An Iowa infant born at just 21 weeks has officially become the most premature baby to survive in recorded history, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Nash Keen was born on July 5, 2024, a full 133 days before his due date, weighing only 10 ounces at birth.
This month, he celebrated his first birthday—a milestone many doctors thought he’d never reach.
Miracle Baby Defies the Odds
Nicknamed “Nash Potato”, the baby boy spent six months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Now, he’s growing into a strong, smiling toddler.
“He’s a very determined, curious little boy, and he’s just all smiles all the time,” said his mother, Mollie Keen.
Mollie went into labor just days after her 20-week prenatal checkup, where doctors discovered she was already 2 centimeters dilated.
Medical Team Remained Calm Under Pressure
Mollie praised the NICU staff who worked around the clock to keep Nash alive.
“You never really saw them get anxious or anything… If the doctors and the nurses weren’t freaking out, there was no reason for us to freak out,” she said.
Dr. Malinda Schaefer, the obstetrician who delivered Nash, explained that the family was warned early on about the potential for severe medical complications.
“It’s really important to me to have honest and open conversations with parents,” she said.
One Day Makes History
Nash was born at 147 days gestation, beating the previous world record for “most premature baby” by just one day.
Although he still relies on oxygen and a feeding tube, doctors say he’s getting stronger every day and progressing toward normal developmental milestones.
“He’s learning how to stand on his two feet… He’s got a lot of strength in those legs,” Mollie said.
A Story of Hope After Loss
Nash’s survival is even more meaningful for the Keen family, who previously suffered a miscarriage.
Now, the parents say they are filled with gratitude.
The family’s story is being celebrated as a testament to faith, medical excellence, and the fighting spirit of life itself.
