Lucas Warren is making baby history. The 2018 Gerber Baby was just named, and Baby Lucas is not only the new cutest face of the industry but also the first ever Gerber Baby with Down syndrome. This eighteen-month-old from Dalton, Georgia is stealing the hearts of many and bringing awareness to the value children with Down syndrome have in our society.

The giggly bundle of joy was chosen out of 140,000 submissions from across the United States. “Every year, we choose the baby who best exemplifies Gerber’s longstanding heritage of recognizing that every baby is a Gerber baby, and this year, Lucas is the perfect fit,” Bill Partyka, Gerber’s president and CEO said in a press release. Gerber’s goal in all of this is to promote positive social acceptance for those with disabilities and honor all these individuals have to offer.

Cortney Warren, mother of Baby Lucas, said she entered his photo not really thinking there was a chance, but she is so thrilled to see her son as the new Spokesbaby, “We hope this opportunity sheds light on the special needs community and educates people that with acceptance and support, individuals with special needs have the potential to change the world — just like our Lucas.”

Former Gerber babies also rallied together to celebrate Lucas as the new Spokesbaby. Riley, the 2017 Spokesbaby threw a party for Baby Lucas by setting up a bunch of colorful balloons, streamers, and a sign that congratulated him. Isla, the 2016 Spokesbaby, also welcomed Baby Lucas to the Gerber family with a cute congratulations sign. While they may no longer be little babies anymore, the cuteness overload was enough to make people swoon a little extra.

Baby Lucas and his giggly personality is contagious. “He is proving that children with Down syndrome are just like you and me,” says Dr. Manny Alvarez.  By choosing to celebrate diversity, Gerber is honoring the special needs population and challenging the norm. Thank you, Gerber, for utilizing your platform to advocate the universal love and acceptance those with Down syndrome deserve. To see more of Baby Lucas, stay tuned into Gerber’s social media pages and Gerber ads featuring him throughout the year!