Saying preemie babies develop at their own pace and march to the beat of their own drum is an understatement. I truly believe this through our first year with our preemie.

It’s a long year, for us, our “year” was actually 14 months by the time she developmentally reached 12 months.

As a reminder, Preemie babies are born prematurely, before the completion of a full-term pregnancy, which typically lasts around 40 weeks.

As a result, their development may differ from that of full-term babies.

During the first year, preemie babies often face unique health concerns and developmental challenges. The extent of these challenges can vary depending on the degree of prematurity and any underlying medical conditions. However, with specialized medical care, support, and early intervention, preemies can make significant progress in their development. Below I will share some small details to add context to my preemie but will refrain from specifics. Just like term babies, preemies all develop at their own pace.

Here is a general overview of the first year of development for a preemie baby with my personal insight with my preemie:

1. Physical development: Preemies may have a lower birth weight and smaller size compared to full-term babies. During the first year, their growth rate usually catches up, and they gradually reach typical weight and length milestones. However, preemies might continue to have more delicate or underdeveloped muscles, which can affect their motor skills development. This certainly was the case for us, Kaylee was on the lower side of the percentile scale for actual age every single appointment.

2. Feeding and nutrition: Many preemies have difficulty with feeding initially due to immature sucking and swallowing reflexes. They may require tube feeding or specialized techniques such as breast milk fortification or supplementation. With time, most preemies can transition to breastfeeding or bottle feeding, but they may need additional support and monitoring to ensure adequate nutrition. Because of her size, we were instructed to give her extra calorie formula to help with weight gain.

3. Cognitive development: Preemies may have an increased risk of cognitive and learning difficulties compared to full-term babies. However, with appropriate stimulation and early intervention, their cognitive development can progress well. Preemies may benefit from activities that promote sensory exploration, such as age-appropriate toys, visual and auditory stimulation, and gentle interaction. For Kaylee she loved anything that would move in a spinning or bouncing motion.

4. Motor development: Preemie babies often experience delays in motor development. They may take longer to develop head control, roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help stimulate muscle development and support the acquisition of motor skills. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in providing a safe and stimulating environment for preemies to practice and strengthen their muscles. We sought PT, OT and speech assistance shortly after Kaylee turned 16 months adjusted (18 months actual) I kept very detailed milestone notes to share when we arrived at our evaluation. This helped tremendously as a measure of when she arrived at milestones.

5. Social and emotional development: Building social and emotional skills may take some time for preemies. Due to their early arrival, they may have limited exposure to social interactions and stimuli. It's important to create a nurturing and supportive environment to foster bonding, attachment, and emotional well-being. Preemies may benefit from close contact with parents, skin-to-skin contact, and positive interactions with caregivers.

6. Medical follow-up: Preemies often require regular medical check-ups and specialized care during their first year. Healthcare professionals monitor their growth, development, and address any specific medical needs or concerns. Early intervention programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental assessments, are common components of the care plan.

It's essential to note that every preemie is unique, and their development may deviate from the general timeline. Regular communication with healthcare professionals and following their guidance is crucial for monitoring and supporting a preemie's development. With proper care, attention, and early intervention, preemies can thrive and reach their developmental milestones.