Choosing a pediatrician is an important decision for your family. Whether you're expecting a baby or have recently moved and need a new doctor, Tufts Medicine offers trusted pediatric care to support your child at every stage of development. Shirley Huang, MD, Chief of General Pediatrics at Tufts Medical Center and Associate Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, shares her tips for choosing a pediatrician from infancy through adolescence.
A pediatrician serves as your child's primary care clinician—caring for them when they're sick and helping keep them well through preventive care. Routine visits monitor growth and development, keep immunizations up to date, and support overall wellness, making it essential to find a pediatrician you trust.
Why having the right pediatrician matters
You and your child will see your pediatrician for many reasons, including:
- Well-child visits and annual physical exams
- Childhood vaccinations
- Sports physicals and school forms
- Developmental screenings and milestone checks
- Mental health wellness exams
- Managing chronic illness
- Sick visits when your child isn't feeling well
Having a pediatrician who knows your child's health history and your family helps ensure consistent, personalized care from infancy through adolescence.
What to look for in a pediatrician
As you search for the right pediatrician, consider the following questions:
- Would you rather see a doctor in Boston, close to pediatric specialists or one closer to home?
- Are the clinic hours convenient for your family's schedule?
- Can your child be seen quickly when they're sick, including weekends?
- Will the pediatrician help coordinate care with specialists if needed?
- Who is someone you trust to support your child and family?
These factors can make a big difference in your overall experience and your child's comfort with their pediatrician.
Pediatric care at Tufts Medicine
Tufts Medicine has pediatricians currently accepting new patients. If your child is an infant, you may want to choose a doctor who can care for them through their teenage years, offering continuity of care as they grow.
For added convenience, Tufts Medicine offers same-day sick visits and Saturday sick appointments when your child needs prompt care that isn't an emergency. Tufts Medicine offers a wide range of pediatric services and our pediatric teams work closely with specialists to ensure your child receives comprehensive, coordinated care when needed. Tufts Medicine also offers 24-hour nurse triage to answer all of your questions.
FAQs about choosing a pediatrician
How do I choose the right pediatrician for my child?
Start with the basics: location, office hours and whether the pediatrician is accepting new patients. You'll also want to think about availability for sick visits, weekend hours and whether the practice can care for your child from infancy through the teen years. Most important? Choose a pediatrician you feel comfortable talking to and trust with your child's care.
How can I find a pediatrician who is accepting new patients?
You can check pediatric practices online, call the office directly or ask your insurance provider for in-network options. Tufts Medicine pediatricians are currently accepting new patients.
What does a pediatrician help with?
Pediatricians provide primary care for children, from preventive visits to care when your child is sick. This includes well-child visits, vaccinations, developmental screenings, sick visits, sports physicals and help with school or camp forms. They also partner with families on nutrition, sleep and healthy development.
What is a well-child visit?
A well-child visit is a routine checkup focused on your child's growth, development and overall health. These visits happen more often during infancy and early childhood, then typically once a year as kids get older. Well-child visits help keep your child up to date on immunizations and catch concerns early. Learn what to expect at well-child visits and annual physical exams.
Can my child be seen for sick visits?
Yes. Pediatricians care for children when they're sick—whether it's a fever, cold, ear infection or something else. Tufts Medicine offers same-day sick visits and Saturday appointments so your child can get care quickly when it's needed.
Do pediatricians offer sports physicals?
Yes. Pediatricians commonly provide sports physicals required for school or team participation. These visits help make sure your child is healthy and ready to safely take part in sports and physical activities.
Should I choose a pediatrician before my baby is born?
Many parents choose a pediatrician before their baby arrives so they're ready for newborn well-child visits after delivery. Choosing early can also help answer questions about office hours, after-hours care and what to expect in those first weeks. Prenatal visits can be scheduled.
