About 2.20am Sunday emergency services responded to reports of a baby being attacked by a dog at a home on Jeffs Close, Kariong.

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Brisbane Water police raced to the scene where officers performed CPR on the five-week-old baby boy. The officers were assisted a short time later by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, the baby could not be revived and died at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation. According to initial enquires the dog - an American Staffordshire terrier - had recently attacked a neighbour's dog which got into the family's yard. Police confirmed the previous attack would form part of the investigation into the tragic incident, but that particular details about the attack on the baby would not be released publicly out of respect to the grieving family.

"Our police did perform first-aid upon arrival - they did their best in the circumstances and they are no doubt shaken by the incident," Detective Superintendent Darryl Jobson told media at a press conference on Sunday.

"Anything to do with children of any type, particularly of this nature, is absolutely traumatic."

All first responders have been offered counselling and support. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The dog has been seized by council and will be euthanised.

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