| Skill | Studies | Total sample size | Effect size d |
| N | N (95% CI) | ||
| Selective attention | |||
| GA <26 weeks | 4 | 676 | 0.59 (0.44 to 0.74) |
| GA ⩾26 weeks | 6 | 795 | 0.18 (−0.04 to 0.32) |
| Shifting | |||
| GA <26 weeks | 3 | 338 | 0.62 (0.43 to 0.80) |
| GA ⩾26 weeks | 11 | 1371 | 0.18 (0.07 to 0.29) |
GA, gestational age.