Guinness World Records’ Most Premature Baby Celebrates First Birthday

For many parents, a first birthday is about messy smash cakes and sweet memories. But for the Keens, this milestone wasn’t just about turning one; it was a celebration of resilience, hope and everything their son, Nash, had overcome just to be there.

On July 5, 2024, Nash was born 133 days before his due date at just 21 weeks, making him Guinness World Records’ Most Premature Baby. Weighing only 10 oz and measuring 24 cm long, he was immediately rushed to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where specialists fought to stabilize him during his fragile first hours and days of life.

His parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, could do nothing but watch, hope and wait. “[We were] surrounded by machines, monitors and a whirlwind of medical terms, but also by an incredible team fighting for him every second,” Mollie told Guinness World Records. “It was emotionally overwhelming, but somehow, even in all the chaos, there was this tiny spark of strength in him that gave us hope.”

Little by little, Nash made big progress. After three weeks, Mollie and Randall had their first chance to hold him, and by six months, they finally got the chance to bring Nash home in January 2025. Today, while Nash still has special medical needs, including oxygen, hearing aids and specialized daycare, he’s cruising through milestones once thought impossible.

Amy Stanford, MD, the neonatologist who has been by Nash’s side since his delivery, is encouraged and excited not just by Nash’s progress but also by what it means for other babies who may be born premature. “Watching him grow and thrive fills me with immense pride – not only for Nash himself but also for his family and the entire care team who made his success possible,” Stanford said. “Nash is truly history in the making, paving the way for the care of other babies born as early as he was.”

Image: Courtesy of The Keen Family

On July 4, 2025, “Nash Potato” as his parents call him, celebrated his first birthday at home in Iowa with family, friends and plenty of spud-tacular presents. Potato themed around his super cute nickname, Nash even got special approval from his doctors to enjoy cake with extra whipped cream.

The day was filled with joy, love and all the normal birthday moments the Keens had always dreamed of for their son. “He’s still just a little boy, our sweet, silly, strong Nash and while the world may see a miracle or a record breaker, we see our son who loves snuggles, silly sounds and blowing raspberries,” Mollie said.