As the Consultant has probably told you, we correct premature babies ages to allow them to catch up with their developmental milestones. This means that if your baby was 10 weeks early he will be expected to do what a 6 week old baby can at 16 weeks. Try not to compare your baby with a full term new born, he will take a little longer to do things.
You can look for what a week old baby should be able to do and follow your baby’s progress.
- Baby will stop crying when picked up
- Turn to look at the person who is talking
- Be startled by a sudden noise
- Respond, by quieting, to a soothing voice
- Turn towards the light
- Stares at your face
- Begins to smile
- Begins to be able to control his head
They may be followed up by their Paediatric Consultant until they are 2 years of age, approximately, they will have developmental assessments at your local clinic to make sure they are catching up.
By the time they are 2 years old they will have caught up, but some children who are born prematurely do remain smaller than average. It is not unusual to be followed up by the Community Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist.