Meet Akil ‘Sonny’ McLeod, Gerber Baby’s Newest Face

Gerber officially announced Akil “Sonny” McLeod as the winner of its 14th annual photo search on Tuesday. Sonny, a one-year-old from Arizona, will be the face of the iconic brand for 2024.

Background and Family

Sonny lives in Arizona with his parents, Dominque and Akil McLeod Sr., and his older sister, Sage. According to a release from Gerber, Sonny enjoys reading his squishy ABC book, playing with toy cars, and watching football with his family.

Parents’ Statement

Sonny’s mother, Dominque McLeod, shared her happiness in a press statement: “It’s a pleasure to witness Sonny reach so many small milestones every day, from laughing to attempting new foods to standing up and all in between. He makes everyone around him happy and is a beacon of light in our life. Being selected as the 2024 Gerber Baby is the best way we could have imagined to celebrate his first birthday. Working with Gerber to spread his charming grin to families throughout the nation, we are excited for all the adventures that lie ahead in the upcoming year.”

Selection Process

A group of parents of past Gerber Babies and Gerber staff selected Sonny. “This year, after 14 incredible years of Photo Search, we are grateful our former Gerber Baby families could join us in selecting Sonny as our 2024 Gerber Baby,” said Chandra Kumar, President of Nestlé Infant Nutrition. He added, “With his infectious smile and his family’s heartwarming example of what it means to develop with love, Sonny won our hearts right away.”

Additional Winners

Sonny was chosen as this year’s Gerber Baby, but Gerber also revealed that ten other infants will get recognition for “Inchstone” milestones. Throughout the year, these memories will be shared on the brand’s social media platforms.

Prizes and Recognition

Sonny and his family won a new outfit from Gerber Childrenswear, free Gerber goods for up to a year, and a $25,000 cash reward for being the 2024 Gerber Baby. Other firms will also award them with rewards. Throughout the year, Sonny will also appear in marketing efforts and on Gerber’s social media platforms.