At what age do premature babies typically catch up on growth and development?

Premature babies, also referred to as preemies, are typically assessed based on their adjusted age, which accounts for their early birth. Many studies and clinical observations indicate that these babies usually catch up on growth and development by the time they reach two years old. During this period, significant milestones in physical growth, cognitive ability, and social development occur, and support from healthcare professionals, including early intervention services, can facilitate this catch-up process.

After the age of two, while some children may continue to show remarkable progress, the varying degrees of prematurity and individual differences can influence outcomes, potentially resulting in some children facing lingering developmental challenges. Nevertheless, two years is a common benchmark for when many preemies align more closely with their full-term peers in overall growth and developmental milestones.