To investigate the influence of premature birth on conditions among children aged 6-17 years. The National Survey of Children's Health in the USA added a question on premature birth for the first time in the 2011-12 wave. The influence of being born premature on different conditions while controlling for sociodemographic factors was assessed using logistic regression. A total of 6882 out of 62 078 (11.1%) of children aged 6-17 years were born premature. Compared with children who were not born premature, those who were born premature were more likely to have cerebral palsy [odds ratio (OR) = 9.6, confidence interval (CI): 7.4-12.4], vision problems (OR = 2.3, CI: 2.0-2.6), hearing problems (OR = 1.7, CI: 1.6-2.0) and a special healthcare need (OR = 1.7, CI: 1.6-1.8). Children who were born premature had an increased likelihood of not being on a sports team or not taking sports lessons after school or on weekends during the past 12 months than those who were not born premature (OR = 1.2, CI: 1.1-1.3). Prematurity may be associated with negative outcomes as infants transition into childhood and adolescence. Interventions within the life-course perspective are needed to alleviate the long-term consequences of prematurity.