Life events
Baby dedication and infant baptism: a guide for families
Welcoming a child is a big moment, and many families want to mark it with their church community — even families who haven’t been to church in a while. Depending on the tradition, that might be a baby dedication, an infant baptism (sometimes called a christening), or a simple blessing.
This guide explains the difference, what usually happens, and what to ask so you can find the right fit.
Dedication or baptism?
Churches that practise infant baptism — many Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian congregations, among others — baptize babies as a sign of God’s promise to the child and the family. Later, the child may confirm that faith for themselves.
Churches that practise believer’s baptism — many Baptist, non-denominational and Pentecostal congregations — usually offer a dedication instead. Parents publicly thank God for their child and promise to raise them in faith, and the child can choose baptism when they are older.
Both are meaningful. The best fit is usually the church your family plans to be part of.
What usually happens
- A short meeting or class for parents, often one session, sometimes a few.
- In infant baptism, many traditions ask for godparents or sponsors, and some have requirements for who can serve — ask before you invite anyone.
- The ceremony is usually part of a Sunday service and takes a few minutes. Parents stand at the front, answer a few simple questions or make promises, and the pastor prays for the child.
- Some churches hold dedications on set Sundays several times a year, so timing ranges from a few weeks to a few months.
What it costs
Dedications and baptisms are typically free. Some churches give a certificate, a candle, a children’s Bible or another keepsake. A donation is sometimes welcomed but rarely expected.
Bringing the whole family
Grandparents, siblings and friends are almost always welcome. Ask whether the church can reserve seats near the front, whether there is a nursery or quiet room nearby, and whether photos are allowed during the service. Babies cry, wriggle and nap through these moments every week — nobody minds.
If you’re new to church, or coming back
Plenty of families first reach out to a church because a baby has arrived. You don’t need a long church history to ask. Some churches will invite you to visit a few Sundays first so you can get to know each other; others will simply explain their parents’ class. Either way, asking is a welcome first step, not a commitment, and a good church will make the conversation easy rather than awkward.
Questions to ask a church
- Do you offer infant baptism, dedication, or both?
- Is there a parents’ class first, and when is the next ceremony date?
- Do we need to be members, or attend for a while first?
- Do you ask for godparents or sponsors, and are there requirements?
- Can our extended family attend, and are photos allowed?
What to bring
- Your baby’s full name and date of birth (for the certificate or bulletin).
- A change of clothes and the usual baby bag essentials.
- Godparent or sponsor names if your tradition asks for them.
- An outfit you’re happy to be photographed in — some families use a family heirloom gown, but anything works.
Ready for the next step?
Find churches near you
See service times, locations and what each church offers.
Find family-friendly churches near youMessage a church about a baby dedication or baptism
Every church page has an Ask a Question form. Pick “Baptism, dedication or confirmation” in one tap, add a line or two, and your message goes to that church’s office so they can reply to you by email. It’s free, and nothing is sent until you confirm.
Choose a church to messageCommon questions
What is the difference between baby dedication and infant baptism?
In infant baptism, the child is baptized as a sign of God’s promise. In a dedication, parents commit to raising the child in faith, and baptism waits until the child can choose it. Which one a church offers depends on its tradition.
Do we have to be church members to dedicate or baptize our baby?
It depends. Some churches ask that families attend or join first; others welcome any family who completes a short parents’ class.
Does a baby dedication cost anything?
Usually not. Dedications and infant baptisms are typically free; some churches give a small keepsake.
Practices differ between churches and traditions. This guide describes the common range; the church you contact can tell you exactly how they do things.