Meet our Los Angeles based pediatrician: Dr Lauren Crosby

I’m Dr. Lauren Crosby, a board-certified pediatrician. I’m from Los Angeles, CA which is also where I live. I have two sons, and two dogs Hugo and Pushkin (they are my other babies). Our family loves dogs!

I went to medical school at UCLA, and then trained in Pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai where I also was Chief Resident before going into private practice. I’m married to a Neonatologist who also happens to be a Healthcare IT expert. Lucky for me! We can talk babies AND he can fix my computer issues.

I really enjoy being outdoors whether it is with my family or my dogs or just by myself. Being in nature is so beneficial for the mind and body.

What I love most about my job:

My inspiration to become a pediatrician stems from both the influence of my father as well as from my own personal medical experiences as a child. My father, who attended medical school at UCLA and trained at Mass General, was a deputy medical examiner with the LA County Coroner’s office and was involved in many famous cases in Los Angeles including the Manson murder. He was an accomplished forensic, anatomic and dermatologic pathologist and even worked at Cedars-Sinai in the 70’s. He was technical advisor and writer for the TV show “Quincy M.E.” When he would teach pathology at USC, which included learning about diseased organs, I would accompany him to what he called his “organ recitals.” Pathologist humor!

My personal exposure to medicine started during my infancy as I developed staph aureus sepsis, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in my right leg at only 2 months old. After an extensive hospitalization that included the reality of potential amputation of my right leg, my father got a second opinion which saved my leg. This pediatric orthopedic surgeon operated on my leg multiple times during my infancy and during my childhood. I vividly recall how happy I was to see him when he made his morning hospital rounds. I looked forward to my frequent office visits with him. He would even hand remove my casts instead of using the saw because the saw scared me so much. He was caring and patient. Such an inspiration!  

Personal notes:

People who know me well know that I like to be busy! I have been in private practice in pediatrics for 25 years. During this time I have been fortunate to work with wonderful people and I’m honored to get to know thousands of families, working with them through everything from the happiest to the most stressful of times. Most of my outside interests all have some tie-in to my career and allow me to inform parents via different outlets. I have been on the board of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles for 8 years. We create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. I am also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Communications in Media, an Official Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, a local news pediatric medical expert, and a medical reviewer on the Medical Review Board for WhatToExpect.com.

I am so proud to be a Medical Advisor for Bobbie Organic Infant Formula. I love Bobbie because it is an innovative, organic, high-quality infant formula inspired by breast milk. I can finally give parents seeking European formulas an alternative that meets FDA requirements so I don’t have to worry about nutritional deficiencies. I know that the babies are receiving exactly what they need to grow and thrive.

I’m proud to be a part of the Bobbie team because their mission is not only to feed infants a high-quality nutritious formula but also to support and guide parents along their feeding journey.

Funny pediatrician story:

There have been times I’ve seen some of my patients at places like the market. The younger ones are totally shocked to see me outside the office, and often don’t recognize me at first. They can’t believe that I do everyday things like shop for food. One parent told me afterwards that their child thought that I lived at my office and didn’t ever leave!

Five most asked questions for pediatrician:

1-My baby has a runny nose and cough. What should I do?

Typical symptoms of a cold for baby (upper respiratory infection) include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, decrease in appetite, fussiness, fever. Kids may have some or all of these symptoms. A fever is a rectal temperature of 100.4 or more, and in the case of infants 3 months and under, call your pediatrician ASAP. This could be a sign of a more serious infection. Colds are caused by viruses so there is no medication to treat them, only supportive care which includes making sure you baby is hydrated, running a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room, using salt water (saline) nose drop or spray then suctioning out the nose 2-3 times a day, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or pain as directed by your doctor.

2- I’m bottle feeding my baby. How many ounces should my baby eat at one time?

The answer depends on the age and size of the baby. In general a baby should take about 2.5 ounces per pound per day.  

After the first few days of life the baby will likely take 2-3 oz per feed every 3 hours and this volume increases as the baby gets older and bigger. By two months old, infants usually take 4-6 oz every 3-4 hours, and by 4 months old 5-8 oz every 3-4 hours. At six months old babies often drink 6-8 oz every 4 hours, but not every baby does this. If your baby is gaining weight and growing well,  that is the best way to know that your baby is getting what he/she needs.

3- What temperature should my infant’s room be overnight?

The standard safe answer is 68-72 degrees. This may decrease the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). If it is too cool or too hot, the baby also may not sleep as well.

4- Can my baby sleep with a blanket or toys in the crib?

There should not be anything in the crib with the baby. It is ok for the baby to be swaddled up to 2-4 months old but otherwise no pillows, loose sheets, blankets or toys should be in the crib. These items could cover the baby’s face or overheat the baby. Babies should be placed alone on their backs in a crib to sleep.

5- Should my baby get a vaccine or flu shot?

All vaccines are important including a yearly flu shot so the answer is YES. The flu can be very serious causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year. A flu shot is the best way to protect against seasonal influenza.

All children 6 months old and up should get a yearly flu vaccine. For those under the age of 9 years getting their first flu vaccine, they will actually need two of them one month apart. Then it goes to one a year after that. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Lauren Crosby, MD, FAAP is a Board Certified Pediatrician, AAP spokesperson and Bobbie Medical Advisor.