How should newborn dehydration be identified by parents?

• A. Increased thirst and dry mouth.
• B. Fewer wet diapers, dark urine, dry mucous membranes, lethargy.
• C. Regular wet diaper output.
• D. Normal energy and feeding.

Answer: (B)

Newborn dehydration shows up through changes in how the baby is producing urine and how alert they are, rather than through the sense of thirst. The most important signs parents can notice are fewer wet diapers, dark urine, dry mucous membranes, and lethargy. Fewer wet diapers means the kidneys aren’t producing the usual amount of urine, and dark urine indicates the urine is more concentrated from low fluid intake. Dry mucous membranes reflect overall moisture loss, and lethargy suggests the baby isn’t getting enough fluids to stay energized. Regular wet diaper output and normal energy or feeding are reassuring and not signs of dehydration. If these dehydration signs appear or the baby isn’t feeding well, seek medical advice promptly, as dehydration can progress quickly in newborns.