Premature babies frequently develop more slowly than other babies. For this reason, doctors adjust these babies' age by calculating gestational age. A 1-year-old who was born one month early, for example, would have a gestational age of 11 months. Although most preemies eventually develop similarly to their peers, for the first two to three years of life, your child might be somewhat behind other children. Thus it's important to ask the right questions at your baby's one-year checkup.
Growth
Premature babies tend to be smaller than full-term babies, so don't worry if your child is in a low height and weight percentile. Instead, ask your pediatrician where your child is relative to other babies. Other questions to ask regarding growth include: Has my child gained sufficient weight since his nine-month checkup? When can I expect my baby to catch up to other babies in terms of physical growth? When can I expect my baby to start walking? Are my baby's reflexes functioning well?
Nutrition
Pediatrician William Sears explains that children can eat most solid foods after their first birthday. Because preemies are gestationally younger than other babies, however, your pediatrician might place restrictions on what your child can eat. If you are not breastfeeding, ask your doctor how long you should continue formula feeding. Breastfeeding mothers should ask how much breast milk they should expect their child to consume daily. Also ask: Are there any foods I should not give my baby? How much food should my child eat every day?
Developmental Milestones
Children reach many developmental milestones, such as babbling, saying single words, developing separation anxiety and experimenting with their toys, by the first year. Preemies might develop these skills later. Ask your pediatrician: Is my child's verbal development normal for a preemie? What skills should I expect her to develop in the next few months? Are there any warning signs of improper development I should watch for?
Health Concerns
In the first few months of life, preemies are susceptible to a variety of illnesses. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that they have weaker immune systems than other babies. Even at one year, your child might have an increased susceptibility to allergies and infection. Ask your pediatrician if there are any substances to which your child should not be exposed and any precautions you should take to ensure your child develops a healthy immune system.
References
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, M.D., et al.; 2011
- "Caring For Your Baby and Young Child"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child"; Lynn R. Marotz; 2011
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, et al.; 2008
