The following guiding principles were developed to express the reasoning behind the formation and function of Docs For Tots. Those who join the network should feel that these principles reflect their ideas of why advocacy on behalf of young children is important.

• Young children are our hope for the future and have unique developmental needs, which consist of an important and connected set of influences that include physical, cognitive, cultural, social and emotional factors.
  
• Young children are reliant on the adults in their lives to assure their well-being. As such, we have a moral and ethical imperative to assure that they have the opportunity to grow and develop in safe, healthy and nurturing environments.
  
• Advocacy for young children and their families, beyond clinical practice walls, should be an integral and valued part of the professional practice of pediatric health care.
  
• Children’s doctors can and should be engaged and supported as active and effective advocacy voices for programs and policies that promote the well-being of the whole child, including those programs and policies not generally recognized as specifically related to physical health.