Surprisingly, practically no guidelines exist for the in and outpatient care of late preterm infants. This lack of guidance has forced hospitals to develop their own suite of care practices.

As birth rates for premature infants increase, we are learning that slightly premature infants (late preterm) cannot be treated the same as their term counterparts. This article reviews the definition of this unique group of pediatric patients, their characteristics and vulnerabilities, and clinical considerations to make when caring for them. (CME)