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Preterm Kids and Their Habits at Two Years
NetherlandsThursday, April 30, 2026
Parents of babies born before 28 weeks were surveyed when the children turned two, using the FLY‑Kids tool to assess eating habits, activity levels, screen time, and sleep.
The study followed 176 survivors of the first months of life and compared them to a Dutch reference group of toddlers. Of all participants, 115 completed the questionnaire.
Key Findings
| Metric | Preterm Toddlers | Reference Group |
|---|---|---|
| Average missed recommendations | ~4 items | ~3 items |
| Sleep > 14 hours | Higher proportion | Lower |
| Balanced meals & screen time | Similar to reference | — |
| ≥ 7 of 9 guidelines met | >30% did not meet | >30% did not meet |
- The difference in missed recommendations, while modest, was statistically significant.
- More than 30% of children in both groups fell short of at least seven out of nine guidelines.
Influence of Family Background
| Factor | Effect on Satisfaction with Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Higher income or foreign‑born parent | Lower satisfaction |
| Bronchopulmonary dysplasia diagnosis | Better adherence |
| Underweight status | More unmet recommendations |
Implications
Parents of very early babies face additional challenges in achieving healthy lifestyle goals, even though sleep may exceed expectations. Tailored support from health professionals could address these specific hurdles and improve outcomes for preterm children.
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