Which finding provides the best information that a newborn is receiving adequate nourishment after birth?

Which finding provides the best information that a newborn is receiving adequate nourishment after birth?

• A. The baby weight increases after each feeding
• B. The baby passes a stool each day
• C. The baby sleeps for 5 to 6 hours between feedings
• D. The baby wets 6-8 diapers in a 24-hour period

Answer: (D)

To judge whether a newborn is getting enough nourishment, look at output, especially urine. When intake is adequate, the kidneys produce enough urine, so counting wet diapers is a practical sign of hydration and calories received. Six to eight wet diapers in 24 hours is a reliable indicator that the baby is well nourished, making it the strongest sign among common early indicators. Weight changes in the first days can be misleading—newborns often lose weight before regaining it—stool patterns vary, and long sleep stretches can occur even with adequate feeding, so those factors don’t reflect nourishment as reliably as urine output.

To judge whether a newborn is getting enough nourishment, look at output, especially urine. When intake is adequate, the kidneys produce enough urine, so counting wet diapers is a practical sign of hydration and calories received. Six to eight wet diapers in 24 hours is a reliable indicator that the baby is well nourished, making it the strongest sign among common early indicators. Weight changes in the first days can be misleading—newborns often lose weight before regaining it—stool patterns vary, and long sleep stretches can occur even with adequate feeding, so those factors don’t reflect nourishment as reliably as urine output.