'Why did life have to play out this way?'

Aaliyah Chand died at Christchurch Hospital on Wednesday.

Parents post emotional tribute to girl who died nine days after her first birthday

Mystery surrounds how a 1-year-old Christchurch baby died from a serious head injury as homicide detectives await autopsy results.

Aaliyah Ashlyn Chand, who was born in New Zealand and is of Indian descent, was named by police yesterday.

She died at Christchurch Hospital at 8.30pm on Wednesday with her parents, Anjani and Dev, by her bedside.

Police began an investigation after Aaliyah, who had her first birthday on December 29, was admitted to hospital by her regular babysitter with help from her neighbour on Tuesday night.

The babysitter's Worcester St flat has been subject to intense police scrutiny and forensic examination over the past two days.

A scene examination of the girl's Addington family home has also been completed, police said. They are now waiting for the results of a post mortem examination.

"This is a tragic time for the family," Detective Senior Sergeant Anderson said. "Investigators are continuing to gather and collate information relating to this case."

Police and Victim Support are supporting the family.

Aaliyah's parents yesterday posted a tribute on the website Heaven Address.

"You grew up way too fast, before we knew it, it was your first birthday, a whole year had passed. You began to walk, talk, laugh and smile. You became the smartest girl I knew, your momma always teaching you new tricks to do," the tribute says.

"No matter what you said or did, one look at that cute face, and you were off the hook. No one could ever stay mad at you. Rarely ever did you fuss or cry.

"You learned how to say mama; it was so special to me.

"I never imagined what life would be without you here, so why did life have to play out this way? Early morning of January 7, 2014 we lost you."

The tribute tells of the emotion in seeing her in a casket, looking "so peaceful just like you were sleeping".

"As I stop at your casket and pray, down on my knees I ask for help, I don't know what to do without you here. We have all missed you so much since the day you went away.

"I know I must be strong, not for me but for everyone else.

"Without you here none of us know what to do. You were taken from our lives way too fast. Come back please, our little Munni we miss you. You were our little miracle, but now you are our angel in the sky watching over each one of us.

"Remember I love you, for forever and a day and nothing will ever change that."

Police did not release more information on the case, saying it remains an "active investigation".

It is not known whether anyone will face charges.