What is the appropriate age to have an infant christened? Please read on...?

Question

We had our daughter christened at 2 months and now think that may have been too young only because she was around so many new people and her immune system wasn't 100% yet. She ended up getting bronchiolitis from someone who had a cold. We are pregnant again, due in January 2007 and are trying to decide when to have the christening. Most of our relatives live in NY and we are in SC so we want to give them lots of notice in order to make travel arrangements. If we waited until summer (the baby would be 6-7 months) would that make sense? Many of our relatives are teachers and that would allow them to come without taking time off which I know is very difficult for teachers. Plus the baby will have a good 6 months of nursing so should be able to handle the company!

Thanks!

We are catholic.

And for the people answering who aren't catholic, christening is much different from baptism. Christening involves introducing your child to God and vowing to raise your child in a christian environment while surrounded by your family and community. Also, naming Godparents is done at an early age to act as spiritual advisors to the child.

Baptism is done when a child is old enough to accept responsibility for themselves to accept Jesus into their hearts and live a christian life.

Answer 1

I think you have the correct idea for using the summer months - Although I have only seen infants under the age of 3 months christened - I don't think there is a set rule - but ask the person who will do the christening!@

Answer 2

Firstly, what Church do you go to?

If you are Catholic a person is baptized anytime between 1 day to the day of his death.

Catholics don't necessarily immerse a child/person in water, during the rite a little water is poured over the head.

As for protestants, the norm is different for different churches.

The necessity of water baptism is mentioned in Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 3:21

Answer 3

I would say your summer idea might be good. The baby would be more sociable and would be less likely to cry in the minister's arms. Many of them get upset, especially the younger ones.

Personally, I don't believe in infant baptism, but it's OK to dedicate the child.

Answer 4

Hello,hope you are doing good.Please submit you child to God in Jesus Christ in your own personal life,in your prayers seeking God to be mercyful and also through your own lives full of Gods presence by spending time reading the Word,the Bible.Your child will also be blessed by your spending time with God in repentence and submission to His will.Please keep away from idol worshipping or photo worshipping.Regards James,bombay,India.

Answer 5

Christening your daughter will not save her. Water never saved anyone. It is a waste of time and an ungodly religion

Answer 6

This is not neccessary. One must just raise the child showing them Christian principles and allowing them to make the decision of becoming baptized themselves.

Answer 7

You should definitely wit until your baby is older.As a baby gets older, their immune system is stronger. The time you wait is your decision, but I reccomend waiting until your baby is 12 months!..........or......

seal your baby in a box and have oxygen pumped into it and wait until it is strong enough to be around people! jk :)

Answer 8

I think waiting until the baby is older is a good idea. Then she will be healthy, and all the family can participate!

Answer 9

I was a year old when I was christened.

Answer 10

Hello, I am trying to get a hold of you about your VBAC response. Would you please contact me, it is rather important.
Thank you!