Prematurity is a factor to consider, not a verdict. Here’s how to read language milestones in preemies using corrected age —and when to check in.
Do premature babies have more speech delays?
Prematurity is a factor to consider, but not a verdict: many premature babies develop language without difficulty. It’s important to assess milestones using corrected age, not just chronological age.
What “corrected age” means and why it matters
It’s the age calculated from the due date. In preemies, using corrected age avoids treating milestones as “delayed” when they’re actually on time. It’s a useful reference in the first two years.
What signs to watch
The same as other children —imitation of sounds, first words, comprehension— but read with corrected age. When in doubt, the pediatric follow-up dedicated to preemies is the best reference.
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Frequently asked questions
Do premature babies have speech delays more often?
Prematurity is a factor to consider, but not a verdict: many premature babies develop language without difficulty. It’s important to assess milestones using corrected age, not just chronological age.
What is “corrected age” and why does it matter?
It’s the age calculated from the due date. In preemies, using corrected age avoids treating milestones as “delayed” when they’re actually on time. It’s a useful reference in the first two years.
What signs should you watch in a preemie’s language?
The same as other children —imitation of sounds, first words, comprehension— but read with corrected age. When in doubt, the pediatric follow-up dedicated to preemies is the best reference.