Does The Gerber Baby Still Get Paid? The Surprising Truth

The 2024 Gerber Baby, also known as their Chief Growing Officer, will receive a $25,000 cash prize, a new wardrobe from Gerber’s baby clothing brand, and a year’s worth of Gerber products. They’ll also be featured in social media posts and marketing campaigns for Gerber throughout the year.

It’s important to remember that while the Gerber Baby receives these benefits, the original Gerber Baby, Ann Turner Cook, did not receive any ongoing payments for her iconic image. The company chose her photo for their brand back in 1928, and while her image has been used on countless products and marketing materials over the decades, she didn’t receive any royalties or ongoing compensation. She did, however, receive a one-time payment of $50 for the initial use of her photo. This was standard practice for baby photos in those days, and there was no expectation of future payments.

However, it’s fascinating to note that Cook’s image has become so iconic that it’s estimated to be worth millions of dollars. Her photo has been plastered on everything from baby food jars to clothing to advertising billboards. While she doesn’t receive any financial benefit from these continued uses, her image has become synonymous with Gerber and is recognized worldwide. It’s a testament to the power of a single image and its ability to transcend generations.