The incident happened outside a Rita's Italian Ice in the 8600 block of Frankford Avenue.
Authorities said the father briefly left the child inside a running red Toyota minivan while he was at the business. During that time, a 42-year-old suspect entered the vehicle and drove off with the child inside.
Police said the stolen minivan was later involved in a crash with another vehicle and a police cruiser at Grant Avenue and Academy Road.
Investigators said the driver continued onto Roosevelt Boulevard and struck another vehicle near Red Lion Road.
The suspect then fled on foot but was later apprehended by police.
Officials said the infant was not injured.