Gerber Baby Model Program Overview
The Gerber Baby Model Search is a long-running annual contest run by Gerber Products Company to select an infant face for use on product packaging and marketing. The program selects one national Gerber baby each year, with the winner receiving a cash prize, a year of Gerber products, and professional photo sessions. The contest is open to infants who meet specific age and residency requirements, and applications are submitted through the official Gerber website Gerber Baby Model Search.
Gerber Products Company, a subsidiary of Nestlé, has run the baby model search since 1978, making it one of the longest-running brand baby contests in consumer goods. The national winner gains significant media exposure, and the image is used on Gerber baby food jars, cereals, and other packaged products in the United States. The program is distinct from modeling agencies and is not a professional modeling contract, but it does provide a one-time cash award and product prizes to the selected family.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
To enter the Gerber Baby Model Search, infants must be between 6 and 12 months old at the time of entry and must be legal residents of the United States. Parents or legal guardians submit a digital photo and entry form through the official Gerber website during the open application window. Entries are judged on criteria such as smile, overall appearance, and personality, and the contest is free to enter. The selection process typically involves multiple rounds of public voting and judging by Gerber representatives.
Key Entry Rules
Each child may submit only one entry per contest year, and the child must not have previously won the Gerber Baby Model Search. Gerber reserves the right to verify age and residency, and winners must sign a release agreement allowing Gerber to use the child's name, image, and likeness for promotional purposes. The official rules and eligibility details are published on the Gerber website Gerber Baby Model Search Official Rules.
Compensation and Prizes for the Gerber Baby
The national Gerber baby winner receives a cash prize, a year's supply of Gerber products, and a professional photo session with a nationally recognized photographer. The cash award has historically been reported in the range of $50,000, but exact amounts can vary by year and are subject to change. In addition, the winning family receives travel expenses for the photo shoot and promotional appearances, and the baby's image is featured on Gerber packaging for a one-year period.
Additional Benefits
Runners-up and finalists may receive smaller prizes, including Gerber product packages and gift cards. The winning baby and family are also featured in Gerber marketing campaigns, including digital ads, social media content, and in-store displays. While the Gerber baby contest does not function as a long-term modeling career, it can lead to media coverage and public recognition for the child and family. The program is managed directly by Gerber Products Company, and all prize details are confirmed in the official contest rules Gerber Baby Model Search.