Every tenth child worldwide is born too early. Even in Europe, around 320,000 babies are born each year before the 37th week of pregnancy. This can be life threatening. Most premature babies suffer the after effects. The Munich-based European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants has brought parents and experts from 35 countries together for the first time to develop quality standards for their care across borders. Whether it's obstetrics, medical treatment, or nutrition: the results should serve as a blueprint for legal regulations and guidelines and help increase the littlest one's chances of leading a healthy life.