Infant Baptism Garments?

[denmacii]

Tomorrow our three month old son is being baptized. We’ve heard that he is supposed to wear all white, but our Priest didn’t give us this information (he provided a video to watch (circa 1980’s) - which showed two infants in white, but gave no directive to do so). I looked to the Catechism, but didn’t find anything their either. Will it be alright if he wears mostly white? off white? should we have ordered a specific garment last month?

Some quick insight would be very greatful!

Thank you.

 

[puzzleannie]

Usually the godparents buy the outfit, white is fine, it does not have to be the traditional white gown. They sell little “pantsuits” for boys. SIL refused to have his son baptized “in a dress” so nixed our family’s heirloom gown. The parish usually supplies the symbolic ‘white garment’ as well as the candle. it is usually like a bib, which may be given to you as a keepsake.

You should be able to find something at Target, baby Gap or whereever you buy baby clothes. They have fancy onesies or footed jammies with embroidery, I saw some by baby Dior at the Carter’s outlet store. it does not have to be white, you probably got some nice outfits as shower gifts, he can wear one of those. you could also just buy a white blanket if you want something white.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

denmacii:

Tomorrow our three month old son is being baptized. We’ve heard that he is supposed to wear all white, but our Priest didn’t give us this information (he provided a video to watch (circa 1980’s) - which showed two infants in white, but gave no directive to do so). I looked to the Catechism, but didn’t find anything their either. Will it be alright if he wears mostly white? off white? should we have ordered a specific garment last month?

Some quick insight would be very greatful!

Thank you.

Yes the newly Baptized should be dressed in white AFTER they are Baptized.

Many priests do not like the idea of Baptism “washing away Original Sin” because it implies that some how Original Sin is real. They believe that infants are born somehow totally pure and innocent without Original Sin on their souls. This is not what the Church teaches and it is why those being Baptized do not put on a white garment before Baptism.

 

[stbruno]

Usually the church will provide a white cloth or bib-like garment which goes over the child’s clothes…to signify that they are now putting on Christ. There is no set rule but rather a tradition that infants already come clothed in white. This is not a hard and fast rule and it also depends on the culture you were born into. Many African-American baptisms have the children wear the traditional garb of the country of their ancestors and again after they are baptized they are given a white garment to place over the garments they are wearing

 

[Talitha]

In some african cultures, white signifies death also. I knit for charities and was advised not to use white for baby clothes.
I also knit the most delicate lace Christening Robes…always white.