Relatives say a 3-year-old New Zealand girl survived for two days on milk, cheese and lasagna after her mother died in their home near Wellington.

The girl's uncle, Pete Silbery, told The Associated Press on Friday that Shylah Silbery managed to open the refrigerator and comfort herself with her favorite teddy bear after her 28-year-old mother, Lauren Silbery, died.

He said the family called police Oct. 21 after becoming worried about Lauren. When police arrived, they coaxed Shylah to drag a coffee table to the door to unlock it, before she told them, "Mummy won't wake up."

Pete Silbery said the girl spent several days in a hospital recovering from dehydration and diaper rash.

Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of Lauren's death.