Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s Journey into Parenthood: A Timeline of Their Relationship
It’s been an eventful ride for supermodel Gigi Hadid and former One Direction member Zayn Malik as they navigated their on-again, off-again relationship over the years. The couple welcomed their daughter, Khai, in September 2020, marking a new chapter in their lives.
After five years of dating, Hadid confirmed her pregnancy with Malik during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in April 2020. Despite not being able to announce it on their own terms, the couple expressed their excitement and gratitude for the well-wishes and support they received.
Malik shared the news of Khai’s arrival via Instagram in September 2020, posting a heartfelt black-and-white image of their daughter’s tiny hand in his. The caption expressed his overwhelming love and gratitude for their newborn, setting the tone for their journey into parenthood.
As Khai’s first birthday approached, Gigi subtly revealed her daughter’s name by updating her Instagram bio to read “Khai’s mom.” This small gesture sparked excitement among fans who had been eagerly awaiting details about the couple’s life with their baby girl.
Gigi Hadid’s Raw Experience with Home Birth
In a candid interview with Vogue in February 2021, Gigi opened up about her intense home birth experience. Describing herself as an “animal woman” during labor, she embraced the natural process of childbirth and surrendered to the pain, ultimately finding empowerment in the journey.
She shared that Malik played a crucial role in the birth, catching Khai as she entered the world. Gigi expressed her exhaustion but also the joy of seeing her partner holding their daughter for the first time, creating a precious memory in the midst of the chaos.
Zayn Malik’s Perspective on Parenthood
Speaking on iHeartRadio’s Valentine in the Morning in March 2021, Malik praised Gigi’s motherhood skills and highlighted how seamlessly they had transitioned into parenthood. He appreciated the ease with which they had embraced their new roles, with Khai making it simple for them to adjust to the changes in their lives.
Both Gigi and Zayn emphasized the importance of putting Khai first and ensuring that she was the priority in their lives. Despite their breakup in 2021, the couple has continued to maintain a strong coparenting relationship, focusing on creating a loving and supportive environment for their daughter.
Gigi Hadid’s Reflections on Motherhood
Throughout her journey as a mother, Gigi has been candid about her fears and anxieties, sharing her thoughts in a journal that documented both the highs and lows of motherhood. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in July 2021, she discussed the importance of being honest about her emotions and experiences, embracing the challenges and joys of raising Khai.
As Khai grows and develops, Gigi has marveled at her daughter’s intelligence and personality, referring to her as a “genius” during an interview in September 2022. She expressed her joy in watching Khai learn and explore the world around her, highlighting the blessings of parenthood.
Coparenting and Putting Khai First
Despite their busy schedules, both Gigi and Zayn have made it a priority to ensure that Khai remains the focus of their lives. Gigi revealed in a Net-a-Porter interview that she schedules her work around Khai’s time with Malik, maximizing their time together as a family.
Zayn echoed this sentiment in a Vogue cover story in March 2025, emphasizing the love and camaraderie that defines their coparenting relationship. The couple plans their custody schedule well in advance, prioritizing Khai’s well-being and ensuring that she receives the love and support she needs.
As Gigi and Zayn continue to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood, their dedication to Khai remains unwavering, setting a positive example for their daughter and demonstrating their commitment to raising her in a loving and nurturing environment.
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have always been a private couple, choosing to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight as much as possible. However, in a recent interview, Hadid opened up about their co-parenting relationship and how they support each other.
“That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t change here and there, but we help each other out and have each other’s backs,” Hadid said. The model emphasized the importance of supporting each other and working together to raise their daughter, Khai, with respect and love.
While they may not always see eye to eye, Malik shared a funny anecdote about a disagreement they had over their daughter. After he gave Khai money for losing her first tooth, Hadid jokingly scolded him for spoiling their daughter. Malik defended his actions, saying that as a hardworking parent, he should be able to give his child what he wants.
Despite their occasional disagreements, Hadid and Malik are committed to co-parenting their daughter and providing her with a loving and supportive environment. They may not share every detail of their relationship with the world, but their priority is raising Khai together and navigating the ups and downs of parenthood as a team.
Their story serves as a reminder that co-parenting is a journey filled with challenges and rewards, but ultimately, it is about putting the needs of the child first. Hadid and Malik may have their differences, but their commitment to each other and their daughter shines through in their actions and words.
