Every parent eagerly waits for their baby to reach milestones like smiling, rolling over, sitting up, and walking. But for premature babies (preemies), these milestones might happen later than expected.
Since preemies are born before their development is complete, they grow at their own pace. So, when should you expect your premature baby to crawl, talk, and take their first steps?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ How to track premature baby milestones
✅ Adjusted vs. actual age – How does it affect development?
✅ Key milestones from birth to 12 months
✅ When to be concerned about developmental delays
Let’s dive in! 🚀
1️⃣ Adjusted Age vs. Actual Age – Why It Matters
Since preemies are born before 37 weeks, their developmental milestones are tracked by adjusted (corrected) age, not 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 a baby is 6 months old but was born 8 weeks early, their adjusted age is 4 months. So, their development should be compared to a 4-month-old full-term baby.
2️⃣ Premature Baby Developmental Milestones (Month by Month)
📌 0-3 Months Adjusted Age (Newborn Stage)
✅ Lifts head slightly when lying on stomach.
✅ Tracks objects with eyes for short periods.
✅ Responds to sounds & voices.
✅ Begins to smile (social smiles at 8-12 weeks).
📌 4-6 Months Adjusted Age
✅ Holds head up steadily.
✅ Rolls over (front to back first, then back to front).
✅ Brings hands together & grasps objects.
✅ Laughs & babbles.
📌 7-9 Months Adjusted Age
✅ Sits without support.
✅ Transfers objects between hands.
✅ Recognizes familiar faces & shows emotions.
✅ Starts responding to their name.
📌 10-12 Months Adjusted Age
✅ Pulls up to stand & may cruise along furniture.
✅ Says simple words like “mama” or “dada”.
✅ Feeds themselves with fingers.
✅ Waves “bye-bye” & claps hands.
3️⃣ When to Worry About Delays in Preemie Development
Every baby develops at their own pace, but some signs may indicate a delay that requires medical attention.
🚨 Talk to your doctor if your preemie:
⚠️ Doesn’t make eye contact by 3 months adjusted age.
⚠️ Has stiff or floppy muscles at 6 months adjusted age.
⚠️ Can’t sit without support by 9 months adjusted age.
⚠️ Shows no interest in babbling or sounds by 12 months adjusted age.
4️⃣ How to Support Your Preemie’s Development
✅ Practice tummy time – Strengthens muscles for rolling & crawling.
✅ Talk, sing, and read daily – Helps with language skills.
✅ Encourage grasping & reaching – Use soft toys & rattles.
✅ Give lots of skin-to-skin contact – Promotes bonding & emotional development.
Conclusion & Call to Action
📌 Key Takeaways:
✅ Preemies develop based on adjusted age, not actual birth age.
✅ Milestones like sitting, crawling, and talking may happen later than full-term babies.
✅ If your preemie shows signs of developmental delays, consult a doctor.
✅ Simple activities like tummy time and talking to your baby can boost their progress.
👉 How old is your preemie? Share your experience in the comments!