Miracle premature baby given a ‘zero per cent chance of survival’ celebrates his first birthday

Miracle baby Richard with parents Beth and Rick Hutchinson

A BABY so tiny he could fit in the palm of his parents’ hands has celebrated his first birthday.

Minnesotans Beth and Rick Hutchinson’s son, Richard, was born five months early or 131 days before the due date.

He weighed only 340 grams.

Born at a gestational age of 21 weeks and two days, Richard has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s most premature baby to survive.

“We’re still surprised about it,” Mrs Hutchinson told Guinness World Records, “But we’re happy.”

“It’s a way we can share his story to raise awareness about premature births.”

Neonatal specialists gave Richard no chance of survival when he was born.

“When Rick and Beth received prenatal counselling on what to expect with a baby born so early, they were given a zero per cent chance of survival by our neonatology team,” Dr Stacy Kern told Guinness World Records.

“I knew the first few weeks of Richard’s life would be very difficult, but I felt that if he could make it through that, he would be a survivor.”

The pandemic had made it impossible to stay overnight with Richard, so the parents travelled to see their baby every day for six months. 

The family took him home in early December. 

Mr Hutchinson told Guinness World Records he believed their daily visits helped his son get through because “he knew he could count on us”.

Richard celebrated his first birthday at home with his parents and large extended family.