Introducing the new Gerber baby for 2024: Meet 'Sonny' from Arizona.

The newest Gerber baby has been crowned.

Gerber's 14th annual Photo Search contest has crowned Akil "Sonny" McLeod from Arizona as the winner.

For the first time ever, the selection committee for Gerber babies was made up of parents of previous Gerber babies, and Sonny was the one who caught their attention, as stated in a press release from the company.

The photo that best embodied Sonny's name was one where he was wearing a bright yellow outfit and had a toy sun in the background.

Gerber will showcase Sonny on their social media platforms and marketing campaigns as the 2021 winner.

According to the company, the McLeod family received $25,000 in cash, a year's worth of free Gerber products, a new wardrobe from Gerber Childrenswear, and prizes from other early childhood brands.

"Sonny immediately captured our hearts with his joyful smile and his family's heartwarming demonstration of what it means to grow with love."

Gerber declared that it will match Sonny's cash reward with a contribution to aid March of Dimes' maternal and infant health initiative.

In a statement, Chandra Kumar, president of Nestlé Nutrition in Virginia, expressed gratitude to the former Gerber Baby families who participated in selecting Sonny as the 2024 Gerber Baby after 14 incredible years of Photo Search.

"Our hearts were captured by Sonny's joyful smile and his family's heartwarming demonstration of love," she said.

The McLeod family responded to their son being chosen as the new Gerber baby in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Akil McLeod Sr., Sonny's father, exclaimed, "It's unbelievable! He's like a mini-celebrity with all the stuff being sent to our house.""

"He exclaimed, 'It's just amazing! It's a blessing. And he's so happy. I love this stage for him.'"

Dominique McLeod, Sonny's mother, acknowledged that her son's victory has resulted in numerous benefits, including awards and philanthropic contributions.

In addition to his previous donation, Gerber contributed an additional $5,000 to M.A.N.C.A.V.E., a fatherhood program developed in partnership between the Greater Phoenix Urban League, the City of Phoenix, and My Brother's Keeper, in honor of the McLeod family.

"Because we have a cute baby," Dominique McLeod said, laughing.

Sonny McLeod, who turned 1 year old on June 20, is always happy and loves to eat, according to his parents.

To distinguish the baby from his father, Akil McLeod, Sr., the family gave him a nickname.

""We've been going with that ever since the day we were lying in bed and the sun just peeked through the window right on my belly so perfectly, and I was like, ‘Oh, Sonny,’" his mother said."

Dominique McLeod entered her son in the contest after receiving several comments about his resemblance to the Gerber baby.

Sonny has secured the "Gerber baby" title, but his parents have allowed him to pursue his dreams as he matures.

"I pray it's something impactful for the world."

His mother stated, "All I want is for him and our daughter to understand that this world is theirs to shape as they see fit."

"I hope it has a positive impact on the world. I hope it makes a difference. However, I never want to limit their abilities."

"If he informed me, "Mom, I aspire to become an astronaut," I would reach out to NASA and determine the steps necessary to turn that aspiration into a reality."

Akil McLeod emphasized the importance of supporting each child’s dreams.

"He stated, "I understand how it feels when family or friends do not support a dream or goal." He added, "I never want him to experience that feeling.""