A nurse is caring for a client who is breastfeeding and tells the nurse that she is concerned about her newborn's hydration. Which of the following nursing observations is appropriate to use in evaluating the adequacy of the newborn's hydration?

A. While checking skin turgor can provide some information about hydration in older children and adults, it is not a reliable indicator in newborns because their skin is naturally more elastic. B. Monitoring how well the baby's clothes fit is not an accurate or timely measure of hydration status and can be misleading. C. Counting the number of wet diapers per day is the most reliable and practical way to assess a newborn’s hydration. A newborn should have at least 6–8 wet diapers per 24 hours by the time breastfeeding is well established, indicating adequate fluid intake. This method provides direct evidence of urine output, which reflects hydration and kidney function. D. Monitoring how often the baby cries does not provide specific information about hydration status; crying can be influenced by many factors unrelated to fluid balance.