A member asked:

Is it ok to give a 3 wk newborn an ounce of water to help with bowel movements? and if so, nursery water or bottle water?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Katharine Cox answered

Specializes in Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Water: There is no problem with using a limited amount of water to help with a bowel movement. Using more than an oz may cause electrolyte imbalance. Any uncontaminated source of water is fine. I hope this helps her constipation.

Answered 11/16/2014

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Dr. Natalie Hodge answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

No: Never give a baby water at this age! Water intoxication can happen in even small amounts. Think of it this way, formula and breast milk have just the right amount of sodium ( or "salt") in them. When you give a tiny baby water without the proper mix of salt, it drops the relative concentration of sodium in the bloodstream, causing seizures.

Answered 11/9/2014

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