Is There A Right Age To Baptize Your Baby?

When is the proper time to baptize your son or daughter? There is no concrete answer to this query. It’s a matter of choice and what is the best time for you and your baby.

Below are several ideas that may aid you with your final choice:

If you joined a church you may want to talk to your preacher or church leader and explore with him or her the beliefs of that individual faith.

A lot of folks prefer to handle their own research. You can find plenty of books and publications that concern Baptism.

The textbook meaning of the word ‘baptism’ is “........ a ceremony of washing with water as a symbol of religious purification and consecration”.

Ponder why baptism is important to you to begin with. Could it be because you are debating a naming ritual or a reason for a party? A child is named when their birth becomes record. A party is a celebratory event, and of course the birth of your baby is worthy of a get together and giving thanks for his or her safe birth – but it is not necessary to go to the lengths of a baptism for this.

If you believe that your child should have a voice in this discussion and share in their baptism, then you should probably hold off on a ceremony until the child comprehends the tradition of commitment. In that case you may decide to plan a Dedication ceremony where the young one is introduced to the ‘church family’, his or her name is announced, and then there is a party or get together to celebrate the arrival of the baby. There is no age cut-off for baptisms, nor is there a ‘best before date’ that must be adhered to.

If you have educated yourself about the commitment necessary for the baptism of your child, the godparents willing to decide on the child’s behalf, and the authorization of your preacher or church leader, then you can go ahead with the ceremony.

If you are uncertain of your faith, or you feel in your heart that the child should be a major part of that choice, then you may want to hold off until your son or daughter is of an age to take part in the thought process.

Criss White is a professional author for baby, wedding, and parenting topics. For more suggestions or to see some christening or baptism
favors (http://www.bridalandweddingfavors.com/baptism.html), visit bridalandweddingfavors.com. As long as the credits and resource box are unchanged and the hyperlinks active, you are welcome to reprint this article in your newsletter, on your website, or e-zine.