The Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program (IBAIP) supports cognitive and physical development of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam recently completed a controlled trial of 136 VLBW infants. About half the infants received IBAIP and the other half traditional care.

At a corrected age of 5.5 years, performance IQ was assessed for cognitive, motor and visual-motor development. Tests used to rate performance include the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children.

Conclusion: Children who received IBAIP performed better on tests than children who received traditional care.

Source: Van Hus JW, Jeukens-Visser M, Koldewijn K, Geldof CJ, Kok JH, Nollet F, Van Wassenaer-Leemhuis AG. Sustained Developmental Effects of the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program in Very Low Birth Weight Infants at 5.5 Years Corrected Age. J Pediatr. 2013 Jan 10. pii: S0022-3476(12)01412-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.11.078.