
When my little one was born at just 29 weeks, I quickly realized that parenting a preemie comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the first lessons I had to learn in this journey was the concept of adjusted age—a term that initially confused me but became a crucial tool in understanding my baby’s development.
What is Adjusted Age?
Adjusted age, also known as corrected age, is a way of calculating a premature baby’s developmental milestones based on their due date rather than their actual birth date. Since preterm babies are born before completing their full term in the womb, their growth and development may follow a timeline closer to their adjusted age rather than their chronological age.
For example, if your baby was born 8 weeks early, their adjusted age at 4 months old (16 weeks from birth) would be just 2 months old. This means I had to keep reminding myself that my baby’s developmental milestones, like smiling, sitting up, or crawling, wouldn’t match those of full-term babies born on the same day.
Why is Adjusted Age Important?
Understanding and using adjusted age has been a game-changer for me as a preemie mom. It’s helped me set realistic expectations for my baby’s growth and celebrate her achievements on her unique timeline. Instead of comparing her to full-term babies, I focused on her progress relative to her adjusted age. This perspective also made doctor visits and developmental assessments less stressful, as most healthcare providers use adjusted age to track milestones for preemies.
How to Calculate Adjusted Age
Calculating adjusted age is simple:
- Start with your baby’s chronological age (the number of weeks since their actual birth).
- Subtract the number of weeks your baby was born early (based on a 40-week full-term pregnancy).
For instance, my baby was born at 29 weeks, 11 weeks early. If she’s now 20 weeks old, her adjusted age is 9 weeks (20 weeks minus 11 weeks).
Adjusted Age and Milestones
In the early months, I often found myself worrying about whether my baby was hitting milestones “on time.” But once I embraced adjusted age, I could see that she was making steady progress. She started holding her head up, responding to sounds, and giving us those precious first smiles—all on her adjusted timeline.
Most preemies catch up to their peers by the age of 2, but until then, adjusted age remains a helpful tool to track development accurately. My baby’s pediatrician reassured me that each preemie is unique, and while some may catch up sooner, others may take a little longer.
When Adjusted Age No Longer Matters
By the time preemies turn 2 or 3 years old, adjusted age becomes less relevant as most children’s development levels out. At that point, milestones are assessed by chronological age. However, I’ve learned that it’s essential to focus on the journey rather than comparisons.
Encouragement for Other Preemie Parents
For any parent feeling overwhelmed by the idea of adjusted age, my advice is to trust the process. Celebrate every small step and remember that your baby is on their own unique path. Adjusted age isn’t about limitations—it’s about understanding your baby’s potential and progress.
Through this journey, I’ve learned patience, resilience, and the importance of embracing my baby’s individuality. Adjusted age is just one tool in a preemie parent’s toolbox, but it’s a powerful one that brings clarity and comfort during the early years.
For instance, my baby was born at 29 weeks, 11 weeks early. If she’s now 20 weeks old, her adjusted age is 9 weeks (20 weeks minus 11 weeks).