Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik: Unveiling the Joys and Challenges of Parenthood with Baby Khai

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have expressed their adoration for their daughter, Khai, who was born in September 2020. Despite their on-and-off relationship since 2015, news of the couple expecting their first child emerged five years later.

The news was confirmed by the individual from Los Angeles in April 2020 when they appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. They expressed their enthusiasm, happiness, and gratitude for the well wishes and support received, although they would have preferred to announce it themselves. At the time, the star, who was pregnant at that point, mentioned having a daily craving for everything bagels.

Zayn, the former member of One Direction, was ecstatic about becoming a father, according to an exclusive source. In May 2020, the insider revealed that Gigi has always held a significant place in Zayn's life, even during times when they were not in a relationship.

Another source shared that Hadid is overjoyed with the prospect of motherhood and thrilled to have Zayn as her partner on this new journey.

The Victoria's Secret model initially concealed her baby bump but started sharing updates in August 2020.

In a caption accompanying her maternity shoot photos, Hadid described the experience as "growing an angel" and expressed gratitude for the love and well wishes she received. She also acknowledged the significance of creating these unique images and cherished the time.

She later posted on Twitter, expressing her love for modeling while pregnant. She had a clear vision for the photos and the team helped make it a reality, although it was more exhausting than regular work. After completing the second look, she jokingly told the team that she could only do two more.

Their baby girl, Khai, was born the following month. The couple chose to subtly reveal Khai's name in Hadid's Instagram bio in January 2021.

Keep scrolling to read Hadid and the X Factor alum’s best quotes about raising their daughter, from having a home birth to asking other celebs for advice.

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Everything Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik Have Said About Parenthood and Raising Baby Khai

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have expressed their love for their daughter, Khai, ever since she was born in September 2020. Despite dating on and off since 2015, the couple's pregnancy news broke five years later, marking the arrival of their first child.

The Los Angeles native announced the news in April 2020 during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. "Although we would have preferred to share the news in our own way, we are thrilled and grateful for all the kind wishes and support," Hadid shared with Jimmy Fallon.

The expectant star also mentioned her strong craving for everything bagels and indulging in one daily.

In May 2020, a source exclusively revealed that the former member of One Direction was filled with joy upon learning that he was going to be a father. According to the insider, Zayn has always cherished Gigi and she has played a significant role in his life. Even during periods when they were not romantically involved, their love for each other still remained strong. Likewise, another source shared at the time that Hadid, too, was ecstatic about embracing motherhood and embarking on this new chapter of her life, with Zayn by her side.

The Victoria's Secret model initially concealed her baby bump but started sharing her journey in August 2020. In a series of maternity shoot pictures, Hadid captioned them as "Growing an angel," expressing her gratitude for the support and well-wishes. She treasures this moment and will always hold these special images close to her heart.

She later posted on Twitter, expressing her love for modeling while pregnant. She mentioned that she had a clear vision for the photoshoot and credited Gab and L&I for making it a reality. However, she admitted that it was more exhausting than regular work. After completing the second look, she joked with the team that she could only handle two more.

Their baby girl, Khai, was born a month later. The couple decided to reveal their daughter's name subtly in Hadid's Instagram bio in January 2021.

Keep scrolling to read Hadid and the X Factor alum's best quotes about raising their daughter, from having a home birth to asking other celebs for advice.

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Welcome Home

"Our daughter has joined us in this world over the weekend and has already had a profound impact on our lives," the new mother wrote alongside Khai's first appearance on Instagram in September 2020. "We are deeply in love."

Her partner also shared his own post, saying, "Our precious baby girl has arrived, she is healthy and absolutely stunning. The overwhelming love I feel for this little human is beyond comprehension. I am grateful to have her in my life, proud to call her mine, and excited for the journey we will embark on together."

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Too Cute

The designer called Khai "the best kid" in January 2021.

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Home Birth

"I think people thought I looked insane," Hadid told Vogue in February 2021. "I appeared like a wild creature. ... What I truly desired from my experience was to feel that this is a natural process women are meant to go through. I had to search within myself. I knew it would be the most intense pain in my life, but you have to let go and accept it, saying, 'This is what it is.' I cherished that. There was definitely a moment when I wondered, 'How different would it be with an epidural?'"

She noted that Malik caught Khai, saying, “It didn’t even click that she was out. I was so exhausted, and I looked up and he’s holding her. It was so cute.”

Credit: Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Singing Her Praises

The songwriter commended the exceptional motherhood skills of Hadid, describing them as "wicked," during a conversation with iHeart Radio's Valentine in the Morning in March 2021. He emphasized her immense support and success in handling all aspects of parenthood. Adjusting to this new phase has been a smooth process for both myself and Gigi. Our daughter Khai has made it effortless for us with her excellent sleeping patterns and love for milk. Currently, our focus revolves around feeding and changing diapers.

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Tips and Tricks

"I think I’ll teach Khai to keep it simple when it comes to makeup, like my mom taught me," Hadid told Harper's Bazaar in June 2021, noting that "less is more."

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Father’s Day

In June 2021, Hadid took to Instagram to wish Malik a happy Father's Day. She expressed her joy for their daughter Khai, stating how lucky she is to have a father who adores her and always goes above and beyond to make her smile. Hadid tagged Malik in her post, also expressing her gratitude for the qualities he has passed on to their child. The message concluded with a declaration of love for him.

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Written Word

"Throughout my pregnancy, I maintained two journals: one, which I affectionately referred to as my 'good journal,' and the other as my 'bad journal,'" the model revealed to Harper's Bazaar in July 2021. "Although not taken literally, they served different purposes. The first one was dedicated to cherishing memories with Khai, while the second one, the 'bad journal,' was a space for unfiltered expression. Perhaps someday, I will gift her the 'bad journal' as a raw testament. It encapsulated my anxieties and days of self-doubt, where I questioned my capabilities as a mother. By segregating these emotions and thoughts, I spared myself from feeling guilt or judgement for having them. The separation offered solace."

Credit: Courtesy Zayn Malik/Instagram

Loving Lyrics

The former boyband member called himself "zaddy" in a leaked song, "Yellow Tape," which hit the internet in September 2021.

Credit: Courtesy of Zayn Malik/Instagram

Keeping Things Private

"I value my privacy and am committed to creating a safe environment for my daughter as she grows up," tweeted the former X Factor UK contestant in October 2021, following reports of a rumored altercation with Yolanda Hadid. "To safeguard that environment, I have chosen not to contest any claims arising from an argument I had with a family member of my partner who entered our home while they were away several weeks ago."

Malik concluded by stating, "While this is a private matter, it unfortunately appears to have been leaked to the press. Despite my efforts to restore a peaceful family environment that allows for effective co-parenting of my daughter, there is currently discord. I remain hopeful that all parties involved can heal from the hurtful words exchanged, and most importantly, I will continue to protect Khai's privacy and ensure she is given the respect she deserves."

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum accused the former One Direction singer of “striking” her, but he later denied the allegation. In an interview with TMZ, he stated that he chooses not to disclose further details for the sake of his daughter. He also expressed his hope that Yolanda would reconsider her false accusations and work towards resolving the family issues privately.

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Winding Down

"I'm trying to learn still, being a mom and letting myself rest," Hadid told InStyle in February 2022 of working motherhood.

Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Baby Genius

“I believe she's truly a prodigy,” Hadid enthusiastically shared with Willie Geist in September 2022. “But I suppose that's what every parent says about their child. The joy keeps multiplying as she becomes more vocal, perceptive, and remembrance kicks in. She is an absolute gift.”

Credit: Courtesy of Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Mom Routine

The designer described her daily morning routine as a mother in a January 2023 interview for WSJ. Magazine’s 2023 Women’s Spring Fashion Issue. She emphasized that her daughter acts as her alarm clock, waking her up at the same time she wakes up.

In addition, Hadid shared that her breakfast and exercise routines are centered around her toddler. She mentioned, "I eat the same food as Khai. I prepare pancakes and sausages for her every day."

The California native playfully remarked that chasing after her child was sufficient exercise for her. "We go for long walks. We even do yoga together," Hadid added. "Between lifting her, running around the whole day, and going to the park, I stay active."

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

British Baby

Hadid discussed the British influence on Khai during an interview with London's Sunday Times. According to her, Khai has adopted certain British traits, much like Malik. In March 2023, Hadid mentioned that Khai had been nourished by a variety of British foods throughout her pregnancy, including breakfast, beans, and curries. Remarkably, Khai still maintains a preference for this cuisine. Additionally, Hadid revealed that Khai occasionally utters certain words with a charming English accent, which Hadid adores.

Credit: Courtesy Gigi Hadid/Instagram

Putting Khai First

Malik expressed his priority of setting a good example for his daughter during a July 2023 episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. He mentioned that he faced anxiety in the past when it came to discussing such matters but wanted his daughter to see him in a positive light. Malik also shared that he and Hadid have equal custody of their daughter and even mentioned that Khai is beginning to display talent in the field of music.