Next Step Pediatrics

Next Step Pediatrics Dr. Jeffries Bucci & Dr. Melissa E. Lancer
Towson: 7600 Osler Dr. Ste 311
Parkton: 214 Mt. Carmel Rd Carmel Rd. Parkton, MD 21120
Phone number: 410-296-2300

We are a well established six practitioner pediatric practice in Northern Baltimore County with offices in Towson and Parkton, Maryland. Providers include Dr. Jeffries Bucci, Dr. Melissa Lancer, and nurse practitioners Charlotte Chudy CPNP-PC, Samantha Gerding CPNP-PC, and Emily Delfino, DNP, CPNP-PC/AC. The practice welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans. Please feel free to request a complimentary 'meet the doc' visit by calling the main office. Our Towson Office is 7600 Osler Drive, Suite 311 Towson Maryland 21204
Phone number: 410-296-2300
Our Parkton office is located at 214 Mt.

INCLEMENT WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT:Next Step Pediatrics will be closing early today at 2pm due to the impending storm. Stay ...
03/16/2026

INCLEMENT WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT:
Next Step Pediatrics will be closing early today at 2pm due to the impending storm.

Stay safe!

Did you know that about 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D? WHY DO KIDS NEED VITAMIN D?- Vitamin D supports bon...
03/11/2026

Did you know that about 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D?
WHY DO KIDS NEED VITAMIN D?- Vitamin D supports bone health. It ensures the body absorbs and retains enough calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building strong bones and preventing rickets. Vitamin D also plays a role in the immune system response and has been linked with mental health
HOW MUCH VITAMIN D SHOULD MY CHILD GET?
—babies younger than 12 months of age need 400 IU of vitamin D each day if they are breastfed or consuming less than 32 oz of fortified formula/milk daily.
—toddlers, older children, and adolescents need 600 IU of vitamin D daily.
HOW CAN MY CHILD GET VITAMIN D NATURALLY?
-In addition to vitamin supplements, enriched foods are another way to increase the vitamin D in your child’s diet. Look for foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, cereal, orange juice, yogurt and margarine. Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods including salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, sh*take mushroom, and hard-boiled egg

Tips on keeping your baby comfortable and cheerful on a plane!-DRESS THEM IN LAYERS: Choose outfits that make diaper cha...
03/11/2026

Tips on keeping your baby comfortable and cheerful on a plane!
-DRESS THEM IN LAYERS: Choose outfits that make diaper changing in a small space easier. Pack a change of clothes (or even two) in case the plane rocks a little during diaper changes or feedings. Bring plastic bags for soiled diapers and clothing.

-PREPARE FOR EAR PAIN: Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing can make your baby uncomfortable.
**Pro tip: Having babies drink from the breast or a bottle or suck on a pacifier during takeoff and landing can ease discomfort.

-REDUCE NOISE EXPOSURE: Airplane cabin noise reaches peak level during takeoff —and the racket might continue if you're next to the wings or in the back rows. Soft earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the load on your baby's delicate hearing system. (It may help them relax and sleep better, too.)

-CHANGE THIER DIAPER BEFORE BOARDING THE PLANE: A dry baby is a happy baby. Plan for delays and pack plenty of changing supplies! If your baby needs a fresh diaper in-flight, ask if the plane has a restroom changing table—or if there's an open area where you can spread out a little.

BRING PLAYTHINGS- Pack some toys and books and be ready to play with your baby the whole time. A tablet with videos can be a good backup if other playthings aren't doing the job. (Even though we don't encourage screen time for kids under 2, it can be a lifesaver during air travel—and it won't do serious harm to your baby.)

Follow the link for additional flying tips!
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=69654055&gbraid=0AAAAADyMpZGlfXMTFzDT2qvUd0LvU4hNw&gclid=CjwKCAjwpcTNBhA5EiwAdO1S9ov0VyR8pjqZNBAKFsbeg-pmrGFRpYPM_53kYNiiKoZjD9BvNfzLjhoCIkgQAvD_BwE

Tooth brushing tips!-Start healthy habits when they are young! You can start brushing our child's teeth as soon as their...
03/04/2026

Tooth brushing tips!
-Start healthy habits when they are young! You can start brushing our child's teeth as soon as their first tooth comes in.
-Brush two times a day: typically after breakfast and before bed.
-Most kids need help with brushing until they are about 8 years old.
-Brushing teeth with toothpaste with fluoride is one of the most effective things parents can do to prevent cavities!
-Your child can start seeing a dentist once they are one, or 6 months after first tooth eruption.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Toothbrushing-Tips-for-Young-Children.aspx

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps our bodies make blood clots. We need blot clots to stop bleeding. Babies ...
03/02/2026

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps our bodies make blood clots. We need blot clots to stop bleeding.

Babies have very little vitamin K in their bodies at birth. This puts them at risk for dangerous bleeding problems. Fortunately, it's easy to prevent VKDB with a vitamin K shot. The injection is given in your baby's thigh within 6 hours of birth.

WHAT IS VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY BLEEDING?- The bleeding can happen on the outside of the body. It can also happen inside the body where parents can't see it. A baby could be bleeding into their intestines or brain before their parents know anything is wrong. Brain bleeding happens in about half of all babies who develop VKDB, and it can lead to brain damage or death.

ARE VITAMIN K SHOTS SAFE?-
Yes, vitamin K shots are very safe. The vitamin K from the injection is stored in your baby's liver and released slowly over months. This gives your baby the vitamin K they need until they can start getting it from solid food and making it themselves.

You may have heard about a study from the 1990s about a possible link between the vitamin K shot and developing childhood cancer. Since then, experts have done many different kinds of studies to verify this link. None of the studies have ever been able to find that link again.

Let's talk Anxiety. -Anxiety is another word for feeling worried or scared. It's normal for children and teens to feel a...
02/25/2026

Let's talk Anxiety.
-Anxiety is another word for feeling worried or scared. It's normal for children and teens to feel anxious sometimes, like before a big test at school or talking in front of a group of people. But if your child's anxiety gets in the way of normal activities, such as sleeping alone at night, playing outside or going to school, they may need extra support
THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME TO HELP:
---Set aside one-on-one time every day without TV or other media. Even just 10 minutes each day can make a big difference. Try gardening or taking care of houseplants, drawing or going for a bike ride.
---Praise your child and make them feel good about themselves. For example, "You did a great job on that homework assignment!" or "Thank you for helping me with the laundry. I'm so lucky to have your help."
---Find out what's worrying your child, because stress can make them feel anxious. Things such as being bullied at school, divorce, or a death in the family can make a child feel anxious. Your child may need extra help to handle issues such as these.

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TO MANAGE FEARS:
---Practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation.
---Use positive self-talk (for example, "I can try this" instead of "I can't do this").
---Think of a safe place, such as their bedroom or favorite place outdoors.
---Gradually facing fears. Consider gradually exposing your child to feared objects or activities.
---Praise and reward brave behavior: the goal is to cope, not avoid.

If your child's anxiety is not getting better or worsening, give us a call so we can come up with more strategies to help your child!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/help-your-child-manage-fears-and-anxieties.aspx?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=69654055&gbraid=0AAAAADyMpZEVkjH-0Xarkb3Kf1h1TV04E&gclid=CjwKCAiA2PrMBhA4EiwAwpHyC9dwMDiU3TWjJPJjMPjrfweYHk1O8xHvC8O8Wgc1TY60QAjniMzj6RoCgu4QAvD_BwE

Weather Closure Notice ❄️Due to inclement weather, Next Step Pediatrics will have a DELAYED OPENING this morning. Our of...
02/23/2026

Weather Closure Notice ❄️
Due to inclement weather, Next Step Pediatrics will have a DELAYED OPENING this morning.

Our office will open at 10:00 a.m. There will be no quick sick this morning.

If your appointment was scheduled prior to this you will be contacted via the portal to reschedule.

Thank you for your understanding, and stay warm and safe!

So far this year there have been 982 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States. Thankfully there have been n...
02/20/2026

So far this year there have been 982 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States. Thankfully there have been no reported cases of measles in Maryland in 2026! Vaccination is the best way to keep your child safe.

The AAP immunization schedule recommends vaccinating at the ages of one and four. Please find further guidance from the AAP below:

What are we seeing this week? PinkeyeWHAT IS IT: Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation of the thin tissue coverin...
02/18/2026

What are we seeing this week? Pinkeye
WHAT IS IT: Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Pinkeye can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies or chemicals.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms can vary based on the cause
--bacterial conjunctivitis: red or pink, itchy, painful eye(s), more than a tiny amount of green or yellow discharge, possible crusted eye in the morning
--viral conjunctivitis: pink, swollen, watering eye(s), sensitive to light
--allergic: itching, redness, and excessive tearing (usually of both eyes)
--chemical: red, watery eyes, especially after swimming in chlorinated pools
HOW DOES IT SPREAD: Direct contact with discharge from an infected eye, or by touching other surfaces that have been contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, and gets into the child’s eyes.
TREATMENT: Depending on the cause of pinkeye eyedrops may be prescribed. Good hand hygiene is recommended to prevent the spread.

5-2-1-0 healthy lifestyle approach to form healthy habits now!-5 fruits and vegetables a day-2 hours or less of screen t...
02/11/2026

5-2-1-0 healthy lifestyle approach to form healthy habits now!
-5 fruits and vegetables a day
-2 hours or less of screen time per day (or a healthy, balanced limit you've set in your family media plan)
-1 hour of physical activity a day
-0 limit sugar-sweetened drinks

To help kids live healthy lifestyles parents can:
-Be role models themselves by making healthy eating and daily physical activity the norm for their family.
-Create a home with healthy choices available and encouraged.
-Make it fun. Find ways to engage your children such as:
---playing a game of tag
---cooking healthy meals together
---creating a rainbow shopping list to find colorful fruits and vegetables
---go on a walking scavenger hunt through the neighborhood grow a family garden

Other healthy goals:
In addition to 5-2-1-0, families can make small changes in their family routines to help everyone lead healthier active lives. Try:
-Having breakfast every day
-Eating a diet high in fiber and rich in calcium
-Including low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt, milk and cheese
-Preparing foods at home and regularly eating meals together as a family
-Limiting fast food, take-out food, and eating out at restaurants
-Getting enough sleep, since sleep loss can lead to unhealthy eating

Exciting new! We are now collecting donations for ShareBaby in our Hereford location! ShareBaby addresses the unmet basi...
02/09/2026

Exciting new! We are now collecting donations for ShareBaby in our Hereford location! ShareBaby addresses the unmet basic needs of Baltimore’s most vulnerable young children through the distribution of diapers and other essential items.

What will ShareBaby accept?
Diaper and hygiene supplies
---Diapers size preemie to size 7 (open packs accepted)
---Pull-ups (open packs accepted)
---Adult diapers (new packs only) and postpartum supplies
---Period products (open packs accepted)
---Disposable nursing pags
---Baby wipes
---Baby wash/shampoo, baby lotion, diaper cream
Clothing and cloth items (new and gently used)
---Preemie to youth size 10
---Diaper bags
---Baby carriers
---Shoes toddler size 4 to kid size 13.5
---Blankets
---Sleepsacks/swaddles
Other essential items (new only)
---Disposable breast milk containers
---Formula
---Breast pumps
---Pacifiers

What else are we seeing this week? THE STOMACH BUG!WHAT IS IT: Gastroenteritis, often called the "stomach flu," is an in...
02/06/2026

What else are we seeing this week? THE STOMACH BUG!
WHAT IS IT: Gastroenteritis, often called the "stomach flu," is an infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting in children. It's very common and usually caused by viruses like rotavirus or norovirus. Most children recover at home within a few days with proper care.
SYMPTOMS: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low-grade fevers
TREATMENT: Offer small, frequent sips of fluids to prevent dehydration. Half-strength apple juice, or oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte work well for mild cases. Offer 1-2 teaspoons every 5 minutes, gradually increasing as tolerated.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR: Signs dehydration, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, high fever, vomiting that won't stop, diarrhea lasting more than 5-7 days, age less than 3 months with any vomiting or diarrhea
PREVENTION: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces and keep sick children home from daycare or school until symptoms resolve

Address

7600 Osler Drive, Ste 311
Towson, MD
21204

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+14102962300

Website

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We are a well established four practitioner pediatric practice in Northern Baltimore County with offices in Towson and Parkton, Maryland. Dr. Jeffries Bucci, Dr. Melissa Lancer, Samantha Myles, C.R.N.P and Kathleen Machoney, C.R.N.P. offer over 30 years of combined pediatric experience. The practice welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans. Please feel free to request a complimentary 'meet the doc' visit by calling the main office. Our Parkton office is located at 111 Mt. Carmel Rd./Ste. 500, behind to the pharmacy. The phone number for this location is 410-343-0900.