Hi, I have a 3 month old who was born at 27 weeks and was wondering if anyone has any information on the milestones I should watch for. Like when should she start reaching for objects and when she will start cooing and intereact with us? My due date was March 14th, 2007.
Hi, my son Zackary was born at 24 weeks and is now 2 years old. What I can tell you from my own experience is that Zacky mostly met milestones based on his corrected age. I bought the book What To Expect The First Year to try and judge when he should be doing things, and in the beginning I used it, but it got frustrating to read what he should be doing, but wasn't. From talking to other preemie moms, and experiencing it myself I learned pretty quickly that most preemies do things on their own timetables.
My pediatrician gave me little handouts that kind of summarized what a full-termer would be doing at certain months. Here are the basics for the first few months:
At 2 months baby is becomming more aware of things around her, and will start to follow people and objects with her eyes. She will try to find sounds that she hears. She should smile and may start cooing soon. She can also lift her head and may try lifting her shoulders and try to roll over.
At 4 months baby will begin to interact with her environment. She is learning to roll, usually from tummy to back, and possibly will start trying to scoot. She has discovered her hands, and will begin to put them in her mouth. Then she will try to grasp things. She will start to make different sounds with her voice and begin to laugh and drool.
I hope this helps a little. Just remember that you can't really compare your little princess to a full-termer. You may find that she is on track with her real age in some areas, and on track with her corrected age in other areas. Good luck!
thank you so much for the info. it gives me an idea as to when she will do these things.
i also heard that preemies tend to do stuff such as rolling over and the drooling bit on time lol my daughter will be 4 months in 18 days (almost 2 monthsd adjusted) and shes teething already accourding to the DR she wasnt surprised! their limbs are strong when they sorta throw fits i guess my daughter *looks* like shes tryin to roll but the dr says its some natural reaction? she dont hold her head yet but we will get Early Intervention on the 20th for an assessment to see IF shes behind and might need services perhaps you could call and request a consult its free and they help alot i went through EI with my 3yr old the are very helpful :)
I would definitely see if you State offers and Infants & Toddlers program. My son was also born @ 27 weeks (due date was Feb 4) and he's like some of the other posters....some things he's "ahead" of his adjusted age, and some things he's on "track". He's 4 mos (adjusted 1 mo) and has found his hands, can follow objects and faces, and is starting to lift his head. The Infants & Toddlers Program is wonderful...we've met with the Physical Therapist and she's just helped us focus on developmental things to help him progress!
Of course...most professionals are saying that by 18-24 months...they'll pretty much catch up to their "real" age...so don't fret!!
Cara
Most professionals will tell you to watch for the milestones to hit according to their adjusted age. Also, keep in mind that any child can be behind or ahead of the curve, even if they were not born prematurely. And with preemies, there is so much going on as their bodies are still compensating to make up for their early arrival. We used ECI (early childhood intervention) services and were told two main things over and over. First, as long as they are making progress, even if it is slow, that is your best sign that things are fine. Second, your gut instincts are very valuable. If you just have a feeling that something isn't right, talk to your pedi, physical therapist or whoever would address these things. On the other hand, if you feel that things are going great, your baby seems happy with life and is growing, things are likely fine.
My preemie didn't walk until she was 22mos old. I think it was mostly becuase she was held lots and lots by big sisters. I also think she was just a very cautious person. Now, of course, we can't keep her out of anything! Just keep watching and encouraging your baby.
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