A baby born in Iowa has officially been named the most premature baby to survive, according to Guinness World Records. Nash Keen, nicknamed “Nash Potato” by his family, was born on July 5, 2024, at just 21 weeks’ gestation. Weighing just 10 ounces and measuring 9.5 inches, he arrived 133 days early. Nash just celebrated his first birthday with loved ones, thriving against all odds and creating an emotional milestone for his family and care team.
Delivered at the Edge of Viability
Nash was born at the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City. Drs. Malinda Schaefer and H. Bennett Stevens delivered him, while neonatologist Dr. Amy Stanford oversaw his resuscitation and moved him to the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. At just 21 weeks, Nash had reached the edge of what doctors consider survivable. Most babies born this early don’t survive, and those who do often face serious complications. Dr. Stanford states that in these “extremely premature births,” every hour matters during the critical first days. Nash’s resilience and gradual improvement encouraged the medical team.
Early Days in the NICU
Nash’s parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, weren’t sure if their baby would survive the night. Those early days brought fear and uncertainty, Mollie remembers. A medical team worked nonstop to keep Nash alive, surrounded by machines and monitors.
“It was emotionally overwhelming, but even in the chaos, there was this tiny spark of strength in him that gave us hope,” she told Guinness World Records. Three weeks passed before Mollie could hold her son. “He was so tiny, covered in wires and monitors. But the moment he was placed on my chest, all my nerves disappeared. It felt like pure relief and love.”
Gaining Strength and Returning Home
By his first month, Nash began gaining strength, and his family and medical team grew more hopeful. He spent six months in the NICU before doctors cleared him to go home in January 2025. At home, the family faced new challenges while building their daily routines.
Nash continues to grow stronger. He uses oxygen, is fed through a tube, and wears hearing aids for mild hearing loss. He attends medical daycare for therapy and check-ups in Iowa City. “Watching him grow and thrive fills me with pride, not only for Nash but also for his family and the care team who supported him,” Dr. Stanford reflects.
Celebrating a Milestone Birthday
Nash’s first birthday became a moment of reflection on everything he had endured. Friends and relatives gathered at the Keens’ home in Ankeny, Iowa. Nash opened 70 new outfits and educational toys, plus a large supply of diapers from well-wishers. He was even allowed a small slice of cake with extra whipped cream.
While reflecting, the day felt surreal to Mollie. “A year ago, we weren’t sure what the future would look like,” she said. “Now we’ve celebrated his first birthday. It feels like a victory.” The celebration brought pride, gratitude, and a little sadness over how different her son’s first year had been.
Community Support and Gratitude
The Keen family received support from friends, relatives, and strangers who followed Nash’s story. He became known in their community, and his progress touched many. His story spread beyond Iowa and reached people across the country.
“You didn’t just care for Nash medically. You loved him like your own and included us every step of the way,” Mollie told the NICU staff. “The nurses who celebrated milestones with us helped turn a scary medical space into something that felt like home. You were more than medical staff. You became our people, our family.”
Dr. Stanford said Nash’s survival was possible thanks to skilled care, steady support, and determination. “Seeing Nash’s smile and hearing his giggles reminds me every day why it’s so important to keep supporting families like his, even when the challenges are great.”
The Most Premature Baby by a Single Day
Timing determined Nash’s Guinness World Record. He was born just one day earlier than the previous most premature baby. Curtis Zy-Keith Means had held the title at 21 weeks and 1 day, born on July 5, 2020, in Alabama. The record before that belonged to Richard Scott William Hutchinson, who was born in June 2020 at 21 weeks and 2 days. Nash’s birth at exactly 21 weeks placed him at the top. In cases like this, even one day can make a difference.
Guinness World Records also recognized the most premature set of surviving quadruplets in 2025. The Bryant family of Alabama welcomed Lainey, Kali, Lennon, and Koen at 23 weeks and 4 days. That record had stood for nearly 30 years before being updated on their first birthday on May 31, 2025.
A Life Beyond Records
Nash’s place in the record books as the world’s most premature baby means less to his parents than simply having their sweet and silly little boy. Mollie said they focus on keeping daily life full of love and laughter. “He’s still just a little boy, our sweet, silly, strong Nash,” she said. “While others may see a record breaker, we see a child who loves snuggles, silly sounds, and blowing raspberries.“
“We never looked for attention, that’s just not who we are, but sharing Nash’s story felt important. We wanted to offer hope to other families going through difficult medical journeys and to show what’s possible, even when the outcome is unclear.”
The Keen family continues to share their story to encourage others facing similar challenges. Their experience is a reminder of what steady care, dedication, and love can make possible.
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