2026 Gerber Photo Search: Celebrating Parenthood and Everyday Moments
Gerber has announced the return of its annual photo contest, the '2026 Gerber Photo Search: Behind the Baby,' after skipping it in 2025. The contest aims to celebrate the special moments of parenthood and honor both babies and parents who make everyday moments memorable. Families across the United States are encouraged to submit their real-life moments capturing the joys of parenting for a chance to have their baby named the 2026 Gerber Baby.
The 2026 Gerber Photo Search officially opened for entries on March 2 and will accept submissions until April 12. Parents of children under 3 years old can participate by submitting a photo and a written submission that complement each other and showcase a heartfelt moment. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States and Puerto Rico who are over 18 years old and are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 60 months old.
For the first time, Gerber has introduced a new category for kids aged 3 to 5 years old, sponsored by Get’ems! from Gerber. Parents and their children in this age group have the opportunity to win a $10,000 prize and $500 from Gerber Childrenswear. The process to participate in this category is the same as for the main Photo Search contest, and entries can be submitted through the designated website.
Prizes for the 2026 Gerber Photo Search include cash rewards and other exciting opportunities for the winners. The last Gerber Photo Search took place in 2024, where Akil McLeod was named the 2024 Gerber Baby. The toddler, known as "Sonny," hails from Arizona and enjoys playing with toy cars and watching football with his family. Sonny's mom expressed joy in being part of the photo search, highlighting the celebration of their family's story by Gerber.
The iconic Gerber Baby face has been a symbol of the brand since 1928 when a simple sketch of Ann Turner Cook won a contest and became the official trademark. Today, parents continue to enter their children in the annual Gerber Baby Photo Search, which started in 2010. The first winner, Mercy Townsend, was announced in 2011, and winners have had the opportunity to feature in Gerber advertisements and receive scholarship funds. The Gerber Baby remains a beloved figure that represents the brand's commitment to celebrating parenthood and everyday moments.