Dylan Sprouse has opened up about watching his wife, model Barbara Palvin, give birth to their first child, admitting the experience left him with a new appreciation for what women endure during labour.
The actor has now shared more details about becoming a father, including the moment he watched Palvin go through childbirth and his immediate reaction to the experience. His comments come just days after the couple announced the arrival of their baby girl—and revealed her name as Sylvie Sprouse.
Sprouse discussed the birth on the 29 September episode of his Wildmen podcast, where he also opened up about bonding with his newborn daughter and adjusting to life as a first-time dad.
Dylan Sprouse Praises Barbara Palvin After Birth
Reflecting on watching Palvin give birth, Sprouse said: 'Women are definitely the tougher sex', putting the focus firmly on what he witnessed his wife go through during the arrival of their daughter.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Palvin's water broke at home before the couple made their way to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. A doula was also involved before they headed to the hospital, with Sprouse describing the eventual delivery as a smooth and healthy experience.
He revealed that Sylvie weighed 7.8-lbs at birth and was described by the doctor as long. Sprouse also joked about which of the baby's features she may have inherited from her parents, adding a lighter note to his account of an otherwise major life moment.
His comments offer a glimpse into the couple's experience behind their carefully chosen public announcement, while also highlighting the admiration he has expressed for Palvin since becoming a father.
Meet Sylvie Sprouse
The birth details arrived alongside another major reveal: the couple's daughter finally has a name.
One day after announcing that they had welcomed their first child, Sprouse introduced her publicly as Sylvie during the latest episode of Wildmen.
'She's very lovely. Her name is Sylvie,' he said, before confirming her full name as 'Sylvie Sprouse'. He also described his daughter as a 'very well-behaved baby'.
The name reveal followed the couple's 28 September announcement, which featured their first family photograph. Sprouse and Palvin were pictured from behind holding their newborn daughter as they watched a Los Angeles Dodgers game, with all three wearing Dodgers jerseys.
The couple captioned the photograph: 'We took Labour Day literally this year', appearing to reference the timing of their daughter's arrival around the US Labour Day holiday.
From 'Principessa' to Sylvie
Sylvie's name is a change from the affectionate nickname Sprouse and Palvin had been using during the pregnancy.
When the couple revealed in July that they were expecting a baby girl, Sprouse said they had been calling her 'principessa', which is Italian for princess. At the time, he said he was excited about becoming a girl dad while the couple admitted they were still deciding on a permanent name.
That mystery has now been resolved, with Sprouse introducing their daughter as Sylvie just weeks after her reported arrival.
The couple had confirmed their pregnancy in May after Palvin debuted her baby bump during an appearance with Sprouse at the Cannes Film Festival.
Dylan Sprouse Embraces Fatherhood
While childbirth has given Sprouse a fresh perspective on his wife's strength, much of his latest conversation has centred on the joy he is finding in fatherhood.
He described moments when he looks at Sylvie and feels that becoming a dad is 'the coolest thing ever', particularly when she opens her eyes, looks at him and smiles.
Sprouse has also revealed that he is enjoying the more playful side of having a daughter, including dressing her in little outfits. He has joked about the less glamorous realities of newborn life, but his comments have consistently reflected his excitement about getting to know his daughter.
For Palvin, the arrival of Sylvie marks a new chapter alongside an established fashion career. The Hungarian model has worked with major fashion houses and became a Victoria's Secret Angel, while continuing to appear at major international fashion and entertainment events.
A New Chapter for the Couple
Sprouse and Palvin married in July 2023 in Hungary, Palvin's home country, after beginning their relationship in 2018. Their wedding took place at her parents' property, with the couple later planning a larger celebration in California.
Now, the couple are settling into life as a family of three, with Sylvie already at the centre of their public updates.
For Sprouse, however, watching Palvin give birth appears to have been just as significant as becoming a father himself. His description of women as 'definitely the tougher sex' gives the headline its emotional centre, while the arrival and naming of Sylvie adds a fresh milestone to the couple's growing family story.
