New mom Samantha Mitchell was left stunned when her three-day-old daughter, Neyla Daize Tzabari, began showing behavior typically seen in much older infants. A remarkable moment captured on video and shared online shows little Neyla lifting her head and attempting to crawl—leaving both her mother and grandmother in awe. The footage quickly went viral, sparking widespread conversation about infant development and what might cause such early signs of strength.
In the video, filmed at the hospital, the newborn is seen lying on her stomach, wriggling and making noises as she briefly lifts her head to look around. Samantha’s disbelief is clear as she discusses the moment with her mother, wondering whether such behavior is normal for a three-day-old baby. Her mother pointed out how rare this level of strength and mobility is at such an early stage.
Medical experts, including Dr. Karan Raj, weighed in on the phenomenon, offering insights that—while surprising—suggest it’s not entirely unheard of. Dr. Raj explained that the baby’s actions were most likely driven by a natural instinct to search for food, offering a physiological explanation for the early motor activity.
According to Dr. Raj, Neyla’s movements were probably a result of hunger. His theory links her behavior to a fundamental survival response—seeking nourishment—rather than abnormally advanced motor development.
The viral video and the expert commentary have prompted broader discussions around infant development. While Neyla’s early motor skills are certainly unusual, they highlight the wide and complex range of behaviors newborns are capable of displaying.
