So I’ll try to keep it succinct.
My twin toddlers were born two months prematurely and very low weight (both weighed less than 1kg).
I’m struggling with encouraging their development and find myself feeling like a bit of a failure sometimes. Their HV isn’t overly concerned (she’s visiting again next Monday) but I was hoping there might be other parents on here of preemie babies that could offer some suggestions or encouragement.
My main worries are:
- Neither of them are walking or attempting to walk yet. When I try to practice with them they either fall on their bum and refuse to stand or lift their legs up to swing. Both have excellent balance and when not thinking about it I’ve seen them stand unaided for a few seconds. Both love climbing though.
- DD can use a few simple words but they are sporadic. She babbles with a variety of vowel and consonant noises. DS still sticks with “mamamama”, “dadadada” and “brrrrr” sounds (hearing tests fine for both and we read and talk a lot.)
- Neither will indicate when they’re hungry but do communicate with pointing, grunting etc for toys, drink of water and such.
- DD does some imaginative play and stacks blocks, enjoys figuring things out. DS mainly still licks and chews his toys but doesn’t yet try to play with them.
- DD still hates bath time and no matter what we’ve tried (baby bath in the tub to make her feel secure, getting in with her, adding toys and keeping all calm and encouraging) she will cry until she gets out of the water.
I don’t know if I’m being paranoid or just feeling the usual “mum guilt” but I don’t know anybody IRL with toddlers that were prem and so find it difficult to know if they’re doing okay or if I should be trying more to encourage them.
I try to spend time with them individually each day but some days it’s not possible.
My HV says not to worry about the walking talking until they’re 2 and if they’re still not a progressing at that time additional tests/therapy can be decided upon - but she is very much a “they’ll get there when they get there” sort of person (I wish I could be!)
Anybody else have experience of delayed learning at this age? I guess as well as some advice I probably just need a hand hold. Most people who know the twins say how well they’re growing, happy they are (I’m very lucky that DS is very laid back and DD is a giggler most of the time) and such and I thank them for their compliments but can’t get away from the nagging doubt that I could - should - be doing more.
There are no groups nearby for prem toddlers and I can’t drive so haven’t had any luck getting into a place with others going through similar.