The latest Gerber Baby has been announced.
Akil “Sonny” McLeod from Arizona has won Gerber’s 14th annual Photo Search contest.
Sonny stood out to the selection committee, which was uniquely composed of parents of previous Gerber babies for the first time, as noted in the company’s press release.
The winning photo features Sonny in a bright yellow outfit with a toy sun in the background, symbolizing his name.
As this year’s winner, Sonny will be showcased on Gerber’s social media and in their marketing campaigns throughout the year.
“Sonny won us over with his joyful smile and his family’s touching display of love and growth,” the company stated.
Gerber will also donate an amount equal to Sonny’s cash prize to the March of Dimes’ maternal and infant health program.
Chandra Kumar, president of Nestlé Nutrition (which owns Gerber), said, “After 14 years of our Photo Search, we’re thrilled that former Gerber Baby families could help us select Sonny as our 2024 Gerber Baby.”
“Sonny’s joyful smile and his family’s warm display of love truly touched us,” she said.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, the McLeod family shared their excitement about Sonny being named the new Gerber Baby.
“It’s incredible,” said Sonny’s father, Akil McLeod Sr. “He’s becoming quite the little celebrity, with packages arriving at our house all the time.”
“It’s amazing,” he continued. “It feels like a blessing, and Sonny is just so happy. I really cherish this stage of his life.”
Sonny’s mother, Dominique McLeod, agreed, noting that their son’s win has led to numerous prizes and even charitable contributions.
In addition to the prizes, Gerber made a $5,000 donation to M.A.N.C.A.V.E., a fatherhood initiative developed in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Urban League, the City of Phoenix, and My Brother’s Keeper, in honor of the McLeod family.
“All of this because we have a cute baby,” Dominique McLeod said with a laugh.
Sonny McLeod, who celebrated his first birthday on June 20, “loves to eat” and is always in high spirits, according to his parents.
The family chose Sonny’s nickname to distinguish him from his father, Akil McLeod Sr.
“One day, while we were lying in bed, the sun shone through the window perfectly onto my belly, and I thought, ‘Oh, Sonny,’” his mother recalled. “We decided to use that name from then on.”
Dominique McLeod mentioned that she received several comments about how Sonny resembled the Gerber baby, which inspired her to enter him in the contest.
Although Sonny has won the title of Gerber Baby, his parents believe he should have the freedom to pursue any path he chooses as he grows up.
“I hope he finds something that makes a positive impact on the world,” his mother said. “I want both him and our daughter to know that they can shape their future however they wish. I hope they achieve something meaningful, but I don’t want to limit their possibilities.”
“If Sonny ever tells me, ‘Mom, I want to be an astronaut,’ I’d look into how we can support that dream, even if it means reaching out to NASA,” Akil McLeod said.
He stressed the importance of backing each child’s aspirations.
“I understand what it’s like to face a lack of support from family or friends when pursuing a goal,” he added. “I never want Sonny to experience that.”