After an exhaustive photo search that garnered more than 140,000 entries, 1-year-old Lucas Warren has been named this year's Gerber Baby, it was announced Wednesday on Today. And this year is extra noteworthy: Lucas is the first child with Down syndrome to win the title since the contest began over 90 years ago.

"We're hoping this will impact everyone — that it will shed a little bit of light on the special needs community and help more individuals with special needs be accepted and not limited," said dad Jason Warren. "They have the potential to change the world, just like everybody else."

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Mom Cortney Warren shared that she entered the Gerber contest without much thought, tagging an adorable photo of Lucas showing off his smile while donning a mint green shirt and bow tie. That happy face completely reflects Lucas' personality.

"He's very outgoing and never meets a stranger," Cortney told Today Parents. "He loves to play, loves to laugh and loves to make other people laugh."

CEO and president of Gerber Bill Partyka said Lucas' contagious smile won over the team. "Every year, we choose the baby who best exemplifies Gerber's longstanding heritage of recognizing that every baby is a Gerber baby," he explained. "This year, Lucas is the perfect fit."

Aside from scoring the coveted Gerber Baby title, the Warrens were awarded a $50,000 cash prize, which they say will go toward Lucas' education, and the baby's year will also be documented on Gerber's social media platforms.