"Already in 'Do Not Disturb' Mode in Their Second Life?" Newborn Video Makes Millions Laugh from Birth - Why Did It Spark Controversy?

Both Hands Behind the Head, Legs Crossed Too
Video Sharing Also Sparks Medical Ethics Controversy

A newborn in Egypt has become a sensation online after being filmed lying back with legs crossed, seemingly as relaxed as an adult. However, some have criticized the doctor who filmed the baby and posted the video on social media, raising concerns about the newborn's privacy and medical ethics.

The sight, reminiscent of an adult unwinding at a resort, caught netizens' attention. Dr. Eldehe captioned the video, "Baby king! Sorry, I'm so excited." Instagram @islamalieldeh85

On October 20, Yonhap News TV reported, citing Indian media and other sources, that a video of a newborn posted by Dr. Islam Ali El Deh, a pediatrician and neonatologist practicing in Cairo, Egypt, was gaining popularity online while also sparking controversy. The video shows a newborn with both hands behind the head and one leg crossed over the other. The baby remained calm and showed little reaction to the movements of the medical staff nearby.

"Already a work-life balance master"... Newborn goes into 'relaxation mode' minutes after birth

The sight of the baby, reminiscent of an adult relaxing at a resort, drew attention from netizens. Dr. El Deh added the caption, "Baby king! Sorry, I'm just so excited," to the video. Local media described the baby's pose as a "king's pose" and reported on the story. The video drew attention on social media, garnering about 171,000 likes and more than 3,100 comments. Egyptian outlet Al-Masry Al-Youm reported on October 19 that the video had received more than 3 million views.

Netizens responded to the baby's unusual pose with a string of witty remarks. One commented, "Generation Beta has already mastered work-life balance. There's no work, only life," adding, "Generation Alpha would have been looking for Wi-Fi, but this baby has already put the world on 'Do Not Disturb' mode." Another joked, "They escaped stress as soon as they were born," while another quipped, "I was born, but I'm already tired and need a rest," drawing laughs. Some also said the baby looked as if they were waiting for a cup of tea or enjoying a vacation right after birth.

"Patients' privacy must be protected"... Criticism over medical staff posting videos on social media

As the video spread, criticism also emerged over the medical staff's conduct. Egyptian outlet Al-Nahar reported on October 19 that some netizens had questioned whether it was appropriate to film a newborn in a hospital and post the footage on social media. Critics argued that whether a doctor posting images of a patient to gain views is consistent with medical professionals' code of ethics should be examined. They also pointed out that particular care should be taken to protect a newborn's personal information and privacy, since the baby cannot consent to being filmed or to having the video shared.

Some also called on the Egyptian Medical Syndicate to investigate the matter and establish clear guidelines on filming patients and sharing videos in hospitals. Other videos involving newborns posted by the doctor have also come under scrutiny locally. Egypt Telegraph reported on October 19 that concerns about newborns' safety and medical professionals' ethics had been raised over videos showing the doctor holding babies shortly after birth while filming them. The Egyptian Medical Syndicate was also reported to have stated that medical ethics and safety protocols must be observed when handling newborns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.