Many parents of premature babies (preemies) worry about when their baby will catch up to full-term babies in terms of growth and development. Since preemies are born before their organs, muscles, and brain fully develop, they may take longer to reach milestones like smiling, crawling, and walking.
So, how can you support your preemie’s development and help them catch up?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
How long it takes for preemies to catch up Ways to encourage physical and cognitive development How to track your baby’s milestones with adjusted age When to seek early intervention for delays
Let’s dive in! 
When Do Premature Babies Catch Up?
Most preemies catch up to full-term babies by age 2-3, but this varies depending on factors like:
What Affects Catch-Up Growth?
Gestational age at birth – Earlier preemies take longer to catch up. Birth weight – Lower birth weight may delay growth. NICU complications – Extended NICU stays can affect early development. Parental support & therapies – Early intervention helps speed up progress.
How to Track Your Preemie’s Milestones (Adjusted Age vs. Actual Age)
Since preemies are born early, their development should be tracked using adjusted (corrected) age rather than actual birth age.
How to Calculate Adjusted Age:
Take your baby’s actual age in weeks. Subtract the number of weeks they were born early.
Example: If your baby is 6 months old but was born 8 weeks early, their adjusted age is 4 months. So, they should be compared to a 4-month-old full-term baby for milestones.
How to Encourage a Preemie’s Development
Preemies may need extra support to develop motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities.
Best Ways to Support Preemie Growth & Development:
Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Care) – Helps brain and emotional development.
Ensure Proper Nutrition – Breast milk or fortified formula supports growth.
Tummy Time Every Day – Strengthens neck, arms, and core muscles.
Talk, Sing & Read to Your Baby – Stimulates language and social skills.
Use Sensory Stimulation – Gentle massages and soft textures boost awareness.
Milestones for Preemies – What to Expect
Since preemies follow their adjusted age for milestones, here’s what to expect:
Preemie Developmental Milestone Guide (Adjusted Age)
| Age (Adjusted) | Expected Milestones |
|---|---|
| 2-3 months | Lifts head, starts cooing, makes eye contact |
| 4-6 months | Rolls over, babbles, reaches for objects |
| 7-9 months | Sits up, responds to name, transfers objects between hands |
| 10-12 months | Crawls, waves goodbye, says simple words |
| 12-24 months | Stands, walks, starts forming sentences |
When to Seek Early Intervention for a Preemie
While every preemie develops at their own pace, some may need early intervention therapy if they show signs of developmental delays.
Talk to a doctor if your preemie:
Is not making eye contact or smiling by 3 months adjusted age. Cannot hold their head up by 4 months adjusted age. Is not rolling over by 6 months adjusted age. Shows no interest in babbling or making sounds by 9 months. Cannot sit up or pull to stand by 12 months adjusted age.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Key Takeaways: Most preemies catch up to full-term babies by age 2-3. Tracking milestones based on adjusted age helps measure progress. Skin-to-skin contact, tummy time, and sensory play help speed up development. Early intervention can improve delays in speech, motor skills, and cognitive growth.
How is your preemie’s development progressing? Share your experience in the comments!