What is the adjusted age calculation based on for a premature child?

The adjusted age calculation for a premature child is based on the subtraction of weeks of prematurity from the actual age. This method is used to provide a more accurate developmental assessment of premature infants because it accounts for the time they would have spent in the womb if they had been born at term.

For instance, if a baby is born two months (approximately eight weeks) early and is now three months old, their adjusted age would be one month. This adjusted age reflects the child's development relative to peers who were born at term, allowing for a better understanding of their growth and developmental milestones.

This approach is critical in pediatric assessments, as premature infants often face different developmental challenges compared to their full-term counterparts. Adjusting their age helps caregivers and professionals offer appropriate support and interventions tailored to the child's unique needs.