Let me start off by saying that Ruchel and I have two really cute boys. Like many parents, we really wanted them to get modeling gigs as infants and toddlers. One of my cousins was in a McDonald’s commercial as a boy. How hard could it be? We should at least audition the kids right? And you know what really got me motivated? There was this guy in my office that just became the proud Dad of twin boys. He hooked up with an agency and his boys were getting gigs up the wazoo. Now he was very lucky since twins are in high demand in photo shoots.


Ronald McDonald Jr.

Ronald McDonald Jr.

A baby modeling career is unique. It doesn’t expect your little bundle of joy to stand out among the crowd. Instead, I think of a baby model as a prop with built in lovable features. Junior doesn’t have to have an amazing physique or perfect teeth that older model wanna-be’s are required to have to be noticed. Let’s be honest, how many babies do you see that aren’t just down right adorable?

Also the perils of being a baby model are quite different from being a teenage or young adult model. As a parent you are right there with little Johnny as photographers go through the motions. You can be there to monitor how they are handled and protect them. So how do you get your baby started in a modeling career? Or at least a few modeling gigs?

Priority One is getting your baby noticed. With a little motivation, you can help get her noticed by entering your cutie in as many baby photo or modeling contests as you can find. This is a great age we are in with the internet, since you can locate photo contests on the web very easily. Check out my page on baby photo contests. It used to be that just to stand out from the crowd, you had to commit a ton of time visiting agencies and shopping your child.  Today, after you find sites you like, just follow the instructions and submit your digital photos or videos and with a little luck, you may get an audition.

A great example of a site you can try is Baby Zone.  Finalists are featured on their website and may receive a cash prize.  There are hundreds of entries for the infant or toddler winner of each month’s themed photograph contest, but keep in mind this is an excellent way to get noticed by talent scouts. The sponsors of websites like Baby Zone are the very people that you want noticing your child. Advertisers such as Pampers, Gerber, and Babies ‘R’ Us are always on the lookout for a new diaper-laden diva to tout their wares.

Babies R Us Catalog

Babies R Us Catalog

Another positive on baby modeling is that it works equally well for both boys and girls. True.. girls take a greater interest in modeling as they become teenagers and are in much greater demand compared to boys. But in the zero to 12 months stage, it really makes no difference. Boys are just as much in demand as models for children’s clothing, toys and other goods.

What to watch out for before pursuing a baby modeling gig:

  1. Don’t ever give money to modeling agencies upfront. They’ll get a commission when you get paid for a job.
  2. Location is an important consideration. If you live 50 miles or more from a city that could promote your child’s career, problems such as being on time might be a disadvantage.
  3. Does your child have the personality and temperament for long photo sessions? How well does she interact with others? Does she listen to instructions? This is where having twins really comes in handy!
  4. There may be very short notice to appear for a photo shoot. And to make things worse, once you arrive, you may have to wait for hours before your baby is called.

The bottom line to achieving your child’s baby modeling success is to get his or her adorable little face in front of the folks who need the models. Photo contests are your best means of doing just that.

Ann Taylor Cook, the Original Gerber Baby

Ann Taylor Cook, the Original Gerber Baby


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