God has blessed you with a precious new life. You are delighted, amazed by the miracle that you witness. You have instantly fallen in love with your little angel from heaven. You are grateful 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 you and your spouse’s ancestors. His son has inherited an immediate family of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. As you begin to plan for your child’s baptism, be sure to select a date that most of the immediate family and significant family members can attend. Contact them before writing 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 in his parish. Please note that most parishes now have a common date for infant baptisms. Please be thoughtful and considerate if you feel the need to request an alternate date.

3. Don’t assume you can use the church hall for your reception. Often, parish halls are 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 place in a timely manner. Some locations 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 may not seem obvious, but ask another family member to go over your guest list. It can be detrimental to family members if some of them have been unintentionally overlooked.

9. Talk to the Godparents. They need to be clear about what you will expect 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 family heirloom outfit is always part of the family tradition for christenings.

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 her life.

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

Also note that anointing with the holy chrism oil will be part of the ceremony. Make sure the gown will easily open and close for the Godmother when the priest anoints.

You are likely to select a beautiful lace dress for your little girl, but what are the options for your child? Traditional heirloom costumes are generally lace and dress-like. Many little 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 onesies or jumpsuits. These costumes can be embroidered with symbols appropriate to the celebration.

Look for an outfit that fits loosely for baby’s comfort. Tight elastic arms, leg bands or waistbands can cause a cranky baby who is 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. Whether it’s fall or winter, common sense calls for adding a little cardigan to 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 to be received by the community of believers.