A Melbourne mother who allegedly admitted killing her 14-month-old daughter has avoided court because she is mentally unwell.

Sofina Nikat is charged with murdering Sanaya Sahib on Saturday – the day she claimed a drunk African man had snatched the toddler from her pram.

The 22-year-old was due to front court on Wednesday but was excused after her lawyer, Michael McNamara, raised mental health concerns.

• Sanaya’s mother confessed to toddler’s murder
• Murder investigation launched after remains found

Psychiatric professionals had assessed Nikat and were worried about the impact a court appearance could have on her, the lawyer told the Melbourne Magistrates Court, adding: “It is my client’s preference she not be brought up.”

It was the first time Nikat had been in custody and her risk of self-harm was a “live issue”, Mr McNamara said.

The court heard Nikat was probably being held in protective custody which is a common measure for people charged with child-murder offences.

Sanaya’s body was found in the Darebin Creek on Sunday less than 24 hours after Nikat told police she had been snatched from her pram in a Heidelberg West park.

Nikat had told police a man of African appearance, smelling of alcohol and wearing no shoes, pushed her to the ground before taking off with the toddler.

Flowers, stuffed toys and messages have been left for Sanaya Sahib near where her body was found. Photo: ABC

She said she gave chase but could not catch him.

Nikat, of Mitcham, was charged with her daughter’s murder on Tuesday after which she fronted an out-of-sessions hearing.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey told the hearing Nikat had made “full admissions” in a police interview to killing Sanaya.

Nikat and her daughter had been staying with relatives in Heidelberg West after a separation between Nikat and Sanaya’s father.

Social workers who dealt with Nikat after Sanaya’s death were in court on Wednesday but none of her relatives appeared to be present.

The court heard telephone intercepts related to the case would be transcribed and CCTV footage would be formatted.

Mr McNamara said mental health professionals had flagged the need for a more thorough assessment of Nikat and they wanted to see her again after she had been moved from the court cells.

Sanaya’s disappearance sparked a massive search that included mounted police, the police airwing, SES volunteers and members of the public.

Tribute flowers and teddy bears were left near the creek where the little girl’s body was found.

Sanaya’s devastated father, Sameer Sahib, on Wednesday said he felt sick in his stomach.

“I just really want to find out what happened,” he told News Corp Australia.

Nikat has been refused bail and is due to appear in court on August 3.

-AAP