The 32-year-old, who is not being named for legal reasons, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with negligently causing serious injury and reckless conduct endangering life.

She left her child in the car parked near the Brook Hotel at Point Cook on January 15 for an extended period during 38C heat, court documents allege.

The little boy was later taken to hospital in a critical condition but appeared to be recovering, the mother's lawyer told the court.

However, he added it was unclear how long the child's recovery would take.

His mother is on bail and due back in court on February 6 ahead of a committal case conference scheduled for April 16.

Australian Associated Press