Ava McDonnell 
The results of the 2026 Cutest Baby Contest, presented by Central Florida Lifestyles and Nemours Children’s Health, are in, and we are so excited to spotlight our winners!
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, voted, and showed so much support during the whole process. Now, get to know this year’s adorable winners!
Dahlia Jane – 1st Place
Age: 8 Months
Parents’ Names: Chad and Savannah Edwards
Community: Volusia County
What was your reaction when you found out your little one won the Cutest Baby Contest?
“We were somewhat surprised. It was a very competitive race to the top. There were times I wanted to give up, and I was content with being second place, as I was losing a lot of sleep over the contest, and it was becoming a fixation.
Once the second chance at first place came through, a little hope sparked my perseverance and interest in first place. With a little more push, advertising, and family support – we did it!” said Dahlia Jane’s Mom.
How would you describe your baby’s personality in three words?
“Adventurous. Inquisitive. Determined.”
What’s one thing that always makes your baby smile or laugh?
“Her father.”
Does your baby have any foods he/she loves or hates?
“She seems to love whatever we’re eating at the time and isn’t too keen on baby foods. We actually recently gave her a lemon from our lemonade, fully expecting a cute sour face. She was unbothered and liked the sour lemon.”
Does your baby have any quirks or unique habits?
“From birth, she entered the world wide-eyed and observant. Her skin was incredibly clear, with almost no vernix visible at all. She looked like she was glowing.
She has a birthmark on the back of her neck, and at times it looks like a heart. Also, if she lies down at a certain angle, there’s a fold in her ears that makes it look like a heart as well.
She wakes up with a tiny peep and patiently waits for me to come get her. She’s always inspecting objects from every angle in her hands like she’s studying them, loves to head-butt affectionately, and is already standing independently before 8 months old.”
Do you have a favorite memory or milestone with your baby so far?
“I don’t have a favorite memory in mind. Every moment with her is something I wish I could memorize and relive forever– it’s hard to narrow it down. Every day is special with her.
As for milestones, she seems to be ahead in that department, starting at birth. She started standing by herself without assistance at the beginning of her 7th month.
I would say my favorite milestones of hers are when she first smiled and her first laugh when I was giving her Eskimo kisses in the parking lot.
Her father says his favorite memory/milestone is her waking him up in the morning by giving him a lot of cute slaps on the face.”
What message would you like to share with everyone who voted and supported your family in the contest?
“I never expected to receive so much support. I’m truly grateful for every single person who voted, shared, and supported our family throughout this contest. It means more to me than you know, and this experience was truly eye-opening,” said Dahlia Jane’s Mom.
Milani – 2nd Place
Age: 9 Months
Parents Names: Isabella Barajas
About Milani
“She is so adorable, people light up when they see her big blue eyes and bubbly personality!!” said Milani’s Mom.
Mateo – 3rd Place
Age: 4 Months
Parents’ Names: Sara Battaglia
About Mateo
“Mateo is the sweetest boy, loves mama’s milk, snuggles, storytime, & hanging with mom & dad. He brings so much joy to our lives!” said Mateo’s Mom.
Runners Up
Fourth Place – Noah (7 weeks)
Fifth Place – Eleanore Ryan (7 months)
Thank you again to everyone who participated and to Nemours Children’s Health. We loved creating this contest for you and seeing the turnout. Keep an eye out for a whole new wave of contests!
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