‘Baby Strong’: Newborn Grabs Doctor’s Scrubs Right After Birth and Just Won’t Let Go

(Facebook | Bệnh Viện Quốc Tế Phương Châu)

From the archives: This story was last updated in March 2019.

A Vietnamese newborn has been nicknamed “Baby Strong” and “Boss Baby” by online users in homage to an incredible moment just seconds after the baby’s birth. The tiny tot, incredulous at having been disturbed from his nine-month slumber (we assume), grabbed hold of a loop of fabric on the waistband of the doctor’s bright-blue scrubs and simply refused to let go.

©Facebook | Bệnh Viện Quốc Tế Phương Châu

The extraordinary photos were shared online by delighted staff at Phương Châu International Hospital in Vietnam, on their Facebook page. The baby boy reached out and grabbed the doctor at the exact moment he was leaving to get changed, and staff were left watching, presumably in peals of laughter.

The doctor himself, although partially shielded by a medical mask, looked both bewildered and amused.

Unsurprisingly, over 1,000 people have responded to the hilarious photographs. Some could not resist speculating as to what the exasperated baby was thinking. Some readers suggested that he was just incredibly hungry, and reaching out to the nearest person in search of his very first meal.

Others were more inventive: “He is not ready to come to the world,“ wrote one, ”but he was pulled out by the doctor, so he is looking for a doctor to settle the account!” Another user offered a commentary from the baby’s perspective, adding in good humor: “Doctor! Don’t go, I’m here to play with you for a while!”

Overwhelmingly, social media users were delighted to share in the joy and absurdity of the little baby’s hilarious waist-grabbing antics. “Picture of the year,” claimed one, while another added: “Lovely! Both the affectionate eyes of the doctor and the hold of the baby’s hand.”

To satisfy some of the speculators, it turns out that newborn babies are rarely hungry immediately after being born. The tiny tots take all the nutrition they need from their mother in the womb, so that when they are born they are conveniently already full up (well done, moms). With this in mind, it could be that this particular delivery room had a future debate team heavyweight, feisty politician, or even a little rock singer on their hands: that’s one impressive iron grip and one formidable set of lungs!

The Phương Châu International Hospital’s photos have been lovingly doctored (see what we did there?) to include banners with sweet sentiments hovering by the doctor’s outstretched hand. The photos seemed to capture a unique bond between the doctor and the newborn baby, who will no doubt have a special relationship for life after the little one grows up and can enjoy the photos for himself.

Welcome to the world, Baby Strong! You’ve already made a big impression.