Question 1

What is adjusted age (corrected age) for premature babies?

Accepted Answer

Adjusted age, also called corrected age, is your baby's age based on their original due date rather than their actual birth date. For example, if your baby was born 8 weeks early and is now 6 months old (chronological age), their adjusted age is 4 months. Adjusted age helps account for prematurity when assessing developmental milestones, growth, and feeding schedules.

Question 2

How do you calculate adjusted age for preemies?

Accepted Answer

To calculate adjusted age: subtract the number of weeks your baby was born early from their current chronological age. Formula: Adjusted Age = Chronological Age - Weeks of Prematurity. For example, a baby born 6 weeks early who is now 10 weeks old has an adjusted age of 4 weeks. Our calculator automatically computes this and provides results in months, weeks, and days.

Question 3

When should I use adjusted age vs chronological age?

Accepted Answer

Use adjusted age for: developmental milestone assessment (rolling, sitting, walking, talking), growth chart plotting (length, weight, head circumference), feeding schedules and sleep patterns, and pediatric evaluations. Use chronological age for: immunization schedules (vaccines given based on actual birth date), medication dosing, and legal/administrative purposes. Most pediatricians recommend using adjusted age until 24 months.

Question 4

How long should you correct age for premature babies?

Accepted Answer

Most medical guidelines recommend correcting age until 24 months (2 years) adjusted age. However, timing varies based on degree of prematurity: babies born 1-4 weeks early may only need correction for 6-12 months, moderately preterm (4-8 weeks early) typically correct until 18-24 months, and very preterm babies (>8 weeks early) should correct until 24-36 months. Always follow your pediatrician's specific recommendations.

Question 5

Does adjusted age affect developmental milestones?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using adjusted age provides a more accurate assessment of development. Premature babies need extra time to reach milestones. For example, a baby born 2 months early would be expected to sit up at 8 months chronological age (6 months adjusted age), not at 6 months. Using adjusted age prevents unnecessary concern about 'delayed' development and helps identify true developmental delays that need intervention.

Question 6

How does prematurity affect growth charts?

Accepted Answer

Premature babies should be plotted on growth charts using their adjusted age, not chronological age. This provides accurate comparison to full-term peers. For example, a 12-month-old baby born 3 months early should be plotted at the 9-month mark on growth charts. After 24 months adjusted age, most children can transition to using chronological age on growth charts.

Question 7

What is considered premature birth?

Accepted Answer

Premature birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation (normal pregnancy is 40 weeks). Classifications include: late preterm (34-36 weeks), moderately preterm (32-34 weeks), very preterm (28-32 weeks), and extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks). The earlier the birth, the longer age correction is typically needed and the more closely development should be monitored.

Question 8

Do all premature babies catch up developmentally?

Accepted Answer

Most healthy premature babies born after 32 weeks catch up to their full-term peers by 2-3 years of age, especially when using adjusted age for assessment. However, babies born very early (before 28 weeks) or with complications (brain injury, chronic lung disease) may have long-term developmental differences. Regular developmental screening and early intervention services help optimize outcomes for all preemies.

Question 9

Should I use adjusted age for sleep training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, use adjusted age for sleep expectations and training. A baby born 2 months early will reach sleep milestones 2 months later than their chronological age suggests. For example, sleeping through the night (6-8 hours) typically happens around 4-6 months adjusted age, not chronological age. Adjusted age also guides appropriate wake windows, nap transitions, and bedtime routines for premature infants.

Question 10

How accurate is this adjusted age calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator provides accurate age correction based on the standard medical formula used by pediatricians worldwide. Results are precise to the day. However, individual developmental assessment should always be done by your pediatrician or healthcare provider, who can consider your baby's specific medical history, growth patterns, and any complications from prematurity that may affect development.

Adjusted Age Calculator - Corrected Age Calculator for Preemies

Age Calculation Results

Adjusted Age Guide for Premature Babies

Example: Baby Born 6 Weeks Early

How Adjusted Age Calculation Works

Adjusted Age Formula

When to Use Adjusted Age

Sources & References

Key Developmental Milestones (By Adjusted Age)

2 Months (Adjusted Age)

6 Months (Adjusted Age)

12 Months (Adjusted Age)

18-24 Months (Adjusted Age)

Frequently Asked Questions

Found This Calculator Helpful?

Related Calculators