If your baby was born prematurely, prepare for confusion for the next couple of years. Premature babies have two ages: chronological and adjusted. The first one, as with all children, is calculated from the actual birthday. The second is based on the expected birth date.
Why are two ages necessary?
Prior to the introduction of adjusted age, premature babies were frequently diagnosed with physical or mental developmental delays. However, they do not lag in terms of development. They simply require more time to mature, which they did not have while still in the womb.
Premature babies experience all of the same developmental milestones as full-term children. They often accelerate after one and a half years, and by the age of two, they have caught up or surpassed their peers, and the adjusted age is no longer necessary [1].
When introducing solid foods for the first time, the adjusted age needs to be considered. Regarding the infant's height, weight, and weight gain, the same holds true [2].
How to calculate the adjusted age?
Take the baby's actual age (the amount of time that has passed since birth) and subtract the number of weeks that the baby was born prematurely.
For example, if a baby came into this world at 33 weeks, it means his adjusted age is 7 weeks less than actual age. If a baby was born at 33 weeks, for example, his adjusted age is 7 weeks less than his actual age. For example, there's no need to worry if the baby doesn't hold his head up by two months—his adjusted age makes him only a week old [2].
If the child was born at 37 full weeks or later, it means that baby is full-term and there’s no need to adjust the age.
When asked, what age should I respond with?
Depending on who asks. If the person is a doctor, you need to provide all relevant information, including the baby's weight, the precise date of birth, the pregnancy week in which they were born, and their chronological age. The doctor will calculate the adjusted age if necessary. You can tell your friends and acquaintances whichever age you prefer.
Is the vaccination schedule based on adjusted or chronological age?
Chronological age [3].
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