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Preemies: Why We Talk About Adjusted Age When Discussing Sleep?

Updated: Dec 4, 2023

If you've got a little one who arrived ahead of schedule, you're probably juggling a lot with their care, and sleep is a big part of that. Babies born prior to 37 weeks have distinct needs from those born full-term. Preemies often require more sleep, are more delicate, and face a heightened risk of developmental challenges. Let's talk about adjusted or 'corrected age' and how it plays a huge role in helping your preemie get the sleep they need in the best way possible.


What exactly is corrected age?


Think of corrected age as your preemie's "do-over" for the time they missed in the womb. For example, if your little one arrived 6 weeks early and is now 12 weeks old, their corrected age is 12 weeks less 6 weeks, so about 1 and a half months. This age helps us understand where they should be in their sleep development, not where they could be if they were born full-term.


Why Preemies Are Different Sleepers


Preemies are special in so many ways, including how they sleep. They might take a bit longer to figure out night and day or have more disruptions in their sleep. This is all because their tiny bodies and brains are still playing catch up.


Healthy Sleep Habits and Corrected Age


Experts have found that baby’s development will more closely follow corrected age rather than birth age. When thinking about sleep for your preemie, whether that be how to follow wake windows in those early weeks, or a more structured approach like creating a schedule, always go by their corrected age. For sleep training, that means waiting until they're developmentally ready, just like a full-term baby, around 4 months old.


Top Tips for Developing Healthy Sleep Habits for Your Preemie

  1. Take It Slow: Patience is your best friend here. Understand that preemies may take longer to adapt to sleep than a full-term baby .

  2. Routine Routine Routine: Routine is so important for babies of all ages. When we talk about routines, this isn't the same thing as a schedule. Simply adding in some predictability to your little ones day can work wonders. A consistent bedtime routine, for example, can help signal to your little one that the day is done and it's time to sleep.

  3. Keep it Comfy and Safe: A dark room, some white noise and a cozy crib (but safe – think firm mattress and no loose bedding).

  4. Development Check: Keep an eye out for when your baby seems ready for more structured sleep training, like holding up their head and being more interactive.

By recognizing and respecting the unique needs of your preemie, you can lay the foundation for healthy sleep habits that will benefit their development and well being, just like any other baby! But remember, every baby’s journey is different, and this is especially true for preemies. Embrace the journey and celebrate the small victories along the way. Trust your instincts as a parent, and don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals.


If your preemie is more than 4 months (corrected age), book a call with me today to chat more about how we can help get your little one sleeping 11-12 hours overnight now!

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