Baby food company Gerber has announced the latest winner of their photo search.
Baby Lucas Warren from Dalton, Georgia won the title of 2018 Gerber Spokesbaby and a $50,000 cash prize.
President and CEO of Gerber, Bill Partyka says Lucas was chosen among more than 140,000 entries.
"Lucas' winning smile and joyful expression won our hearts this year, and we are all thrilled to name him our 2018 Spokesbaby.
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."
Lucas' mom Cortney says her son being the first child with Down syndrome to be chosen to be a Gerber baby is a huge moment for their family.
"This is such a proud moment for us as parents knowing that Lucas has a platform to spread joy, not only to those he interacts with every day, but to people all over the country.
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!"
While others shared Cortney's feelings on the choice, others were quick to point out Gerber's alleged hypocrisy.
Apparently Gerber's sister company, Gerber Life has denied life insurance to babies with Down Syndrome.
Many took to the company's Facebook announcement and commented their distaste.
"So is Gerber going to include babies with Down syndrome in their Life Insurance plan now?My son was denied in 2010. The letter I was sent was really heart warming to a new mom ... it said something like due to the low life expectancy of children with Down syndrome you are denied."
"So you will use him for his cuteness, but deny him life insurance coverage!?! How hypocritical Gerber!"
"Does this mean babies with Down Syndrome will no longer be denied the grow up plan or is he just a cute marketing tool for you to exploit?"
Business Insider says that while Gerber Life Insurance is a separate entity from Gerber, both companies use similar branding and marketing.
Parents of children with Down syndrome have discussed Gerber Life's lack of coverage for kids with Down syndrome on various forums for years. While Gerber Life reviews applications on a case by case basis, several parents claim that the company either denied their children coverage or told them to reapply when their kids were five.
Gerber Life — which, like Gerber, operates under the umbrella of Nestle — told Business Insider that it issues "some policies" that cover children with Down syndrome.