From OpenAI to Overnight Diapers: How Sam Altman Embraced Fatherhood with AI
When Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, welcomed his first child, he didn’t just turn to books or blogs for guidance—he went straight to the source: ChatGPT. In a revealing conversation on OpenAI’s podcast, Altman shared how becoming a father has transformed his relationship with the AI he helped build, calling himself “extremely kid-pilled” and relying on ChatGPT almost daily for parenting advice.
Whether it was decoding a late-night cry or checking if a feeding schedule was normal, Altman described the experience as both “beautiful” and intense. He admitted to asking ChatGPT questions constantly during the first weeks of his son’s life. This reliance on AI for real-time support illustrates a new frontier: AI for parents is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s now a deeply personal, practical reality.
How does ChatGPT help with baby care?
According to Altman, ChatGPT became his go-to guide for everything from sleep patterns to developmental milestones. He likened the experience to having a “parenting partner” on call 24/7, particularly useful during those sleep-deprived early mornings when answers can’t wait.
While parenting forums and search engines have long served as lifelines, Altman highlighted how conversational AI adds an extra layer of immediacy. Instead of sifting through pages of outdated advice, new parents can now ask specific, tailored questions and receive responses in seconds.
Still, Altman was clear-eyed about the tool’s limitations. “It still hallucinates,” he noted, referencing AI’s tendency to occasionally produce incorrect or fabricated information. His message to fellow parents? Use ChatGPT as a supplement, not a substitute, for professional medical or developmental guidance.
What does this reveal about our relationship with AI?
Altman’s story reflects a larger societal shift: AI is becoming not only a work companion but a life companion. And with this evolution comes a complex set of responsibilities. One of Altman’s primary concerns is the rise of parasocial relationships between children and AI, where kids could form emotional bonds with digital entities rather than human ones.
To counter this, Altman stressed the need for ethical guardrails. He envisions a future where tools like ChatGPT will support, not replace, core human interactions. While he acknowledged the irony that his child “may never be smarter than AI,” he remained optimistic that his son will grow up with an edge—enhanced by technology but not defined by it.
Another key insight? Altman emphasized that parenting in the age of AI still demands critical thinking. Trust in the tech must be balanced with healthy skepticism. “It should be the tech that you don’t trust that much,” he said in a candid moment, reinforcing the importance of human judgment in high-stakes decisions.
Should more parents consider AI tools like ChatGPT?
The short answer: yes—but with caveats. For new parents, AI offers instant access to a wealth of information, personalized responses, and emotional support during high-stress periods. But as Altman’s example shows, responsible use is key.
Rather than replacing pediatricians or parenting classes, ChatGPT can serve as a helpful co-pilot. Whether you’re wondering about introducing solid foods or troubleshooting a sleep regression, the AI can offer suggestions grounded in aggregated data and user behavior. However, no digital assistant can replicate the nuance of lived experience or professional expertise.
Altman’s journey is ultimately a reminder of AI’s potential to enrich our lives without overshadowing them. As he continues navigating fatherhood, his openness may pave the way for more families to embrace technology with both curiosity and caution.
So, will the next generation grow up smarter or simply more connected? Altman seems to believe it’s the latter—and that, with the right guardrails, it could be a very good thing.
