Learning and Development in Preterm Babies

Written by Dr. Alicia Pointer | Dec 3, 2025 2:00:00 PM

What does preterm mean?

The average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, or about 9 months. “Preterm,” “premature,” and “preemie” are terms used for babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, or babies born more than 3 weeks before their due date. 

What effects can preterm birth have on learning and development?

Babies born preterm may have medical problems that can affect their learning and development including:

  • Vision or hearing difficulties
  • Trouble with feeding or growth
  • Issues with balance or motor skills
  • Asthma or other breathing problems
  • Prolonged or frequent hospitalization

Preterm babies can also be at risk for specific learning or developmental challenges. These could include delays or atypical development in the following areas:

  • Motor skills or movement
  • Communication
  • School
  • Behavior and mood
  • Social skills
  • Self-care

The earlier a baby is born, the higher the chance of complications. However, for any specific newborn, it is very hard to predict how they’ll progress or what their long-term outcome will be. 

The good news is that high-quality medical care, early development help, and strong support systems have all been shown to make a positive difference for preterm babies. 

What milestones should my baby be meeting?

Developmental milestones are not a set goal that your baby must meet by a certain age. Rather, they provide information that helps you, doctors, and other providers evaluate and support your baby’s development. 

When doctors assess milestones for preterm babies, they will use the “adjusted age” or “corrected age.” This is the age your baby would be if they were born on their due date. To find the adjusted age, subtract how early your baby was born from their actual age. For example, if they are 6 months old and were born 2 months early, their adjusted age is 4 months old. This means they should be evaluated using 4-month milestones. Once your child is around 2 years old, they’ll be evaluated using their actual age, not their adjusted age. 

Don’t let milestone trackers be a source of anxiety, stress, or guilt. Use milestones as a way to celebrate the new things your child is learning and get them extra help where needed. 

Prematurity is one of many factors that can affect when children gain specific skills. If you’re worried about your child’s development or have questions, talk to their pediatrician. The sooner they get support, the better.

What can I do to help my baby’s learning and development?

  • Get up-to-date hearing and vision screening. Today, there are ways to check hearing and vision even in young babies. Talk to your pediatrician about screening guidelines for preterm babies.

  • Keep appointments with your baby’s pediatrician and specialists. When babies are healthy and growing well, it also improves their learning and development. 

  • Babies learn best through back-and-forth interactions with their caregivers. Every time you play, read, talk, or sing with your baby, they’re building important brain connections. 

  • Consider Early Intervention. This is a free program for children aged 0-3 with developmental concerns. They can evaluate your child and provide services like speech therapy or physical therapy if needed. Professionals or parents can call to refer.
     
  • Consider home visiting programs. Professionals can give you information about child development, local resources, and other parenting support. Find a program near you.
     
  • Take care of yourself. Having a preterm baby can be stressful, isolating, and exhausting. It can affect everything from your relationships to finances. Many parents struggle with post-traumatic stress, depression, or anxiety.  Ask for help when you need it. Remember, taking time for your own healthy eating, sleep, and exercise make a big difference in preventing parenting burnout. Let someone know if you feel overwhelmed, whether it’s a family member, a friend, your pediatrician, or another professional. 

What if my baby isn’t developing the same as other babies I know?

Developmental milestones aren’t a race that your baby needs to win. Every child grows and learns at their own rate, and there is a range of what is considered typical development. There are many reasons, including prematurity, why children may meet milestones at different ages. 

Preterm babies (and their families) may have to work harder or get more support to gain the skills they need. Note how your child is progressing on their own path and celebrate the small wins.

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