Early Intervention and Pre-Term Babies

Early intervention can make a big difference in childhood development from birth to three years old. What you may not know is that it can help pre-term babies too. EI services can identify and address potential delays right from the start.

Because pre-term infants are more likely to face developmental challenges, getting help early increases their chances for healthy growth. As Dr. Ingrid Campbell, special educator and early childhood expert with 42 years of experience, points out in an article on ZerotoThree.org, “complications such as preterm delivery can impact the brain.” By stepping in quickly—sometimes even before a baby leaves the hospital—you give your child the best shot at overcoming any developmental delays.

Why Premature Birth Matters

Every extra week in the womb is critical for developing the brain, lungs, and other organs. Being born even a little early can affect essential bodily functions like sucking, swallowing, and temperature regulation. By addressing issues as soon as possible, you and your healthcare team can set manageable goals, track progress, and ensure your baby gets the right therapies at the right time.

Navigating the NICU

Is your baby currently in the NICU? It’s normal to feel stressed by the bewildering array of monitors, updates, and treatments. Focus on small victories, like your baby gaining an ounce or spending an extra minute breathing on their own. Celebrating these tiny milestones can keep you feeling more confident in your baby’s development.

You can check with nurses, doctors, and therapists for tips on everything from feeding schedules to calming techniques—they’re there to support both you and your little one every step of the way. Finally, learning more about early intervention now can ease your worries and make you feel prepared for the road ahead.

Essential Parts of Early Intervention

Early intervention services for premature infants generally involve three key areas:

Support for Parents
Feeling anxious or guilty about your baby arriving early? You’re not alone. Many parents benefit from counseling, support groups, or family therapy. By taking care of your own well-being, you’ll feel more prepared to nurture your little one.
Parent Education
Parenting a preterm baby involves unique challenges. Learning about infant growth, how to interpret your baby’s cues, and practicing hands-on techniques for feeding and soothing are important.
Therapeutic Developmental Interventions
A team of professionals, including occupational, physical, and speech therapists, can customize a plan to keep your baby on track. Each therapy targets specific needs to give your baby a strong beginning.

Therapies and Tips for Preterm Babies

Your preterm baby may need different types of therapy to help them grow and develop.

Occupational Therapy (OT) is like playful training for tiny hands and developing senses. Your baby will learn important skills like grasping toys and feeding, all while having fun!

Physical Therapy (PT) helps build your baby’s strength and balance—imagine it as a gentle exercise routine designed especially for small bodies. Through PT, your little one will develop the muscles needed for rolling, crawling, and other exciting milestones as well as building the foundations for balance and coordination in later years.

Developmental Therapy (DV) helps kids learn new abilities in a typical developmental order. Developmentalists can suggest age-appropriate activities to include in daily routines.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions—remember, early intervention professionals can help pre-term babies succeed and give your family the training they need to support developmental milestones. Try keeping a simple diary of feeding times, naps, and daily achievements. This helps you spot patterns and celebrate progress, whether it’s better feeding sessions or longer tummy-time play.

Early Intervention Therapies

If you have questions about your child’s development, feel free to call TEIS Early Intervention at 412-217-8347 or ask your pediatrician about early intervention therapies. If your child qualifies for services, you can request TEIS Early Intervention to be your child’s provider.

At TEIS Early Intervention, our therapists listen to your concerns, assess your pre-term’s individual needs, develop a customized treatment plan, and coach you along the way with simple, routine-based solutions to maximize your child’s development in their natural environment.

Early intervention evaluations and therapy services are available under the Federal Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. Before services can begin, an independent evaluation of your child must be completed. To ensure impartiality, one agency provides evaluation services while another offers therapeutic services.

To schedule an evaluation, call 1-800-692-7288 or email to help@connectpa.net