Navigating parenthood already has its challenges, and when a baby is born before 37 weeks, it can add even more stress. Luckily, we live in a world where there are plenty of resources and help for parents and kiddos that need a little extra support. When watching your premature baby grow, you’re certain to have questions about if they are right on track when it comes to development and hitting milestones. There’s so much you can do to make sure your kiddo flourishes into their healthiest life.
Comparison Ends Here
If you’re watching other parents and their babies and then drawing conclusions about how your kiddo is developing, then it’s time to stop. Comparison often leads to guilt and feelings of unworthiness. Besides, it’s to be expected that premature babies will hit milestones at different times than other babies. What you really need to be watching for is progress. For example, you should see your baby begin lifting their chest up with their forearms during tummy time when previously unable to do so. Cheering on progress instead of comparing will make everyone happier in the long run.
Tracking Premature Baby Milestones
If you’re trying to figure out what milestones your premature baby should be hitting, you’ll want to take note of how old your baby is and how early they were. For example, if your baby is 18 weeks old born 7 weeks early, you’ll subtract these numbers to get the “corrected age.” In this case, it would be 11 weeks. If you are referencing milestones online, you would then be looking at milestones for a child at about 3 months (11-12 weeks). This is one of the best ways to reference milestones; however, you can find how your premature baby will develop between 26-36 weeks here. Before 37 weeks, your baby will develop like they are still in mom’s tummy.
Take it Upon Yourself to Seek Help
Premature infants will need a little more help than other kiddos, but that doesn’t mean that challenges that arise will be too difficult to overcome. So many resources exist for parents nowadays, making it easier for you to lend a hand to your kiddo in the years to come. In a previous blog, we’ve also discussed the necessity of therapy to make sure your kiddo is on track in reaching all the important milestones that the early years have to offer. Talk to your medical provider about seeking physical therapy for your kiddo if they haven’t already mentioned it. This way, you can make extra sure that problems are prevented or improved for your child’s future.
We’re right here for you and your premature infant. Reach out to us today.
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