The horrific discovery was made by a woman who found the infant wrapped in a pink and black shawl by her doorstep in Bury, Greater Manchester.
A police search is now underway for the baby's mother.
The child, who was less than a week old, was discovered just after 11am yesterday morning. Paramedics declared the child dead at the scene.
Detectives are working on the theory that it may have been left in a prominent position because its parent or parents intended it to be found safe and well.
Officers have not revealed whether the baby - believed to be Asian - was a boy or a girl.
A post-mortem examination was taking place last night, with further tests scheduled at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Police believe the baby was left in the garden late on Sunday night or early yesterday morning.
It was not clear whether the child had any injuries, or whether it was alive when it was abandoned.
Neighbours spoke of their shock. Ann Molyneux, 45, who lives next door to where the baby was found, said: 'It's just really upsetting.
'You never think anything like this will happen on your doorstep. We are all absolutely devastated. I went to work at about 7am and there was nothing there - I would have seen it.
'The lady next door who has children herself found it. I suppose it's just a good thing one of her little ones didn't.'
Ms Molyneux's daughter, Charlotte Haner, 17, said: 'I looked out of the window and I could see it.
'It was in a pink and black triangle scarf that you can get from Primark. It was very upsetting.'
The street in Bury's East ward was closed off last night while officers carried out door-to-door inquires.
A tent had been put up in the garden as forensic officers examine the scene.
Officers have not revealed whether the baby - believed to be Asian - was a boy or a girl.
A post-mortem examination was taking place last night, with further tests scheduled at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Police believe the baby was left in the garden late on Sunday night or early yesterday morning.
It was not clear whether the child had any injuries, or whether it was alive when it was abandoned.
Neighbours spoke of their shock. Ann Molyneux, 45, who lives next door to where the baby was found, said: 'It's just really upsetting.
'You never think anything like this will happen on your doorstep. We are all absolutely devastated. I went to work at about 7am and there was nothing there - I would have seen it.
'The lady next door who has children herself found it. I suppose it's just a good thing one of her little ones didn't.'
Ms Molyneux's daughter, Charlotte Haner, 17, said: 'I looked out of the window and I could see it.
'It was in a pink and black triangle scarf that you can get from Primark. It was very upsetting.'
The street in Bury's East ward was closed off last night while officers carried out door-to-door inquires.
A tent had been put up in the garden as forensic officers examine the scene.
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