# Your baby was born too early

A baby who was born too early deserves good follow-up after leaving hospital. I have a subspecialty in neonatology, the care of newborn and premature babies, and I am happy to continue following up your child, together with Kind en Gezin (the Flemish child and family agency) and the hospital.

URL: https://www.kinderarts-genk.be/en/zorg/vroeggeboren-baby/  
Medically reviewed by Dr Nina Peruško Matasić, pediatrician on 13 October 2026 (2026-10-13)

Dr Peruško consults in Dutch, English and Croatian. You are welcome to bring someone who can translate for you.

## When is a baby born too early?

A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is born too early, or premature. A birth between 32 and 36 weeks is called moderately premature.

## What is corrected age?

It is your baby's age minus the number of weeks he or she arrived early. A 4-month-old baby who was born 8 weeks early has a corrected age of 2 months. Until about 2 years of age, we compare growth and development with this corrected age. This gives your child time to catch up.

## How is my baby followed up?

- At each consultation I measure the weight, length and head circumference, and plot them on the growth chart.
- We follow the development: moving, making contact, babbling and later talking.
- Babies who were born very early or with a very low birth weight usually also have a follow-up programme at the hospital. I work together with that programme.
- Kind en Gezin also continues to provide preventive follow-up for your baby.

## What should I pay attention to with feeding?

Breastfeeding is the first choice. Make sure there are enough wet nappies each day. Start solid food in consultation with me, not too early and not too late, and only when your baby is ready for it. If you are unsure whether your baby is drinking enough, or your baby is not gaining enough weight, get in touch.

## Does my baby get the same vaccinations?

Yes. Premature babies are vaccinated according to their actual age, not their corrected age. Sometimes there is an extra dose or a slightly different schedule. I discuss this with you. See also [Vaccinations](https://www.kinderarts-genk.be/en/zorg/vaccinaties/).

## Is my baby more prone to infections?

Premature babies have received fewer antibodies from their mother and can become ill more quickly. Wash your hands often, keep ill visitors at a distance and do not smoke near your baby. Discuss with me whether it is better to start childcare a little later.

## When should you call straight away?

If your baby is drinking poorly, is floppy or drowsy, has difficulty breathing, turns blue or has a fever. For a baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38 °C or higher, always call a doctor, even at night: the GP out-of-hours service (huisartsenwachtpost) on [089 20 10 90](tel:+3289201090) or, if life is in danger, [112](tel:112).

## How do I make an appointment?

You can book [online or by phone](https://www.kinderarts-genk.be/en/afspraak/). Bring the hospital discharge report and the Kind en Gezin booklet.

## Sources

- [Kind en Gezin: Boekje voor ouders van matig prematuren](https://www.kindengezin.be/sites/default/files/2021-05/Boekje-voor-matig-prematuren.pdf) (in Dutch)
- [Vlaanderen.be: Basisvaccinaties voor kinderen en jongeren](https://www.vlaanderen.be/gezondheid-en-welzijn/gezondheid/preventie/vaccinaties/basisvaccinaties-voor-kinderen-en-jongeren) (in Dutch)
- [Gezondheid en Wetenschap: Koorts bij kinderen](https://www.gezondheidenwetenschap.be/richtlijnen/koorts-bij-een-kind) (in Dutch)

Medically reviewed by Dr Nina Peruško Matasić, pediatrician on 13 October 2026. This is a translation of the Dutch text. If in doubt, [the Dutch version](https://www.kinderarts-genk.be/zorg/vroeggeboren-baby/) applies.

This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation. For urgent problems: call the practice on [011 12 39 75](tel:+3211123975) (reachable by phone on weekdays during the day) or, in the evening, at night and at the weekend, the GP out-of-hours service on [089 20 10 90](tel:+3289201090). Life-threatening emergency: call [112](tel:112).

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Practice: Dr Nina Peruško Matasić, pediatrician, Medpoint Genk, Sledderlo 48 bus A, 3600 Genk. Phone 011 12 39 75. Consultations by appointment only: https://www.doctoranytime.be/nl/d/kinderarts/nina-perusko-matasic