A Model Baby

Feb. 3, 2008 — -- It takes more than just good looks to launch a baby's modeling career. The business of baby modeling can be as competitive as its adult counterpart, with agencies looking for the right combination of physical features and attitude.

Matt and Mary Towning believe their eight-month-old son Parker has what it takes to be a model. Mary said her infant son reminds her of the babies featured in Gap advertisements.

"Every time he sees people he laughs; he smiles," she said. "I think his best trait is his personality."

So, the Townings decided to submit Parker's photos to Product Modeling Agency in New York City to see if their baby could make his modeling debut.

The fact Parker even got to the casting call meant he already passed the initial screening and was picked from a pool of 500 other tiny hopefuls, based on his looks alone.

But, then it was time to face the judges. For the next two hours they would see 100 babies and each, including Parker, would have only one minute to make a lasting impression.

The cuties have to impress Product Model Management vice president Amanda Blaire, who has stringent criteria for her clients.

"They've gotta impress us. I know it's a quick second, but that's the way it is," Blaire said.

Part of putting on a good face is not cracking or crying under the pressure.

"If a child comes in and my first instinct is, 'Oh, that's a beautiful baby,' and then they're just crying and whining," Blaire said. "Once a baby cries in an open call, it does hurt their reputation."

Blaire said a baby who cries in a casting call would certainly cry on a photo shoot set.

Before Parker went in, his parents predicted he'd do well.

"I think he'll do OK, but there's a ton of cute kids here," Matt said.

Parker went in and didn't shed a tear. He showed some interest in the camera lens recording him and smiled from time to time.

"He seems to do well with other people," Blaire said.

But, Parker didn't make it to the top five. However, the agency will make its final choice of up to 20 babies in the coming days and Parker still has a shot at booking a job.

"We choose from a variety of ethnicities, a few boys, a few girls," Blaire said. "They have these bubbly personality, they let us hold them."

"It's a pretty fun experience," Matt said. "If they call us back, great."

One expert said there is no reason to worry about the impact of baby modeling on infants.

"We're not talking about forcing babies while they're screaming or uncomfortable and the bright lights — they are fascinating to babies. They may be a very positive experience," said Tufts University child development psychologist George Scarlett.