10 tips for planning a baby’s baptism

God has blessed you with a precious new life. You are delighted, amazed by the miracle you witness. You have instantly fallen in love with your little angel from heaven. You are thankful to God for the safe delivery. Now is the time to plan your baby’s baptism.

A beautiful religious event, rich in spiritual tradition, deserves careful planning. Here are some helpful tips, both spiritual and practical, for planning a memorable and sacred event:

1. Your newborn is now a member of a family that was started by your ancestors and those of your spouse. His son has inherited an immediate family of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. As you begin planning your child’s baptism, be sure to select a date that most of your immediate family and important family members can attend. Contact them before you write the invitations. Do your best to include the people who will be a part of your child’s life over the years.

2. Talk to your pastor. Be understanding of his schedule and the procedures in place at his parish. Please note that most parishes now have a common date for baby baptisms. Please be thoughtful and considerate if you feel the need to request an alternative date.

3. Don’t assume you can use the church hall for your reception. Parish halls are often reserved well in advance for other church and community activities. Make sure the room is available.

4. If the Church hall is not available, reserve another space in a timely manner. Some places require up to 6 weeks for reservations.

5. When compiling your guest list, make sure the party venue can accommodate the number of people you plan to invite.

6. Choose baptismal invitations with a spiritual/religious theme. The event is, after all, a formal introduction to the Christian community.

7. Write and mail the invitations about eight weeks before the Baptism.

8. It might not seem obvious, but ask another family member to go through your guest list. It can be detrimental to family members if some of them have been inadvertently overlooked.

9. Talk to the Godparents. They need to be clear about what will be expected of them that day. Make it clear who is going to prepare the baby’s christening outfit. In some traditions, the godmother provides the baby’s baptismal outfit. While in other families, a heirloom outfit is always part of the family tradition for baptisms.

10. Most important of all: Your baby’s baptism is a formal occasion for you and your spouse to “formally” thank the Lord for the safe arrival of your baby. Be reverent. Show your gratitude to God for this great gift.

Now is the time to consider what your sweet baby will wear on this first important spiritual day in his life.

A christening suit represents something much more than beauty, fashion or that the child looks adorable. What a baby wears to her baptism represents purity and innocence. Logically, this means that the color of the selected garment must be white to reflect these qualities. The parish community will provide a ceremonial garment to wear over the religious ceremony dress.

Note also that the anointing with the holy chrism oil will be part of the ceremony. Make sure the suit lends itself to being easily opened and closed for the Godmother when the priest performs the anointing.

You are likely to select a beautiful lace dress for your little girl, but what are the options for your son? Traditional heirloom costumes are generally lace and in the form of a dress. Many young children have been baptized in robes. This is a centuries-old tradition.

However, many parents may want to select more masculine outfits for boys, such as skimpy baby tuxedos or formal suits. For their Baptism, parents can select adorable one-piece rompers or jumpsuits. These costumes may be embroidered with symbols appropriate to the celebration.

Look for an outfit that fits loosely for the baby’s comfort. Tight elasticated arms, leg bands, or waistbands can make a baby cranky and uncomfortable.

Take the weather into account when choosing an outfit. Little bodies cannot regulate temperature as efficiently as adult bodies. Comfortable outfits can be made of cotton, linen, satin, as well as lace and silk. If it’s fall or winter, common sense calls for adding a little cardigan to the baby’s outfit.

And, remember, dress your baby in a comfortable bodysuit, panties or camisole under the Christening garment. This will prevent chafing on your little one’s delicate skin and help the diaper stay in place.

Add the accessories, and now your new little angel is ready to receive Christ and be received by the community of believers.