It is not every day that a story about a newborn captures the attention of millions of people across the globe. While the first few weeks of life are usually filled with sleep, gentle cuddles, and slow development, one baby girl has defied expectations and left doctors, parents, and internet users stunned.
In the early days of March 2023, just outside of Philadelphia, a new mother recorded her three-day-old daughter achieving something that most babies are not expected to do for many months. The video has since gone viral, sparking conversations among families, experts, and curious viewers about how unique developmental milestones can appear in some children.
This remarkable story is not only about an infant’s strength but also about the bond between a mother and her child, the role of social media in spreading human interest stories, and the broader wonder of early human development.
A Birth That Already Carried Surprise
The little girl, named Nyilah Daise Tzabari, was born after a longer pregnancy than expected—arriving about three weeks past her due date. At birth, she weighed a healthy 7 pounds and 6 ounces, and aside from being a little later than her estimated delivery window, she seemed like any other newborn adjusting to the world.
Her mother, Samantha Mitchell, age 34, had already spent more than two decades working with children. With so much hands-on experience, she thought she had seen nearly everything that infants could do in their earliest days. But what she was about to witness would completely change her perspective.
On March 2, 2023, when her daughter was not even 72 hours old, Samantha’s mother noticed that something unusual was happening. The newborn appeared to be moving with more coordination than expected, lifting her head with surprising stability. Samantha’s mother encouraged her to grab her phone and record the moment—because without video evidence, few would ever believe what they were seeing.
A Three-Day-Old With Strength Beyond Her Age
When Samantha hit the record button, her baby began to push herself up on her arms. With determination, little Nyilah held her head steady, balanced her small body, and began crawling forward.
To understand why this astonished so many people, it helps to know the usual developmental timeline. According to pediatric research and sources like Healthline and the American Academy of Pediatrics, most infants do not begin crawling until they are between six to nine months old. Head control usually begins to strengthen around the second or third month of life. For a baby to display both of these abilities at just three days old is far outside the norm.
“I’ve spent over 20 years around children,” Samantha later explained, “and I’ve never witnessed anything remotely like this. Her strength has been astonishing from the very first day.”
A Viral Sensation
The footage, later uploaded to TikTok, spread rapidly across social media platforms. Within days, it had accumulated millions of views and more than 6.6 million likes. Viewers flooded the comment sections with humor, disbelief, and admiration.
One user jokingly wrote, “She’ll probably be walking into preschool interviews next week!” Another added, “That baby has clearly been here before and already has an agenda.”
What made the video so captivating was the mixture of impossibility and relatability. Parents everywhere remember those exhausting early days, when a baby’s every movement feels monumental. To see a child seemingly skip ahead by months made people stop scrolling and hit replay.
Early Milestones Keep Coming
The surprises did not end with that first video. Over the next several weeks, Samantha continued documenting her daughter’s progress.
At 18 days old, Nyilah rolled from her stomach onto her back.
At just two months old, she rolled from her back to her belly, another ability usually seen much later.
By the time she reached three months, she was standing with support.
Her mother described her as a baby who refused to bend her knees. “We’re not encouraging her to stand,” Samantha explained. “But she just won’t sit down—she’s determined to stay on her feet.”
In addition to her physical abilities, Nyilah also began showing signs of early communication. By six weeks, she was mimicking sounds, attempting to repeat phrases like “I love you.” She responded to her parents’ laughter by babbling back, seemingly trying to join in the fun.
What Do Experts Say About Such Development?
When unusual developmental milestones are shared online, parents and professionals alike often ask: Is this safe? Is it normal?
Pediatricians generally emphasize that every baby develops at their own pace. Some infants may be faster in certain areas—such as motor skills—while others excel in communication or social interaction. However, cases as extreme as a three-day-old crawling are exceptionally rare.
Doctors point out that newborn reflexes, such as the “stepping reflex” or strong early muscle tone, can sometimes mimic more advanced skills. In some instances, what looks like crawling may be a newborn’s natural instinctive movement patterns. Still, for a baby to repeat and sustain these actions with control is what makes Nyilah’s case stand out.
Most experts also remind parents not to compare their children too closely to viral stories. While this family’s experience is fascinating, it is not a standard expectation for babies—and that’s perfectly okay.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading Wonder
A generation ago, moments like this might have stayed within the family album, shared only with close relatives. Today, platforms like TikTok and Instagram turn personal milestones into global conversations.
For Samantha and her fiancé, Ofer Tzabari, the viral fame was unexpected. Ofer, who was experiencing fatherhood for the first time, admitted that he thought the behavior was normal until other parents and commenters explained just how unusual it was.
The internet has the power to elevate small personal moments into worldwide stories. While this can sometimes bring unwanted attention, in this case it sparked joy and curiosity. The family received thousands of positive messages celebrating their daughter’s uniqueness.
Parenting a Determined Child
What has stood out most to Samantha is not just her daughter’s strength but her personality. “She’s incredibly determined,” the mother said. “She knows what she wants, and she surprises us every single day.”
Raising a child who seems eager to rush through milestones comes with both excitement and caution. Samantha emphasizes that they are not pushing her to grow faster but are instead following her lead, ensuring safety at every step.
Broader Reflections on Early Human Potential
Stories like this remind us that human development, while guided by general timelines, is never one-size-fits-all. Every child arrives in the world with their own pace, strengths, and quirks. Some may take longer to crawl but speak earlier. Others may show athletic ability before their first birthday.
For parents, the takeaway is not to measure their children against viral sensations but to cherish each unique moment. Whether a baby first rolls over at three months or six, whether they take their first steps at nine months or fifteen, every milestone is a celebration of growth and discovery.
Looking Ahead
As for Nyilah, her parents remain excited but grounded. They continue sharing updates, but more than anything, they are focused on keeping her happy, healthy, and safe. “She’s such a joyful, smiley baby,” Samantha shared. “We can’t wait to see what she does next.”
Her story is not just about unusual strength or early milestones. It is a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of parenthood, the power of family encouragement, and the way one tiny child can capture the imagination of millions.
Final Thoughts
The viral video of a newborn crawling at just three days old may seem almost unbelievable. Yet at its heart, it is a story about love, documentation, and the small wonders of life that keep people amazed. In an age where so much online content feels fleeting, this family’s story stood out because it tapped into something universal: the miracle of watching a new life unfold.
Whether or not Nyilah grows up to walk earlier than expected, or to talk before her peers, one thing is certain—she has already left her mark on the world. She reminds us that every child is capable of surprising us, and that sometimes the most extraordinary stories begin in the quiet moments of a home, captured by a parent’s camera.