In a story that has captured the hearts of millions, a baby boy from Iowa has been officially named by Guinness World Records as the most premature baby to survive. Nash Keen was born at just 21 weeks of gestation, a remarkable 19 weeks earlier than a full-term pregnancy, and has now been given the prestigious title to honor his first year of life.
Nash’s parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, faced immense challenges from the moment they learned of his impending early arrival. Born on July 5, 2024, at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Nash weighed a mere 10 ounces—less than a grapefruit. His doctors gave him virtually zero chance of survival, a fact they were blunt about with his parents.
“We were not sure if he would even survive those first critical hours,” said Mollie Keen. “But we wanted to give him the best chance.”
Nash’s remarkable resilience became apparent in his first few hours of life. The neonatal team was able to place a tiny breathing tube in him, and his condition began to stabilize. He would go on to spend 189 days in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he battled numerous life-threatening challenges, including a perforated bowel.
Guinness World Records announced Nash’s record on his first birthday, beating the previous record holder by a single day. The family’s journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, but it has also been one of immense hope and victory.
“Nash is so full of personality,” his mother said. “He’s a very determined, curious little boy, and he’s just all smiles all the time.”
While Nash still requires some medical support, including oxygen and a feeding tube, he is making great strides in his development. His parents, who have received an outpouring of support, chose his name as a tribute to his father’s hometown of Nashville, a city they feel symbolizes strength and resilience, much like their little boy.
