Meet Lucas, the First Gerber Baby with Down Syndrome

Get ready for a HUGE dose of cute. Gerber has just announced its next “Gerber Baby.” His name is Lucas Warren, he’s 18-months old, and the internet can’t get enough of him.

Gerber has been holding its annual contest for its infamous “spokesbaby” since the 1920s, and this year is the first year that the winner has Down syndrome. Lucas was chosen from among 140,000 entrants.

The company aims to choose a baby who exemplifies the notion that every baby is a Gerber baby:

"Every year, we choose the baby who best exemplifies Gerber's longstanding heritage of recognizing that every baby is a Gerber baby," said Partyka. "This year, Lucas is the perfect fit." https://t.co/fvfB4fCbSy

— Vanessa Santos (@VanessaOblinger) February 7, 2018

Lucas got a lot of support for his new, important role:

"He may have Down syndrome, but he's always Lucas first." ICYMI: The 2018 Gerber baby is Lucas, an adorable 1-year-old, who is the first child with Down syndrome to be named a #Gerberbaby since the contest started.https://t.co/k9KNuZciwT

— Global Down Syndrome (@GDSFoundation) February 7, 2018

Choosing a baby with Down syndrome will undoubtedly have a positive impact in ways we can’t yet even imagine.

“We're hoping this will shed a little bit of light on the special needs community and help more individuals with special needs be accepted…. They have the potential to change the world, just like everybody else.”https://t.co/m82gJnH9vM

— Ashley McKinless (@AshleyMcKinless) February 7, 2018

My brother will be 32 Saturday and has Down Syndrome. Loved seeing beautiful baby Lucas become the next #gerberbaby on @TODAYshow !! Seeing the acceptance and love for those with DS grow from where it was 32 years ago makes my heart so incredibly happy!!! 💙💛 #DownSyndrome https://t.co/wYOBto2JnH

— nιcσℓє cαяσℓιnє (@nikgenovese) February 7, 2018

When a large, recognizable company like Gerber embraces people with disabilities, it can change the public’s perception:

https://twitter.com/NoSaint915/status/961275457046900737

Baby Lucas will be featured on Gerber’s social media, and he will receive a $50,000 award for winning the photo contest.

There is no way around it: Lucas has an infectious smile and joy about him, and a twinkle in his eye. He no doubt embodies what it means to be a Gerber baby, and his parents hope that he will someday be proud when he looks back at this moment of his life.

Meet the first Gerber baby with Down syndrome; his name is Lucas! https://t.co/RymRbTeVL9 pic.twitter.com/vYiRLYeHAX

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 7, 2018