Final answer:
A nurse should educate new parents on monitoring hydration through diaper counts, understanding infant behaviors for positive interaction, and focusing on hunger cues over strict feeding schedules for infant care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing infant care with new parents, a nurse should prioritize educating them on several key points. Firstly, counting the number of wet diapers daily is vital to ensure the infant is adequately hydrated, given their immature kidneys produce very dilute urine. It is imperative that infants receive adequate fluids from breast milk or formula to avoid dehydration. Secondly, it is important for parents to understand infant behaviors regarding states of wakefulness, which can aid in fostering positive interactions and responses to their baby's needs. Contrary to some outdated beliefs, allowing an infant to cry extensively is not beneficial for lung development and can be distressing for both the baby and the parents.
Lastly, while feeding routines can be helpful, it is equally important to respond to a baby's hunger cues rather than strictly adhering to a set schedule, as this promotes healthy weight gain and overall well-being.