An Iowa child recognized as the world’s youngest premature baby by Guinness World Records celebrated his first birthday. Born at 21 weeks of gestation and weighing only 10 ounces, Nash Keen has been described as the “happiest baby you’ll meet.”
The child’s mother, Mollie, said the birthday celebration “feels surreal, honestly. A year ago, we weren’t sure what the future would look like, and now we’ve celebrated his first birthday.” She added, “It’s emotional in so many ways: pride, gratitude, even some grief for how different his journey has been. But above all, it feels like a victory.”
Upon his birth, Nash was taken to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s Level IV NICU. He was in the NICU for 6 months.
Dr. Amy Stanford told Guinness World Records, “Caring for a baby born at 21 weeks is very different from typical premature cases. Babies born this early require highly specialized care, constant surveillance and frequent monitoring – every hour can make a difference.” Stanford noted that while the child “faced many critical challenges early on, he showed remarkable resilience,” and went on to “make steady progress, which was truly extraordinary to witness.”
Nash’s mother further explained that the child still has some medical needs, such as using oxygen and a feeding tube, and hearing aids. He also attends a “specialized medical daycare” where he receives therapy,” she said.
Many organizations consider viability as beginning after 24 weeks of gestation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a baby born before 23 weeks has a 5-6% survival rate.
