There’s a new Gerber baby in town, and he is beyond adorable! Four-month-old Zane Kahin was selected as the new 2021 Gerber baby following the brand’s annual photo contest.
And it’s easy to see why he stood out from among the other 90,000 entries. Baby Zane was selected for his “cheerful attitude, infectious giggles and playful smile that can light up any room.” He’ll also serve in the honorary roles of “chief growing officer” and “chief taste tester” for the year.
According to his mom, Zane has a lively personality and loves laughing in his bouncer and spending time with his “fur siblings,” 10-year-old Rexy and 3-year-old Liv. “Zane is our little comedian — he loves to crack himself up and even wakes up laughing,” his mom, Erin Kahin, said in a press release.
The Winter Park, Florida native’s parents, Erin and Mike, were surprised with the news live on air. He’ll receive $25,000, free Gerber products for a year, and a whole new set of clothes valued at $1,000.
But there’s another angle to this story that’s especially heartwarming – as a 27-year-old single woman, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her chemotherapy treatments, radiation, and a double mastectomy put into question her ability to have children.
“On February 3, 2021, our shining light Zane came into our lives – beating all odds,” Erika shared in the press release. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27 years old and a newly single woman, my doctors were unsure how the impact of chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy would impact my ability to have children. After getting married to my husband over a year ago, we surprisingly conceived naturally and had a near perfect pregnancy. Our family continues to enjoy every moment and look at life with appreciation and a sense of humor.”
The start of Zane’s 2021 Gerber baby term means it’s the end of an era for sweet Magnolia Earl, a California toddler who was selected as the Gerber Baby in 2020. She was the first adopted baby to hold the title.
