When does a Premmie baby STOP being a premmie?

[luna moth]

Premmie babies don't actually "catch up" They just grow to a stage where you can't tell the difference anymore.

So, for a baby like Sam, born at 36 weeks, that point comes quite early, because it's towards the end of the first year where you start to not really notice a couple of weeks. A baby born at 30 weeks might appear "caught up" a bit before two. Working in childcare, I have had instances where we have taken adjusted age into account right up to 4 years, for a little guy born at 24 weeks, because the difference is enormous for quite a long time.

The same sort of applies for reaching milestones. A baby born at 24 weeks couldn't possibly be expected to reach, say a walking milestone at the same time as a full-termer, but a baby born at 35 weeks probably would.

It completely depends on the child.

[Janie]

What everyone else said Personally with DS1, who was a 35 weeker, we stopped mentioning it, even to HCPs by 12 months. With DS2, who was a 33 weeker, it is still a pertinent fact, so we still mention it. But I'm guessing by the time he's one it won't be a big deal anymore. DS1 met most of his milestones at average times, mostly his corrected age. DS2 seems to be doing the same thing. It's funny though, DS2 struggles to 'do' things (I'm assuming because of his prematurity and size), but is much more motivated than DS1 ever was, so he gets there anyway

[YoYo]

Thanks girls....I was just curious and when I asked her the question....she didn't really know! She's not found BB

[*Beema*]

DD was 7 weeks prem and we corrected her age for about the first 12 months, but medially they have done it for two years, it is still mentioned with her Paeds etc as she has some ongoing lung issues. She will always be a prem, but just not referred to as being a prem

She did achieve most things on her corrected age, she didn't start smiling until she was 2 months and 4 weeks old!