10 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Baby Baptized–Even If You Are Not Religious

10 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Baby Baptized--Even If You Are Not Religious

As a new parent, you’ve done all sorts of research on how to give your baby the best of everything.

You know which crib to buy, your parenting style, and you’ve even studied up on how to make your own baby food.

One thing you’ve neglected?

The spiritual side of your child’s life. After all, you’ve never exactly been the religious type.

But even if you’re not a person of faith, we think you should still consider getting your child baptized.

Why?

Keep on reading this post to find out.

From having a great excuse to dress up and take photos to reconnect with your own beliefs, you might be surprised by all that baptism can offer you.

1. It’s a Photo Opportunity

Why are babies baptized?

Traditionally, it’s so their souls can make it into heaven when they pass away. Especially as a baby can’t yet decide if they’d like to become a member of the church, parents baptize their child to ensure that they will go to heaven.

It’s also a way to show Churches that you have a strong commitment to your faith.

But what if you’re not the religious type?

Then we suggest getting your baby baptized because it’s an awesome photo opportunity.

The truth is that we all feel as though we just can’t take too many photos of our children. And they’ll only be small for so long. This is an especially great photo opportunity as members of your family, friends, and your community will be present.

Think of it as the baby equivalent of the wedding photo set.

2. You Can Name a Godparent

Deciding if a baby getting baptized is really the route you want to go down?

If so, consider it as an opportunity to publicly name a godparent.

Godparents are people that promise to take in your baby if something happens to you. But even if you and your partner live long and happy lives (and we’re sure you will!) there are other reasons to name a godparent.

Godparents play a vital role in a child’s upbringing. They can answer questions that a child might not feel comfortable asking their own parents. They offer guidance and different perspectives to your child. They can even take on babysitting duty when you just need a night off.

3. It’s a Reason for a Family Gathering

When was the last time you had all of your family together in one place?

Even during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, it can be tough to arrange everyone’s schedules.

But everyone is always eager to see a baby–so consider a baptism a kind of family reunion. It’s an awesome way to reconnect with relatives you haven’t seen in a while.

Just make sure you create a seating chart to keep relatives that don’t exactly see eye-to-eye apart.

4. It Puts Religious Relatives at Ease

Why do babies get baptized?

Sometimes, it’s just to help keep peace in the family.

Even if you’re not religious yourselves, the truth is that there are people in your family who probably are. Some of them may even be a bit more devout than you’re comfortable with.

See also  Hot Air Balloon Rides for Kids: What You Need to Know

While we’d never encourage you to do something that goes against your beliefs, consider getting your baby baptized if doing so isn’t a big deal to you, but really matters to another relative.

It’s much better than having to hear them worry about your baby’s soul at every family gathering for the rest of your life.

5. You’ll Get Insight into What You Want for Your Child

We know that you’ve already given some serious thought to your parenting goals, styles, and what you’d like for your child’s future.

But during the baptism process, you’ll often have the chance to explore these issues on a much deeper level. You might even encounter new questions that you’d never even given much thought to before.

These don’t just have to do with your child’s spiritual development. You and your partner can discuss roles and responsibilities. You can even get insight from a spiritual leader about what works and what doesn’t.

You don’t have to be religious to see the benefits of good communication.

6. You Tap into Your Local Community

About half of all Americans say that they go to church with regularity, anywhere from every week to a few times per month.

Especially if you’ve just moved to a new city, the truth is that the church is a great place to meet people. Even if you’re not religious, you might be surprised by how genuinely accepting people that go to church can be.

In other words?

The fire and brimstone days are long gone.

Many churches support gay marriage and adoption, a woman’s right to choose and other issues that many people assume are too “controversial” for the church.

Don’t let your fear of being judged force you to miss out on connecting with an amazing and kind group of people. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. You’re going to need some help from your neighbors.

7. Two Words: Christening Outfit

Another reason to get your baby baptized?

Because it’s the perfect excuse to go all out on your baby’s christening outfit–and your own.

If you’re obsessed with all things fashion, then we know you’ll love the frills and lace associated with traditional christening outfits. Many people even have their child’s christening outfit made by a local designer.

This way, you can get exactly what you want.

Don’t be afraid to match outfits with your baby, either.

In closing: any time you have an opportunity to dress your baby in a bonnet, you should always take it. A baptism provides that opportunity.

8. Reconnect to Your Spirituality

OK, so it’s definitely been a while since you went to church.

While you’re not super sold on the idea of God, the truth is that you can see the benefit of spirituality.

Plus, you’d be lying if you said having a child didn’t make you rethink a few things when it comes to your faith. You feel like maybe you should give church another shot.

See also  Never Wake a Sleeping Child, but What Should They Sleep In? The Case for Pack N Plays Vs. Classic Cribs

Even if you still don’t care for it, you’ll have your perspectives challenged and meet new people. And if you do like it? You’ve just found an awesome way to get back in touch with your spiritual side.

Getting a baby baptized is a great way to put your toe back into the waters of faith.

9. See the Support You Have

When you have a baby, it’s so easy to feel like you’re in this on your own.

Especially if you stay at home with your child, you can sometimes end up feeling seriously isolated. There’s something really special about being able to stand up in front of a room of people who support you.

In some cases, they may even be other parents who can empathize with you on a deeper level. Or, they could be people that don’t have kids but want to help you out in any way they can.

Baptism is a great reminder that you do have people you can ask for help when things get out of hand. You should take advantage of that.

10. “Just in Case”

At the end of the day, whether or not you believe in God, the fact of the matter is that none of us really know for sure.

When you have a child, you might be surprised to find that you’re giving your belief in the afterlife a closer look. You’re just not in a place where you’re willing to take any chances when it comes to your child’s soul.

Yes, it might sound a little bit silly, but the truth is that tons of parents baptize their children “just in case.” After all, better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to the afterlife.

Anything that helps you to keep your mind at ease as a new parent is always a smart move.

Thinking of Having Your Baby Baptized?

We hope that this post has helped you to decide whether or not having your baby baptized is something you’re interested in doing.

We think there’s no reason not to.

Even if you’re not a person of faith, there are tons of other ways that you can practice self-love and get in touch with your spiritual side.

No matter what you believe, we’re here to help you get the most out of every day.

From helping you to decide what to wear to sharing our favorite de-stress tips, keep checking back with us for more invaluable advice.

About The Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *