Tips for Finding the Right Pediatrician for Your Child

When your baby has a fever in the middle of the night, your toddler isn’t meeting milestones, or your teen needs confidential guidance, you want a provider that truly knows your child. Selecting a pediatric provider is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child’s health. From newborn checkups to adolescent care, your provider becomes a trusted partner in supporting your child’s growth, development, and well-being. For families in Manchester and surrounding communities in southern New Hampshire, choosing the right pediatrician means finding care that’s both close to home and deeply connected to a trusted health system. With so many options available in New Hampshire, how do you choose the best fit for your family? 

Why Choosing the Right Pediatrician Matters 

Your child’s provider serves as a trusted guide for everything from tracking growth and giving immunizations to managing illnesses and answering parenting questions. When your child requires imaging, lab work, or a specialist, a pediatrician— including pediatric-trained physician assistants and nurse practitioners— coordinates care, so nothing falls through the cracks. Over time, building a strong, long-term relationship with a provider who knows your child can make a meaningful difference in their overall health and your confidence as a parent. That relationship becomes even more valuable when your child’s care is delivered locally, within a connected pediatric network serving families throughout southern New Hampshire. 

When to Start Looking 

Experts recommend beginning your search during pregnancy—ideally between 28 and 34 weeks. This allows time to research practices, ask questions, and confirm that your chosen provider is available for your baby’s first visit after birth. For families who have recently relocated to the Greater Manchester area or who have older children, it’s never too late to find a provider who better fits your child’s medical, developmental, and emotional needs. 

Key Factors to Consider 

1. Location and Accessibility 

Choose a practice that is convenient for your home or workplace. Consider office hours, parking availability, and whether evening or weekend appointments are offered to accommodate busy schedules. 

2. Communication Style 

Your provider should listen attentively, explain medical information clearly, encourage questions, and make you feel comfortable. When you are worried or concerned, you should feel heard and supported. A strong rapport helps ensure open communication about your child’s health and development. 

3. Emergency and After-Hours Care 

Ask how urgent concerns are handled after hours and whether the practice has on-call physicians or hospital affiliations. Being prepared can provide peace of mind when unexpected issues arise.  

While Elliot Pediatric offices are not open for after‑hours visits, support is always available. If your child becomes sick after hours, simply call your pediatrician’s office and select the after‑hours triage option. You will be connected with a nurse who will:

• Ask about your child’s symptoms 
• Provide guidance on what to do next 
• Contact the on‑call physician if further treatment is needed 

For in‑person care, Elliot Urgent Care locations in Manchester, Londonderry, and Bedford are available for non‑life‑threatening illnesses and injuries. The Pediatric Emergency Department is ready for more serious or complex emergencies. Wherever your child is seen, their medical records are securely shared across the Elliot Health System to support seamless, coordinated care. 

4. Office Environment 

A welcoming, child-friendly environment and knowledgeable, friendly staff can make visits less stressful for both you and your child. 

Ready to Find Your Child's Pediatrician? 

At Elliot Pediatric Care, we offer compassionate, comprehensive care for children from birth through adolescence. As part of the trusted Elliot Health System, our pediatric teams are connected to a full network of pediatric specialists, imaging, lab services, and hospital care, giving families seamless support as their children grow. Our board-certified pediatricians, pediatric-trained physician assistants, and nurse practitioners provide preventive care, treatment for illnesses, and guidance for developmental and emotional concerns all in a supportive, family-friendly environment. 

Whether you’re welcoming a new baby or looking for a better fit for your growing child, Elliot makes it easy to establish long-term, coordinated care. 

Find a provider that fits your family. Call our Elliot Provider Match at (603) 663-4567.