In an astonishing story that continues to capture global attention, a Pennsylvania mother recorded her newborn daughter performing physical feats far beyond what doctors expect from a three-day-old infant. The video has since gone viral, sparking wonder among parents, pediatricians, and child development experts alike.
The baby, born in early March 2023, was named Nyilah Daise Tzabari. At less than three days old, she amazed her family when she began lifting her head, propping herself up on her arms, and even crawling forward—movements that typically don’t appear in infants until they are six to nine months old.
Her mother, Samantha Mitchell, 34, said she has worked with children for over two decades, but nothing prepared her for what she witnessed. “I’ve been around babies for most of my life, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Mitchell told reporters. “It was so shocking that I knew nobody would believe me unless I caught it on camera.”
An Extraordinary Beginning
Nyilah’s story began even before she entered the world. She was delivered three weeks past her due date, born at 43 weeks gestation, weighing a healthy 7 pounds, 6 ounces. According to Mitchell, her own mother was the first to spot the unusual behavior and urged her to start recording. “At first, I thought it was just a momentary reflex, but then she kept doing it. She was holding her head up and moving forward with real determination.”
The family quickly realized this wasn’t a one-time occurrence. The strength Nyilah demonstrated became a consistent part of her daily routine. “From day one, she had this incredible determination,” Mitchell explained.
Viral Video Shocks Millions
The now-famous clip shows the tiny newborn lying on her belly, lifting her head steadily, pressing her little arms into the blanket beneath her, and making crawling motions that seem impossible for such a young infant. Mitchell shared the video on TikTok, and it spread across the internet almost instantly.
Within days, the post had received millions of views and more than 6.6 million likes, along with thousands of comments. Social media users reacted with awe, humor, and disbelief. Some joked that Nyilah seemed like she had “been here before,” while others teased that she looked ready to “get a job next week.”
Her father, Ofer Tzabari, experiencing his first time as a parent, admitted he didn’t immediately grasp how unusual the behavior was. “At first, I assumed all babies could do this,” he said. “But then people started pointing out that this was extremely advanced. That’s when it really sank in.”
Breaking Every Developmental Expectation
Typically, newborn babies are born with limited neck strength. Pediatric guidelines state that infants usually begin lifting their heads around one month of age and only achieve stable head control closer to four months. Crawling usually doesn’t appear until six to nine months.
Yet, by the time Nyilah was 18 days old, she had already learned to roll over from her belly to her back. At just two months, she was rolling from back to belly, a milestone most infants reach closer to six months.
Now, at three months old, she is able to stand with support—though her mother insists they are not pushing her to meet milestones early. “We don’t encourage her to stand,” Mitchell said. “She just refuses to bend her knees. She wants to be upright all the time. It’s as if she’s determined to skip steps and move straight to walking.”
Communication Skills Beyond Her Age
Nyilah’s abilities aren’t limited to motor skills. At only six weeks old, she began attempting to mimic words and sounds. Her parents noticed that she tried to repeat phrases like “I love you,” and that she responded to laughter by making noises meant to mimic it.
“She already babbles back and forth with us,” Mitchell said. “Sometimes she tries to copy what we’re saying, and when we laugh, she’ll repeat sounds to make us laugh again. It’s as though she’s desperate to join the conversation.”
Pediatric specialists explain that while newborns often make reflexive noises, purposeful imitation is highly unusual at such an early age. Mitchell says that each day brings a new surprise. “She’s such a joyful baby. Every single day, she amazes us with something new.”
Why Is This Happening? Experts Weigh In
While the family is overjoyed, Nyilah’s case has left many curious. Some medical professionals suggest that her being born at 43 weeks may have given her additional strength and coordination compared to babies born closer to their due date. Others note that every child develops differently and that her case, while extraordinary, may simply reflect the wide spectrum of human development.
“Babies can surprise us,” one pediatrician commented. “While it’s rare for a newborn to perform these kinds of movements, we occasionally see outliers who hit milestones very early. It’s not usually a sign of a problem—sometimes, it’s just an example of how diverse child development can be.”
The Internet’s Reaction
Online, reactions to the viral video continue to pour in. Many users expressed admiration and support, while others couldn’t help but add humor. “That baby has goals and places to be,” one commenter wrote. Another joked, “She’s skipping crawling and going straight to college.”
The story has also sparked larger conversations about parenting, development, and the pressures parents sometimes feel when comparing their children to others. Mitchell herself addressed this, saying, “Every baby is different. Just because my daughter is doing this doesn’t mean other babies are behind. Parents should never feel pressure—children reach milestones in their own time.”
Looking Toward the Future
For Mitchell and Tzabari, the viral fame is secondary to the joy of raising their daughter. “We’re just grateful she’s healthy and happy,” Mitchell said. “Every parent thinks their child is special, and we’re no different. The fact that the world gets to see how extraordinary she is makes it even more special.”
The couple continues to document Nyilah’s progress online, where millions eagerly watch each new update. Whether she takes her first steps earlier than expected or begins talking ahead of schedule, her journey has already inspired countless parents around the world.
A Remarkable Beginning to Life
From the moment she entered the world, Nyilah has defied expectations. At just three days old, she demonstrated a strength and determination most babies don’t show for months. Her story is not only a reminder of how unpredictable child development can be but also a testament to the awe and wonder of new life.
For Samantha Mitchell, the experience is deeply personal. After years of working with children, she thought she had seen it all. But her daughter proved her wrong in the most heartwarming way possible. “She’s taught me that every child is unique,” Mitchell said. “And that sometimes, the most extraordinary things happen when you least expect them.”
As Nyilah continues to grow, one thing is certain: the world will be watching to see what she does next.
