Danielle Larsen, MD

Danielle Larsen, MD, is a pediatrician at Arch Pediatrics.

Dr. Larsen sees patients at:

Arch Pediatrics
3844 South Lindbergh Boulevard
Suite: 216
St. Louis, MO 63127

Please call 314-525-0580 for an appointment.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Belleville, just across the river. I was born at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, attended high school in Belleville and attended college at Washington University. After college, my husband and I moved around to a few cities for our medical training. We came back to the St. Louis area when we started our family, and I started residency at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. We have two young boys who love living near their grandparents and extended family. We are thrilled to work and raise our kids in St. Louis.

What made you want to become a pediatrician?

I love that as a pediatrician I get to care for both kids and adults – my patients and their parents or guardians. Pediatrics is the best of both worlds. Kids are just the best. There is no other field in medicine where I would get to challenge my brain to think through problems one minute and then chat about dinosaurs, games and favorite books the next.

What is your favorite part of caring for newborns?

I love talking with parents about what to expect with their babies. The newborn time is such a special time for families but can be overwhelming and exhausting. Having experienced it twice, I know how important it is to have a great pediatrician office available. All questions are good questions. For me, it is fun to help parents who are caring for their first baby and want lots of education and information. If they bring home a sibling, I love hearing how different they are from their first.

Do you have any tips for parents to help their babies sleep better?

First, remember that difficult times and sleep phases will pass. Always start with safe sleep and add in a few things that can help, such as a swaddle, a pacifier (if you choose), white noise and blackout curtains in baby’s room. Put baby down on their back when sleepy but still awake and see if they can put themselves to sleep. Enjoy those contact naps during the daytime if you would like, but also feel OK putting baby down in their sleep space if you need a break.

What advice would you give to adolescents who are about to see their pediatrician?

We’re here to help. We truly are here to help you as a trusted adult in your corner. Just like for new parents, all adolescent questions are good questions.

What recommendations do you have about screen time in adolescence?

Set a timer and stick with it. Use it for learning and for fun, then put it away. I also like screen time as a social activity – for example, playing a video game with a friend adds a healthy social component over solo screen time.

How can parents help support their kids through their puberty years?

Normalize it. Many of the emotions, body changes and behaviors in the puberty years are normal and common – and everyone goes through it.

Which past award or achievement is most gratifying?

I had the opportunity to serve as a chief resident at St. Louis Children’s Hospital just prior to starting my career at Arch Pediatrics. I provided support and education to all the pediatric residents, and I loved every minute of it. Residents care for a lot of our pediatric patients in the area and they, in turn, need people to take care of them. In my personal life, every time my (soon-to-be preteen) kiddo asks me to ride bikes or read together, I feel like the luckiest.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you like to be doing?

Prior to my medical career, I worked in human resources and organizational development…so I suppose that is what I’d be doing. On the other hand, I love to plan out detailed family vacations, so I think I’d enjoy being a travel agent.