The instant a child is born, not only is life brought into this world, but all of the lives surrounding the little one are instantly changed. Few moments in life are as moving as when moms give birth and meet their baby for the first time … but what about dads? Although this initial meet-and-greet between father and infant is rarely as celebrated, it’s just as emotional. The experience almost can’t be explained in words, but these photos of dads meeting their babies for the first time capture the ecstasy and intensity of birth. You have to see the sacred bond of father and child to really understand it.

From crying to laughing to showing an incredible outer calm, dads emotions upon meeting their sons and daughters are truly a site to behold.

And so, without further ado, here are 15 Heart-Melting Images Of Dads Meeting Their Babies For The First Time.

1. Pure Joy

This photo marks a father’s first time holding his child, and everything about the photo indicates he’s totally enamored with his little one. He cradles the baby in his arms, gazing at them with a mesmerized smile.

2. Homecoming King

The soldier clutches the young baby tightly in a wonderful hug, his face strained and his eyes shut tightly with what appears to be the most intense sort of sobbing cry.

It is not always the moment of birth at which a father is able to meet his own son or daughter, which is something that is very interesting and moving to consider for me, personally, as a mother who was lucky enough to have her husband present and engaged at both of two childbirths so far.

Now before I start crying, too, let’s lighten it up by checking out how similar the dad and baby’s hairstyles are, if you think about it for a second…

3. Love At First Sight

The emotion is palpable in this shot by Ashley of Hello Full Spectrum Birth Services, where a father looks at his child while his partner holds their new baby just seconds after he or she came into the world. The dad seems close to tears as he angles his body towards his family, and everything about the image conveys how much love this couple has for their little bundle.

4. Popping Up To Say Hello

Just moments after the water birth, this baby is welcomed by ecstatic and clearly excited parents, who both wear similarly open-mouthed expressions on their faces. The dad’s hand rests supportively on his partner’s shoulder as he leans in close to get a good look at the little one who has just arrived on the scene. Both are completely focused in on the little person before them, whom the mother holds securely under the arms with two hands, likely having just pulled her child out for the final few inches of that grand and glorious exit.

5. First Kiss

This sweet photo, taken by Lisa Lord, highlights a private moment between father and son just minutes after he was born. Dad gently kisses his baby’s fingers, treating him with the utmost care while hospital staff cleans him up. Their faces are turned towards one another, love flowing between father and son.

6. The Big Moment

This photo, captured by Norma Hess of Norma Hess Photography, shows a father seeing his child comes into the world. The father looks on as the baby breathes in the world, and his outstretched arms show how much he already wants to have his child close to him.

7. The End Of A Journey

“This was this couple’s first girl and their last baby. It was also their first home birth, and it just all came together for them,” the photographer shared regarding the story behind the moving image, according to HuffingtonPost.com. “There was so much love in the room. This baby is daddy’s little girl for sure.”

8. Welcome baby to this world by his own way

In this photo taken by Kayla Gonzales of Austin Birth Photos, a father cheers as his partner brings their baby into the world. He has his mouth open in happiness and amazement, his arms are stretched wide as if he’s trying to make room in the world for his little one, and his eyes are locked on the new baby.

9. Cradled Close

Daniela Justus gives us the opportunity to witness the exact moment a family comes together in this picture taken just seconds after birth. Dad wraps both his baby and his partner in his arms, smiling into them both in an expression of utter relief.

These images highlight the beautiful and powerful relationship between father and child from the moment the newborn enters their life, providing visual proof of the instant connection when words fail. Do you have more to share? Send them to us!