The search for the 2026 Gerber baby is underway: How to nominate your little one

WASHINGTON — The search is on for a new Gerber Baby and this year the contest is featuring an even bigger prize than before and will crown two winners. 

After skipping the photo contest for 2025, Gerber announced this week that its photo search is back for 2026. The theme – “Behind the Baby” – is meant to celebrate not just babies but also “the parents behind the messy, magical everyday moments.” 

Parents and their babies, up to 3 years old, can win $50,000. 

Plus, for the first time since the photo search launched 16 years ago, there will be a new category for kids 3 to 5-years old with a $10,000 prize up for grabs. 

Parents can submit photos of their child, along with their written submission, on Gerber’s website through April 12, 2026. 

According to Gerber’s announcement, the photo should show an everyday moment that highlights your baby’s natural emotion and personality in a clear, expressive way. The written submission, up to 200 words, should share the story behind the moment in the photo and share why it’s special, how it reflects the joys of parenthood and why the moment deserves to be celebrated. 

The 2026 Gerber Baby – between the ages of 0 to 36 months – will receive a $50,000 cash prize and $2,000 in Gerber clothing. 

The “older” winner – between ages 37 to 60 months – will get $10,000 and $500 in Gerber clothing. 

The last Gerber photo search happened in 2024, when Akil McLeod, affectionately known as “Sonny,” was crowned the winner. 

“Being part of Photo Search was such a joyful experience for our family,” shared Dominique McLeod, Sonny’s mom. “Gerber didn’t just celebrate a photo, they celebrated our story. I love that this year’s search includes parents, because it reflects what the early years are really like: full of real, messy, beautiful moments we’re all navigating together.”