What are common characteristics of children born prematurely?

Children born prematurely often exhibit a variety of characteristics that can affect their growth and development. Smaller size and later skill development are indeed common features associated with prematurity. Due to being born before their bodies and brains have had a full term to mature, these children typically have a lower birth weight and smaller physical stature compared to their full-term peers.

In addition to physical size, premature infants may face delays in achieving developmental milestones, such as sitting up, walking, or speaking. This can be attributed to a lack of time in the womb for their neurological and physical systems to develop optimally, leading to later skill development compared to their peers who were born at full term.

While some premature children may catch up in their development over time, the initial impacts of being born early can influence their growth trajectory and skill acquisition, making the understanding of these characteristics crucial for caregivers and educators in providing appropriate support and interventions as needed.