Gerber Canada has selected Baby Nyles as its 2023 spokesbaby, making him the first Black baby boy to win the cherished title.
Nyles is the official winner of this year’s Canadian Gerber Photo Search and the organization’s second-ever Chief Growing Officer.
Back in 2021, a Black baby girl named Promise Makayla won the contest and was awarded the title Gerber Canada Spokesbaby.
Famously known as “the smiliest baby,” Nyles is the all-around people person, as he brings a smile to everyone’s faces wherever he goes.
The Whitby-born baby celebrated his first birthday earlier this year on Jan. 9.
Parents Chantel Malcolm-Henry and Peter Henry say they felt shocked when they heard the news.
“Every parent thinks their kid is the cutest and every kid who made it into the top ten of the contest each had a special story to share!” they said in a statement to Now Toronto.
“We are just so grateful that our son has been so well received and so welcomed just for being himself – a bright-eyed, brilliant baby boy who is even more beautiful on the inside than he is on the outside,” they added.
The Henry’s say this win is especially important and meaningful to the Black community.
“We didn’t grow up in a world where Black was always seen as beautiful, and the fact that Nyles won out of thousands proves to us and other Black families that we’re making positive strides in the right direction,” they explained.
Since word of Nyles spread, the family has had several parents, especially from Black and parents of colour, send in their support and heart warming messages.
“We believe it’s so important for kids, especially kids of colour, to see people who look like them highlighted positively in the foreground. It helps them build confidence and the understanding that no matter your background, race, or culture, just being you is enough,” they said.
ABOUT BABY NYLES
Though Nyles is new to the world, he is already well-travelled. He’s been to eight countries so far, but nevertheless, his favourite place to be is his grandparents’ house for ice cream, according to his bio online.
Nestle Baby says Nyles also enjoys going to his local library and reading books about diversity and dinosaurs in his spare time. In addition, he is an aspiring musician who loves to play drums with his dad.
The Canadian Gerber Spokesbaby is perfect for the role, as Nestle says he is fond of all food, but especially the Gerber® Multigrain Cherries and Berries Toddler Cereal topped with fresh raspberries.
Nyles is the first Black baby to win both titles Chief Growing Officer and Gerber Canada Spokesbaby.
