Miracle baby' found alive inside gym bag with his umbilical cord still attached

A Georgia newborn was dubbed a “miracle baby” after he was found alive inside a gym bag with his umbilical cord still attached, according to WFLA-TV.

WFLA reported that cleaning staff at the Family Medical Clinic in Chamblee found a blue gym bag near the entrance of their building. Assuming it belonged to a patient, they brought it inside, but they did not open it. The baby remained inside the bag for hours without any nourishment or attention until he was discovered and staff called police just after midnight on Thursday.

The Chamblee Police Department said in a statement that the officer who responded to the call “took immediate care of the infant boy and called for EMS.” The baby was taken to the hospital and placed in the custody of child protective services.

The police said the owner of the building provided them with video surveillance footage, and they believe the child was left outside the building early Wednesday morning, which would mean he spent more than 17 hours inside the gym bag.

Police also said they’ve received inquiries about adopting the child, but said those questions should be directed to the DeKalb County Department of Family and Child Services. The statement called the child “a miracle baby,” adding that he weighs just 4.86 pounds and “appears not to be full term.”

WXIA-TV reported that the child was “wrapped in a white t-shirt” inside the bag.

WXIA noted that Georgia’s Safe Haven law protects mothers who wish to give up their babies but there are requirements that must be met, including that they must do so in person.

The investigation is still ongoing.