Bigger is better in this baby competition

Lucas Lorenzo McKelvie's chubby cheeks, rockstar hair, soft demeanour and big green-blue eyes captivated voters in the Bay of Plenty Times' second annual Baby Book Competition.

Lucas was one of 135 babies, born in 2012, to be entered in the competition at Papamoa's Palm Beach Plaza this month.

The 7-month-old won by a convincing margin, receiving a sizeable chunk of the 4000 votes submitted at the shopping centre.

When asked what she thought was her son's winning feature, Lucas' mum Sheilla McKelvie laughed, "I am going to tell you, I think it is the chubbiness".

Lucas' father, Scott McKelvie, said his son was also born with an incredible amount of hair, which had gotten lighter as he grew.

"We were at the mall once, and a group of teenagers came into the shop and said, 'Oh I like his hair. It's mean!"' Mrs McKelvie said.

Not only has Lucas been a show-stopper in the streets, he has also attracted international attention.

Mrs McKelvie's family in Brazil has been keeping a close eye on the competition via Facebook - with one person even asking, "How much is a plane ticket to New Zealand? I want to come vote for him."

Bay of Plenty Times classified sales leader and competition organiser Sharyn Hook said it was great to be able to run the competition and publish the book for the second year.

Lucas' winning photo will appear on the cover of the Bay of Plenty Times' Baby Book and he will receive a free "Baby Cake Smash Session" with photographer Marina Galiotto.

The Baby Book includes photos of the babies, their names, birth dates and weights and messages from their parents. The book will be inserted into a March edition of the Bay of Plenty Times.