Catechism 1250–1252, 1257

Because baptism is a gift, not a reward — and the Church has never thought a child should be made to wait for grace until they can argue for it.

What the Church Teaches

Children are born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, and they too need the new birth of Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness (CCC 1250). The Church therefore baptises infants, and has done so since the earliest centuries — the Catechism notes explicit testimony to the practice from the second century, and the likelihood that the household baptisms in Acts included children (CCC 1252).

With the gift comes an obligation, and the Catechism is blunt about it: infant baptism requires a genuine intention to raise the child in the faith. Parents and godparents take that on (CCC 1251, 1255).

Where This Comes From

Peter’s answer at Pentecost is addressed to adults and their families at once: Repent and be baptised, every one of you… for the promise is to you and to your children (Acts 2:38–39). Whole households are baptised — Lydia’s, the jailer’s, Stephanas’ — with no suggestion that the children were held back (Acts 16:15, 16:33; 1 Corinthians 1:16).

Behind the texts lies the Church’s understanding of grace. Circumcision was given to infants who could not consent; the Christian sign of belonging is likewise given before it can be earned. Nobody deserves baptism, which is exactly why an infant is no less qualified than an adult.

Common Misunderstandings

• "The child should decide for themselves." Confirmation is not that moment of personal opt-in: CCC 1308 specifically warns against confusing “adult faith” with “the adult age of natural growth,” and notes that grace can act even before a person can put it into words. The baptised child ratifies what was given at baptism gradually, by living it — at every renewal of baptismal promises, and across a whole life of formation — not by a single deciding vote at Confirmation. Parents make hundreds of decisions on a child’s behalf; the Church regards this one as the most generous of them.
• "It doesn’t work without faith." Faith is required, and at an infant baptism it is professed by the Church, the parents and the godparents — into whose faith the child is baptised, and in which the child is expected to grow (CCC 1253).
• "Unbaptised babies go to hell." The Church has never taught this. The Catechism entrusts such children to the mercy of God and expressly allows us to hope for their salvation (CCC 1261). Limbo was a theological hypothesis, never a doctrine, and it has quietly been set aside.

What It Means in Practice

Speak to your parish early — most ask for a short preparation session, and godparents must be confirmed, practising Catholics. In an emergency, anyone can baptise, including a nurse or a parent: pour water over the head and say I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1256, 1284).

And keep the date. Most Catholics know their wedding anniversary and could not name the day they became a Christian.

Pray With This

• Prayer for a New Baby
• Renewal of Baptismal Promises
• Prayer for Children
• After a miscarriage or stillbirth

In the Catechism

• 1250–1252 — the baptism of infants
• 1257 — the necessity of baptism, and God’s freedom not to be bound by His sacraments
• 1261 — children who die without baptism
• 1253–1255 — faith, parents and godparents

Read the full text at vatican.va.