What does the cryptic crossword clue "What baby may be — innocent, clutching mater excitedly (9)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of PURE (synonym="PURE") + MATER (synonym="MATER") = PREMATURE The answer is PREMATURE.

What baby may be — innocent, clutching mater excitedly (9)

Times Cryptic #28654 | 5 Down | 2023-07-13 flower