The abandoned baby is being cared for at a hospital in Baoshan District.

A man has been detained for allegedly abandoning his 6-month-old baby son — twice — Shanghai police said yesterday.

The suspect, surnamed Zhang, allegedly abandoned the boy first in March and again this month.

The baby, being cared for at a hospital in Baoshan District, is physically healthy, the hospital said. Police are investigating claims Zhang had previously been diagnosed with a mild mental illness.

They are still trying to get into contact with the baby’s mother.

The baby was found abandoned in a residential complex on March 19 and police took him to Baoshan District TCM-Integrated Hospital on the same day.

The hospital said the baby was wrapped in a blanket with a piece of paper with his name on it and a bag containing milk powder, calcium tablets and fish liver oil.

Police found Zhang and took him to the hospital on May 10. At the hospital, Zhang allegedly said he had abandoned the baby because he didn’t know how to raise him and had no money.

Zhang took the baby away the same day but abandoned him again later that day in a residential complex.

According to China’s law, those found guilty of abandoning a child can face up to five years in prison.

The hospital said the baby will be sent to a welfare home when police confirm his status as being abandoned. It’s not sure if the baby’s other relatives are willing to take him.

The district civil administration authority will pay the hospital costs for his care.