This tool provides a corrected developmental age for infants born prematurely. It accounts for the number of weeks or months a baby was born before their due date. For example, if a six-month-old infant was born two months early, the adjusted age would be four months. This calculation is used to assess developmental milestones accurately.
The use of this calculation is crucial in evaluating progress in premature infants because their development often differs from that of full-term babies. It offers a more accurate benchmark for tracking motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional growth, preventing undue concern or premature intervention based on chronological age alone. Historically, recognizing the discrepancy between chronological and developmental age in premature infants has led to improved and more appropriate developmental support.