'Parents in the cloud' watch livestream of Wuhan baby

02:23

In Wuhan, a newborn baby was rushed to an intensive care unit the moment he was brought into the world. His parents were both diagnosed with the novel coronavirus pneumonia before the baby was born.

Fortunately, he is in a healthy condition and is being kept in quarantine for two weeks. But even there he has not been alone. Millions of "new parents in the cloud" have watched over him and sent him their wishes through a live streaming platform.

It's been 16 days. The little boy won't know that millions of people have watched him online every day, from the day he was born.

So have his parents, who have only been able to see their newborn through live streaming.

The baby's father Long Renyong says they've been so focused on their son that they've forgotten to eat dinner sometimes.

"The first time I saw him I couldn't help laughing. He's pretty, well just a little black. When I saw the nurse feed my child and turn him over, I was very grateful. In this crucial moment, you feel that the medical staff are really angels of the world," Long said.

Netizens can't wait to give the infant a name.

After rounds of passionate discussion, his parents decided to name him Xiaoshiliu, or "little pomegranate," with the hope that people across the country can unite together just like the fruit's seeds.

"After the outbreak ends, I will make a video recording on the netizens' warm and humorous comments over recent days and the tender loving care of the doctors and nurses for my child. It must be a special and meaningful gift dedicated to his life," said Long, who has been discharged from hospital but remains in isolation. The mother is close to making a full recovery.

And the baby is in good health, with tests for the coronavirus coming back negative.

A day ago, he was transferred to a general ward.

"The baby gained 100 grams in weight within two days. That's on average a 50-gram increase in weight per day. The growth indicators are normal," said Hu Xiaolin, chief pediatrician at Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.