A tool used to determine the developmental age of a prematurely born infant considers both the chronological age (time since birth) and the number of weeks early the child arrived. For example, a six-month-old born eight weeks prematurely would have an adjusted age of four months. This adjustment allows for a more accurate assessment of developmental milestones.
Accurately assessing development in premature infants is crucial for monitoring progress and identifying potential delays. Because prematurity can impact various developmental domains, using adjusted age provides a fairer comparison to full-term infants and helps healthcare professionals, therapists, and parents understand a child’s progress within the context of their prematurity. This understanding facilitates more appropriate interventions and support tailored to the individual child’s needs. This practice has become increasingly standard in neonatal care and early intervention programs.
