Health

This year's Gerber baby has Down syndrome

A one-year-old boy from Georgia, who has Down syndrome, is named as this year's "spokesbaby" for Gerber.

Mom hopes for increase in acceptance of special-needs kids

This September 2017 photo shows 14-month-old Lucas Warren of Dalton, Ga. Lucas' contagious smile won over executives at Gerber baby food who have made him their 'spokesbaby' this year. (Courtesy Warren family/Gerber/Associated Press)

One-year-old Lucas Warren's contagious smile won over executives at Gerber baby food who have made him their "spokesbaby" this year.

Lucas is Gerber's first spokesbaby with Down syndrome in the company's 91-year history.

His photo was chosen out of more than 140,000 submissions. He will receive $50,000 US, and the Dalton, Ga., boy's image will be featured in the company's social media posts.

Lucas' mom, Cortney Warren, said she hopes this will help increase the acceptance of special needs kids.