Preemie Calendar

A preemie calendar can help parents understand if their little one is on track with his or her development.

While it is comforting to know that the majority of premature babies actually catch up to other full term children by their first birthday and almost certainly by their third, parents of preemies anxiously watch their children for signs that everything is okay. Because a preemie usually has a few roadblocks to overcome, even if they are fairly minor, development concerns aren't anything to take for granted. Parents and pediatricians should keep a close watch on a baby's growth. There should be plenty of communication between parents and doctors.

Your pediatrician will expect you to schedule regular visits for your baby so that he or she can track your child's progress. If you notice any problems in between visits, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. In the meantime, it is always a good idea to keep a log or chart of your baby's milestones.

Because preemies often grow at a slower rate than full term babies, growth charts that include physical and mental developments are often calculated differently. In most cases, as long you see your child is growing and developing, however, there shouldn't be any reason for concern or alarm.

Obviously, the smaller your baby was at birth, the farther he or she has to go in growth and development. While your child will still go through the same developmental process as that of a full term baby, he or she will probably be delayed somewhat in achieving those milestones.

Even full term babies don't necessarily mature and develop at the same rate, so it stands to reason that the same holds true for premature babies. However, the following is list of common guidelines you can refer to in regards to the development of your preemie. Many parents prefer to keep a preemie calendar in which they can document their infant's progress.

• Able to raise head for a short period of time while lying on belly - One month plus the number of weeks your baby was born prematurely
• Can visually track moving objects - Two months plus the number of weeks baby was born early
• Responds with smiles and laughs out loud - Three months plus the number of weeks infant was born early
• Able to roll from front to back and/or back to front - Five months plus number of weeks baby was born early
• Crawling or creeping - Eight months plus number of weeks baby was born early
• Pulls herself up and stands - Ten months plus number of weeks baby was born early
• Takes first steps - Twelve months plus the number of weeks baby was born early

Remember, your baby may not meet these particular guidelines. This doesn't mean that he or she is not developing normally. If you fail to notice any progressive development, however, and you are worried that your child is not developing normally, you should contact your pediatrician.

The amount of time your baby was born prematurely is often an indicator of how delayed his development will be. For example, if he was born 10 weeks early, then his development will be approximately 10 weeks behind the typical schedule of a full term baby.

If you need additional help documenting your child's growth and development, you might want to purchase or create a preemie calendar. Take your calendar to each of your child's doctor's visits as well.

• Infant Car Seat Covers
• Elegant Dresses for Infants
• Baby Shower Cupcakes

• Baby Shower Cake Pictures
• Free Printable Baby Shower Games
• Baby Shower Invitation Wording
• Baby Shower Poems
• Baby Shower Sayings

• Parental Stress and NICU
• Preemie Babies Weight Gain
• What to Buy When a Preemie Comes Home
• Preemie Development
• Preemie Growth Charts