Member Mira Kothari

My name is Mira Kothari and I am a proud Ridgewood resident, mom of 3 and pediatric gastroenterologist. Our family moved here a bit over 2 years ago and we have loved learning about the town and making new friends! Our kids are 6, 4 and 2, so we are still exploring, but a few go to spots are duck pond park, enjoying outdoor dining at S.Egidio, and the ongoing challenge of convincing the kids to eat dinner before ice cream at East Coast Burger. We’re still very much learning how to balance it all, but have loved how inviting everyone has been, and how kid-friendly the town is.

As a pediatric gastroenterologist, the most common things I see are abdominal pain and concerns around growth and nutrition. I find these concerns are often intertwined, which is why I think it is good to periodically look at what our children—and what we as families—are eating. Children are amazing – they are constantly learning and growing so don’t give up on the “picky” eaters. We often prioritize growth so offering familiar foods is important, but low pressure and repeated exposure to new foods can help gradually improve acceptance.

Fiber and fluid intake are the keys to good gut health. For children, fluids should primarily consist of water and milk. With our busy daily routines, some foods may be more processed than we would ideally prefer; however, balance and consistency are key. Fiber goals vary by age, with a commonly used guideline being a child’s age plus 5 for the grams of fiber per day. All this said, families know their children best and so I think you should always trust your gut and reach out to your child’s pediatrician whenever concerns arise. No question or worry is ever too small when it comes to your child’s health.

Happy new year to the Ridgewood mom’s community! I’m very thankful to be part of such a wonderful group, and to navigate motherhood with you all.