrician can tell you if yours does.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization in babies. Protection comes from a maternal vaccine during pregnancy OR a long-acting antibody shot for the baby
--Recommended for all infants under 8 months entering their first RSV season unless mom got the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
--Also recommended for certain high-risk children 8–19 months entering their second RSV season.
--RSV season protection is typically given October through March.

COVID-19
--Recommended for all infants and children 6 through 23 months --Recommended for children 2–18 years who are at increased risk of severe illness (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, weakened immune systems).
--Any healthy child 2–18 years whose parent wants them protected can also get a dose.

Please call to schedule your appointment. Let's keep our kids and our community healthy this winter!

10/02/2026

09/25/2026

PROTECTING YOUR BABY FROM RSV

Starting October 1, the RSV shot will be available for eligible for babies and young children.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT: RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants. It can quickly cause serious lung infections, even in healthy, full-term babies. A single shot reduces RSV hospitalizations by about 80%.

ABOUT THE SHOT: It is a long-acting antibody given as one injection that protects for the whole RSV season (~5 months). It is not a live vaccine and can be given with routine vaccines.

WHO IS ELIBIGLE:
--All babies younger than 8 months entering their first RSV season UNLESS the mother got the RSV vaccine during pregnancy (at least 14 days before delivery).
--Children 8–19 months at high risk in their second season: chronic lung disease of prematurity needing recent treatment, severe immunocompromise, cystic fibrosis with severe disease, or American Indian/Alaska Native children.

HOW TO GET IT: If you haven't already, please call our office or send a message to the RSV inbox on your patient portal.

09/21/2026

We had the sweetest time celebrating Dr. McAneny and her growing family this weekend!

We can’t wait to watch her become a mom and, of course, meet the newest little member of our Next Step family!

09/18/2026

How Much Sleep Does Your Child Really Need?

Sleep isn't just "downtime" it's when your child's body grows, their brain builds memories, and their emotions reset for the next day yet about 1 in 3 kids in the U.S. aren't getting enough

Why Sleep Matters Getting enough sleep on a regular basis helps kids with:
✅ Attention, learning & memory
✅ Behavior & emotional control
✅ A healthy immune system and growth
✅ Better mood and mental health

When kids consistently miss out on sleep, it's linked to trouble focusing, behavior challenges, and higher risks of obesity, high blood pressure, and anxiety or depression — and for teens, even mood and mental health struggles. Interestingly, overtired kids often become MORE hyperactive, not sleepy!

09/15/2026

Flu Vaccines are here! 💉

Flu season is approaching, and we are pleased to announce our Flu Vaccine Clinics beginning Wednesday, September 30.

Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule.
• Wednesdays: Flu vaccine clinics at both Next Step Pediatrics offices
• Saturdays: Flu vaccine clinic at our Towson office only
• Clinic dates: September 30 through the end of October

At this time, we have received a supply of flu vaccine for our privately insured patients. We are awaiting the arrival of the state-supplied vaccine for our Medicaid/VFC-eligible patients. We will notify families as soon as the state supply arrives and appointments become available.

Please contact the office to schedule during one of our flu clinic days.

Thank you for helping keep our patients, families and community safe this flu season!

09/04/2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MEASLES AND EARLY MMR VACCINATION.

Due to the current measles outbreak in Pennsylvania and areas of Maryland we are offering an EARLY MMR VACCINE TO INFANTS 6-11 MONTHS OF AGE who may be at an increased risk for exposure.

PENNSYLVANIA: An early MMR dose is recommended for infants living in or near a measles outbreak hotspot. YORK COUNTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED AS A HOTSPOT.

MARYLAND: Maryland has declared a measles outbreak in three Maryland counties, ST MARY'S, CARROLL, AND CECIL COUNTY. If you live or frequently travel to one of those counties, an early MMR dose is recommended. Otherwise, an early MMR dose is recommended for infants who will be traveling internationally or traveling to an area experiencing a measles outbreak.

If you feel your child meets any of these criteria and would like them to receive an early MMR vaccine, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO SCHEDULE A SHOT-ONLY APPOINTMENT.

Please remember that an MMR vaccine given before 12 months of age does not replace the routine MMR doses. Your child will still need the routine MMR vaccination beginning at 12 months of age.

If you have any questions, please contact our office!

08/31/2026

Happy First Day Back to School! 🍎✏️

From all of us at Next Step Pediatrics, we’re wishing all of our amazing patients a wonderful first day back to school! We hope your year is filled with new adventures, great friendships, lots of learning, and plenty of smiles.

Remember to get plenty of rest, eat healthy, stay active, wash those hands, and most importantly have fun! We’re cheering you on all year long!