Premature babies have certain physical characteristics that are different from babies born closer to term. As the babies mature, these distinct characteristics lessen, then disappear, and the babies develop the characteristics of a full-term baby. A few of the most noticeable features are listed below:

• Premature babies have very little body fat and tend to look very thin.
• Premature babies have loose skin and their ribs can easily be seen.
• The skin of a premature baby tends to look red regardless of ethnic background.
• Premature babies tend to keep their arms and legs outstretched, due to lack of muscle tone.
• The head and face of a premature baby tends to look long and out of proportion with the rest of the baby's body.

Full-term babies may also require special medical attention and the assistance of advanced medical technology. These full-term infants will have the physical characteristics that you would expect in a newborn; however, they may require the extra medical care of a NICU.

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