OT Support for Premature and Preterm Children in Malta
By Ema Bartolo ·
As an Occupational Therapist in Malta, I work with many families whose children were born prematurely. Whether your baby arrived a few weeks or several months early, the journey of a preterm child is unique — and Occupational Therapy can play a vital role in supporting their development from the very beginning.
At WonderKids, we understand that parents of premature babies often carry a mix of hope and worry. You may have spent weeks in the NICU at Mater Dei Hospital, watching your tiny baby grow stronger each day. Early OT intervention can help bridge the developmental gaps that sometimes come with premature birth.
What Does Premature Birth Mean for Development?
A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation is considered preterm. The earlier a baby is born, the more time they may need to catch up developmentally. Premature children may experience challenges including:
- Sensory processing heightened sensitivity
- Motor development delays
- Feeding difficulties
- Fine motor skill limitations
- Self-regulation challenges
- Visual-motor integration problems
It is important to remember that many premature children catch up beautifully with the right support. Corrected age — calculated from the original due date rather than the birth date — is used to track milestones more accurately during the first two years.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Preterm Children
Our approach to supporting premature children is gentle, responsive, and tailored to each child’s unique profile.
Sensory Integration
Many preterm children are more sensitive to sensory input. We help families understand their child’s sensory thresholds and create environments that feel safe rather than overwhelming.
Motor Skill Development
Through play-based therapy, we support gross motor milestones like crawling, standing, and walking, as well as fine motor skills like reaching, grasping, and eventually using scissors and pencils.
Feeding Support
Feeding can be a significant challenge for preterm babies. We work on oral motor skills, sensory acceptance of different food textures, and mealtime positioning.
Self-Regulation Strategies
Preterm children may have difficulty regulating their arousal levels. We teach parents calming techniques such as deep pressure, swaddling, and predictable routines.
The Importance of Early Intervention in Malta
Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes for preterm children. In Malta, families can access OT services through the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU) or through private clinics like WonderKids. The earlier concerns are identified and addressed, the more effectively we can support your child’s development.
What Parents Can Do at Home
- Create a calm environment by reducing clutter, keeping noise levels low, and using soft lighting
- Follow your child’s cues and watch for signs of overstimulation
- Use tummy time daily to build neck, shoulder, and core strength
- Offer gentle sensory experiences such as soft textures, gentle rocking, and quiet singing
- Track corrected age milestones using your child’s due date rather than birth date
Every preterm child has their own timeline. With the right support, they can reach their full potential. Call us at +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt.