The Bates family is on the verge of expanding yet again as Zach Bates and his wife, Whitney, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their sixth child.
“You know the saying … One’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party, four’s a circus, and five’s a team,” the couple humorously stated in a joint Instagram video shared on September 25. “And six is a whole squad!!!!”
The duo announced that their new bundle of joy is expected to arrive in the spring of 2026.
Zach, the eldest offspring of Bringing Up Bates stars Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, tied the knot with Whitney in 2013. Together, they already have a full house with children Bradley, 11, Kaci, 8, Khloé, 6, Jadon, 3, and Lily Jo, 2.
Congratulations began pouring in on Instagram from Zach’s siblings. Sister Carlin Bates, who recently welcomed her own third baby, was visibly thrilled, exclaiming, “This baby’s joining a powerhouse family! I’M SCREAMING!!!”
Lawson Bates, with his wife Tiffany Bates expecting their second baby, shared the enthusiastic message, “SQUAD GOALS 💪. … LETS GOOOOOOOO 🙌.”
Michaela Bates chimed in positively, saying, “I’m just so excited for you guys! ❤️😍❤️.”
However, the Bates family has recently faced emotional turmoil following the birth of sister Erin Bates‘ seventh child with her husband, Chad Paine. Shortly after delivering baby Henry, Erin, 35, suffered from septic shock due to complications stemming from a UTI and kidney infection.
Chad shared on Instagram shortly thereafter, “Last night, Erin suffered a lengthy and severe seizure. Up until then, her infection had been improving, but we found ourselves once again in a state of heartache, uncertainty, and tears. She is currently in the ICU as doctors run tests to diagnose the cause. Erin is extremely weak, having spent hours only half-conscious.”
He continued to express his deep love and concern, stating, “As her husband, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve faced – sitting by her side, feeling helpless while she suffers. The hours have been long, and I know many people share this heartache along with me. We hold onto faith that healing is on its way, even amidst the unknown.”
Fortunately, Erin was transferred to a different medical facility after about a week, showing signs of recovery. On September 13, she was discharged and joyfully reunited with her children.
In her heartfelt message on Instagram, she expressed gratitude saying, “After almost three weeks in the hospital, I have never been so thankful to finally head home to our babies. We don’t have all the answers yet, and I still don’t have movement in my right leg, but we’re choosing to count every blessing – especially the gift of being together again. Your prayers have carried us through, and we are forever grateful.”
As her recovery continues, Erin has been sharing updates about her family on social media, stating simply, “The best medicine,” alongside a cherished selfie with baby Henry. “I will never get tired of the baby snuggles. Thankful for each new day.”
