The world’s most premature baby, born 133 days early at just 21 weeks gestation, and given a 0% chance of survival, has defied the odds and just celebrated his first birthday.
On 5 July 2024, baby Nash Keen was born at exactly 21 weeks gestation, a full 133 days earlier than his expected due date based on a typical full-term pregnancy (280 days). After he turned one last month, Nash was acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the world’s most premature baby. Tiny baby Nash weighed just 285 g (10 oz) and measured 24 cm (9.5 in) long when he was born, and was given a 0% chance of survival by doctors.
But baby Nash proved them all wrong and, just last month, Nash celebrated his first birthday with a small group of friends and family, where he was given new outfits, toys, nappies and the certificate from Guinness World Records, showing that he holds the Guinness World Record for the youngest ever premature baby to survive.
Neonatologist Dr Patrick McNamara spoke about the unlikely chances of Nash surviving at such a premature stage, saying “I vividly remember the conversation with the parents when I told them his chance of survival is 0%. When you’ve never had anyone survive at 21 weeks, that’s what the data says at that gestational age”.
Following his unexpected early arrival, Nash then spent six months being cared for at the hospital’s NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) before being allowed to go home in January 2025.
Dr Amy Stanford, the neonatologist who supervised Nash’s resuscitation, said “When babies are born at 21 weeks, we’re not sure if they’re going to be strong enough or big enough for our tiniest equipment to be able to do what it needs to do”.
Dr Stanford added “It’s so rewarding now to see him. You would have no idea when you look at him that he is the world’s most premature baby. We’re immensely proud of Nash, we could not be prouder of him. He is truly a miracle”.