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Gerber Baby

The Gerber Baby is the trademark logo used by Gerber Products Company on its baby food and related baby products.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Gerber Baby is the trademark logo used by Gerber Products Company on its baby food and related baby products. The image was drawn by Dorothy Hope Smith and is based on Ann Turner Cook, whose identity was later publicly confirmed by Gerber. First used in 1928 and adopted as a trademark in 1931, it has become one of the most recognizable baby-food brand images in the United States and is also familiar to Canadian consumers.

Origin

The Gerber Baby originated as a charcoal sketch created for a Gerber advertising contest. Gerber began using the image on products in 1928 and later made it the company’s official trademark in 1931.

Identity of the baby

The baby in the sketch was Ann Turner Cook, though her identity was not widely publicized for many years. Gerber later confirmed that Cook was the model for the logo.

Use by Gerber

Gerber used the image on baby food packaging and in advertising, making it a core part of the brand’s visual identity. The company says the original image has remained essentially unchanged over time.

Cultural significance

The Gerber Baby became a widely recognized symbol of baby food in the United States and beyond. It is closely associated with Gerber’s brand history and marketing.

Key facts

  • The Gerber Baby is the trademark logo of Gerber Products Company, first used in 1928 and trademarked in 1931.
  • The charcoal sketch was created by artist Dorothy Hope Smith.
  • The baby depicted was later identified as Ann Turner Cook.
  • Gerber has used the same basic image for decades across packaging and advertising.
  • Gerber products are sold in Canada, making the Gerber Baby a familiar brand image for Canadian consumers.
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Canadian context

Gerber products are sold in Canada, so the Gerber Baby is also a familiar brand image for Canadian consumers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Gerber Baby?
It is the trademark logo and brand image used by Gerber Products Company for its baby food and baby products.
Who was the Gerber Baby based on?
The image was based on Ann Turner Cook.
Who drew the Gerber Baby?
It was drawn by artist Dorothy Hope Smith.
When did Gerber start using the image?
Gerber began using it on products in 1928 and adopted it as a trademark in 1931.
Is the Gerber Baby the same image today?
Gerber states that the original image has remained the same throughout the company’s history.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerber_Baby
    Supports: Identifies the Gerber Baby as Gerber’s trademark logo and names Dorothy Hope Smith and Ann Turner Cook.
  2. Gerber Life Insurance Company — https://www.gerberlife.com/about/who-is-the-gerber-baby
    Supports: States that Ann Turner Cook was the Gerber Baby and that the image appeared in 1928 and became a trademark in 1931.
  3. Gerber Childrenswear LLC — https://www.gerbercw.com/HOME/AboutUs/tabid/155/Default.aspx
    Supports: States the image was selected in 1928 and adopted as Gerber’s official trademark in 1931.
  4. CBS News Detroit — https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/gerber-michigan-roots-american-history/
    Supports: Reports that the logo was a charcoal sketch created by Dorothy Hope Smith of Ann Turner Cook.