Catch-up Growth in Premature Babies | Parenting Hub
Most premature and small-for-gestational-age babies catch up by age 2. Learn what catch-up growth looks like and when to seek help.
Catch-up growth is the period when small babies grow faster than usual to reach their genetic potential.
Who needs catch-up growth
- Babies born premature
- Babies born small for gestational age (SGA)
- Babies recovering from illness or feeding difficulty
What it looks like
Growth usually accelerates in the first year and tapers through the second year. Most catch-up happens by 2 years. Growth is plotted on corrected-age charts for premature babies.
When to see a doctor
See your paediatrician or MCH nurse if your baby isn't catching up by their second birthday or is dropping across percentile lines.
When to seek help
- Any sudden change that worries you or feels off for your baby.
- Poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or persistent irritability.
- Fever in a baby under 3 months, or any symptom that worsens quickly.