how can I get a dependent visa for my wife and baby?

i will be applying for my work visa in the next week, i am currently in china, but my wife is in the philippines and she is due to have our first baby in december 1st, should i wait until i get my babies passport and then apply for the visas for them..........(i understand/know they cant travel until we have the babies passport)......or is it possible to apply for my wifes visa now.............my question is, does the baby actually have to have a visa page in their passport or will it be just my passport that will have the visa in it.............my problem is im trying to think ahead because i know the passport offices will be closed early in the new year because of the chinese new year

ANY AND ALL RESPONSES ARE WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED