How old was your DC when they got baptized?

[Nikkis_Little_Ladies]

If you have a DC that is baptized, how old were they and did they fully understand it at that point in time? Or was it something they did and then grew to learn mor about it?

My dd1 (6) got "saved" two weeks ago during their vacation bible school. And she totally understood that. I'm just not sure shes ready to be baptized. Her Sunday school teacher seems to think she is.

I'm so thankful that Amielya got saved and I just want o be sure that she is fully ready to be baptized.

:goodvibes:

BTW, to those who read my thread about the "joking preacher" at our old church, I just want to let you all know that we have moved churches and are totally happy where we are. I love it there and I couldn't be happier, kids too! :hugs:

[zavyirsdaddy]

Zavyir was 3 months old when he was baptized.

[Sweet_Fantasy_Fox]

I'm glad you got a new church to go to!! as for baptized, none of my kids are baptized yet, my oldest ds was dedicated when he was about 18 months old, i was pressured into it but am not sure when any of them will officially get baptized.

[squintz22]

#1 - 6 months
#2 - 7 weeks
#3 - 5 weeks
#4 - will be 7.5 months

[MyLil'Mountaineers]

I think if she is old enough to understand what it is to be saved, she's old enough to make the decision on when to be baptized.

We don't get our children baptized as babies. They were both dedicated right after birth, though. We feel that being baptized is a very personal thing and they need to make the decision for themselves. ETA: That is our decision. We don't think badly of people who feel differently.

BTW, good for her!!!!! :hugs: She's made a very important decision and you should be proud of her. Congrats!!

[jayner]

DD was 2 weeks; it was during DH's leave. Had we not done it then, we would have logistically been unable to have it done at out home church - which was very important to us. (Our church believes in infant baptizing).

[amphibology29]

DS isn't baptized yet (we had him dedicated the day after his first birthday) but I was 16 when I was baptized. I'm glad I waited that long, too, because before that I only had a child's idea of what God was and when I made the decision to be baptized at a much older age I had a true appreciation for what I was doing, and I made the choice 100% on my own after finding my own path through faith, separate from what my parents had raised me with. (By that, I just mean that I came to my own conclusions about my faith, as opposed to just knowing what I was taught and raised with as a child. It happens that my beliefs are very similar to my parents' but I still feel better about my baptism considering that I made the choice at an age when I felt that I was fully in control of the choice.)

[Jesus_Freak_955]

We're Baptist, so we don't believe in infant baptism. My LO's aren't saved so neither have gotten baptized. I was 16 and DH was 12. In our church you have to speak w/ deacons and pastors and answer some questions to make sure you understand what saved is and what baptism is/isn't. Then if they feel you are ready, they set up the baptism. If you're unsure I'd talk to your LO more and maybe a church member who's opinion you respect.

[piccolo41099]

My 4 boys:
4 months
4 months
3 months
4 months

[luvsviola]

DD was 3 months.

[Manna00]

In the LDS (Mormon) church, we do not baptize until the age of 8. We believe that is the age when children really can become accountable for what their own choices and are old enough to choose if they want to be baptized and if it is for the right reasons. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (I was raised LDS) and feel as though I had a good foundation and understood what I was doing.

We don't do anything like dedications--but we do have new babies blessed (normally by their fathers) in front of the congregation. The blessing is a prayer for the new child.

Congrats to you and your daughter. :hugs:

[Nikkis_Little_Ladies]

I'm glad you got a new church to go to!! as for baptized, none of my kids are baptized yet, my oldest ds was dedicated when he was about 18 months old, i was pressured into it but am not sure when any of them will officially get baptized.

TY mama, we couldn't be happier!

I think if she is old enough to understand what it is to be saved, she's old enough to make the decision on when to be baptized.

We don't get our children baptized as babies. They were both dedicated right after birth, though. We feel that being baptized is a very personal thing and they need to make the decision for themselves. ETA: That is our decision. We don't think badly of people who feel differently.

BTW, good for her!!!!! :hugs: She's made a very important decision and you should be proud of her. Congrats!!

This is how i kinda feel and how her teacher feels as well.

We are totally proud of her! I cried like a baby!

DS isn't baptized yet (we had him dedicated the day after his first birthday) but I was 16 when I was baptized. I'm glad I waited that long, too, because before that I only had a child's idea of what God was and when I made the decision to be baptized at a much older age I had a true appreciation for what I was doing, and I made the choice 100% on my own after finding my own path through faith, separate from what my parents had raised me with. (By that, I just mean that I came to my own conclusions about my faith, as opposed to just knowing what I was taught and raised with as a child. It happens that my beliefs are very similar to my parents' but I still feel better about my baptism considering that I made the choice at an age when I felt that I was fully in control of the choice.)


This is whats in the back of my mind! I did not like the church that I was raised in and baptized in. I don't know--I'm just going to pray about it, so is dd. :goodvibes:

[Nikkis_Little_Ladies]

In the LDS (Mormon) church, we do not baptize until the age of 8. We believe that is the age when children really can become accountable for what their own choices and are old enough to choose if they want to be baptized and if it is for the right reasons. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (I was raised LDS) and feel as though I had a good foundation and understood what I was doing.

We don't do anything like dedications--but we do have new babies blessed (normally by their fathers) in front of the congregation. The blessing is a prayer for the new child.

Congrats to you and your daughter. :hugs:

When I was a younger teen I was exploring different religions and Mormon was one of them. I was just trying new things. It was a great experiance!

[ClothDiaperMePlease]

If you are baptist, it is an "informed choice", so I think most kids are 10+

Heck Jesus was what 34 when he was baptized so you have time! :giggle2:

[myfrugalfunlife]

My dd's were baptised around 2 months but we're looking for a new church right now so my son hasn't been baptised yet (he's 2 months old right now). I grew up pentecostal and was baptised in 6th grade-the church I grew up in does not do infant baptism but does do baby dedication-I was actually there tonight because my neice was being dedicated. I'm now a part of the RCA (reformed church of america denomination) and they do infant baptism and then later on, confirmation of faith-which is when you go before the elders and pastor and answer questions, and then go in front of the church-pretty much the same as what my old church does for adult baptism, except no water :goodvibes: Either way seems fine with me-I don't have a problem with baby baptism because later on they'll do the confirmation of faith, when my kids feel they're ready to make that step, but I was baptised as an 'adult' and that was fine too. sara

[Nikkis_Little_Ladies]

If you are baptist, it is an "informed choice", so I think most kids are 10+

Heck Jesus was what 34 when he was baptized so you have time! :giggle2:

LOL we are baotist, and shoot is Jesus was 34 then even I have another 7 years beffore i even need to worry about getting my letter changed. :goodvibes:

[Mindi]

dd was 3 1/2 and oldest ds was 6 months old. My younger 2 boys have not been baptized yet.

[mama2logan&evan]

Logan was 7 weeks. Evan was 4 months.

[diane24]

In the LDS (Mormon) church, we do not baptize until the age of 8. We believe that is the age when children really can become accountable for what their own choices and are old enough to choose if they want to be baptized and if it is for the right reasons. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (I was raised LDS) and feel as though I had a good foundation and understood what I was doing.

We don't do anything like dedications--but we do have new babies blessed (normally by their fathers) in front of the congregation. The blessing is a prayer for the new child.

Congrats to you and your daughter. :hugs:
:yeahthat:

[Ashleybelle]

Anna was 2 weeks:) She slept through everything!!!

[jesshb]

I was raised in an "Adult Baptism" church. That being said, I was baptized at the age of 9 after conversations with my parents and pastor.

I now belong to a church that baptizes infants. It was a theological/mental hurdle that I had to navigate, but we have had our children baptized. In my mind, neither way is "wrong" it's just a matter of what part of baptism you want to emphasize. God's covenantal grace or our response to that grace.

DD was baptized at 3 months
DS was baptized at 5 months

[mom2joshkayleighaubrey]

I accepted Jesus when I was 7 but did not get baptized until I was 13, you should make sure they want to do it and understand they are following jesus, not just do it because it sounds fun :). Very happy she accepted Christ, I love to hear that :hugs:

[Airyl]

In the LDS (Mormon) church, we do not baptize until the age of 8. We believe that is the age when children really can become accountable for what their own choices and are old enough to choose if they want to be baptized and if it is for the right reasons. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (I was raised LDS) and feel as though I had a good foundation and understood what I was doing.

We don't do anything like dedications--but we do have new babies blessed (normally by their fathers) in front of the congregation. The blessing is a prayer for the new child.

Congrats to you and your daughter. :hugs:

Same here! I didn't grow up LDS, and was baptized when I was about 12. DD was blessed when she was less than a month old.

[dirtdartwife]

I'm Roman Catholic so we fully believe in giving our children the gift of our faith by raising them from birth in it. To me, Satan has too much of a toe in if there is a door open for the possibility of a child denouncing God before being Baptized. It's also not just an outward symbol to us, it's something much deeper that the entire Community and families are involved in. It's also a great reason to have one hell of a party! :hugegrin:

My four:
#1- 15 months (I was a lapsed Catholic at that time)
#2- 5 months
#3- 8 days
#4- 17 days

[tinab]

My girls were baptised at the Easter Vigil this year when I was received into the Catholic Church after the long RCIA process. It was neat to do it together. Josi was 14 months and Loralei was 4 years and 4 months old.
I was baptised Methodist on Easter 1983, I was almost 8 years old. My mom decided it and my brother and I were both done. Even though I was old enough to remember it, I was more into confirmation. It was one of the most important days of my childhood/teen years.

I went to a Pentecostal church for a while and a little 4 year old was getting baptised and she was so happy and excited. Her parents were so proud of her!

[Jewelgurl137]

My DD was about 5-6 weeks old and DS was about 23 months old.

[summersonshine0407]

DS1: 5 weeks
DS2: 12 days

[1blessedmama]

We don't get our children baptized as babies. They were both dedicated right after birth, though. We feel that being baptized is a very personal thing and they need to make the decision for themselves. ETA: That is our decision. We don't think badly of people who feel differently.

BTW, good for her!!!!! :hugs: She's made a very important decision and you should be proud of her. Congrats!!

Ditto that.

I also would agree that if she's old enough to understand being saved then she could understand the outward symbolism of baptism...have you asked her how much she understands about it? (I'm sure you have) Six does seem young, but no one is too young/old for God. :)

[joshuas_mum]

ds was 36 hours old. he wasnt expected to live much longer than that. now hes 2 :D

[3 ladybugs]

My children were baptized at:
10 days (in the NICU)
10 days (in the NICU)
one child was conditionaly baptized on his birth/death day (he died before he could be baptized alive and Catholic church allows you to conditionally baptize after death in such circumstances)

This child inside me now isn't born yet, however I know that he will be born no later then 9/26 and he will be baptized on December 28. I think after all we have been through I deserve one child to be baptized with all the pomp and circumstance that normally goes into this. :)

I personally wasn't baptized till I was 25 years old... but that is because I didn't have any religion to turn to growing up... something I will NEVER put my children through.

Jennifer

[zenmama]

ds was 18 mo and dd was 2 mo. Of course they didnt understand it. I let them get baptized for family reasons against my own personal judgement. It is what it is and if they choose to be catholic it is an option for them....

[CMommyof2]

dd1 was 6 months
dd2 was 6 weeks
To young to understand and honestly we do not belive in god so it means nothing to us. maybe someday if they choose to believe they will understand what it meant

[My4Boys4Me]

MY DS #1 was 8 - he came to me and asked "Why he wasn't baptized" so I asked him questions about it and he fully understood, he was saved when he was 5 - but I waited on the baptism till he came to me. Our church does a baptism teaching twice a year so for several years he ehard the class but never asked anything - once he started asking then I knew he was ready.

DS #2 is 8 and has been asking for about 8 months so I know he is ready- our church has 2 big Baptism parties a year so we will wait till the next one and it will be his turn!!

[jennsmile]

In the LDS (Mormon) church, we do not baptize until the age of 8. We believe that is the age when children really can become accountable for what their own choices and are old enough to choose if they want to be baptized and if it is for the right reasons. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (I was raised LDS) and feel as though I had a good foundation and understood what I was doing.

We don't do anything like dedications--but we do have new babies blessed (normally by their fathers) in front of the congregation. The blessing is a prayer for the new child.

Congrats to you and your daughter. :hugs:

:yeahthat:

[kettle]

If you have a DC that is baptized, how old were they and did they fully understand it at that point in time? Or was it something they did and then grew to learn mor about it?

My dd1 (6) got "saved" two weeks ago during their vacation bible school. And she totally understood that. I'm just not sure shes ready to be baptized. Her Sunday school teacher seems to think she is.

I'm so thankful that Amielya got saved and I just want o be sure that she is fully ready to be baptized.


I know I'm going to offend someone with the opinion I'm going to give, that is honestly not my intent, I just feel like the OP deserves to hear the other side.

I was "christened" when I was about 3 months old... and frankly I have always found it a bit offensive. By the time I was 12 I had decided to be (I didn't know the term for it, but I knew what I wanted) a secular humanist. It's something I discussed with my parents when I determined I was not a theist in any way. Because of the feelings I expressed my parents did not christen/baptize my brother. When he was 12 he decided he wanted to be baptized and he is a devout Christian. I was fortunate that outside of the christening my parents (well my father at least) never pushed me into religion, if I chose to go to church my father was more than willing to take me. My mother attended church every Sunday. I'm not saying this was something that scarred me or anything, I'm simply saying I wish it had been a choice I was allowed to make.

I truly feel this is a choice a child should make for themselves... a child under the age of bare minimum 10 does not know what they are doing, they do not understand the metaphysical, cultural and theological implications of the "choice" they are making... I honestly feel like it's a bit like taking advantage of their youth... I'm not saying you shouldn't raise your child to be religious, I'm just saying they should make the decision to "consecrate their life" when they are old enough to actually understand what it means... if they are simply doing it because the adults in their life either intentionally or unintentionally encouraged them then the act doesn't really have much meaning.

We're in the midst of a "discussion" with my MIL was over this issue. She is a devout Catholic, my husband and I are both secular humanists... so obviously our opinions differed on this issue.

In the end though, parents raise their children in the way they think is best... so whatever decision this mama makes will be a good one!

[SativaStarr]

DS was 4 months, DD was 6 months.. were Methodist and we do infant baptism, and then confirmation as a teen (which entails 1-2 years of classes and such)

[CrunchyMama0607]

mine haven't but will be real soon :thumbsup:

[zenmama]

I truly feel this is a choice a child should make for themselves... a child under the age of bare minimum 10 does not know what they are doing, they do not understand the metaphysical, cultural and theological implications of the "choice" they are making... I honestly feel like it's a bit like taking advantage of their youth... I'm not saying you shouldn't raise your child to be religious, I'm just saying they should make the decision to "consecrate their life" when they are old enough to actually understand what it means... if they are simply doing it because the adults in their life either intentionally or unintentionally encouraged them then the act doesn't really have much meaning.

I totally agree with this statement, I wish I had listened to my gut.

[Sweet2All]

My eldest son was saved 2 years ago, but has not been baptized. He says he isn't ready for that yet, but I think he's afraid of the water (he doesn't swim well). We are not pushing him, but instead are praying that God leads him to make the decision when he is ready. Just give it time. Your DC may have some things to get clear before baptism. :)

[SmileyMoo]

If your child accepted Christ into her heart then its your job as a parent to help her pray about it. She will know when the time is right for her and no one else should pressure her into doing something she isn't sure of yet.

[Meg678]

My church believes that children should be able to at least comprehend what is happening to them and should be able to choose or not choose if they want to be baptized into the church their parent(s) attend. Our church as a whole waits until at least 8 years old to baptize. I also believe that babies and young children are born pure and don't need to be baptized because they can't sin. Just my 2 cents, please hold your stones =).

[debdebdebby13]

DD is 2 and is not baptized. We don't believe in infant baptism, we believe its a conscious choice to be made by the child/adult when they are ready. So DD will be baptized when she has accepted Jesus and desires to be a Christian and walk with God :goodvibes:

[lydiamom]

same here--I don't believe in infant baptism, so my girls aren't baptized. I remember accepting Jesus into my heart when I was 4, but I was 9 before I was baptized, and I know I approached my parents about it myself. DH was baptized as an infant, but got baptized again when he was 23 after he got saved and knew he wanted to do it now that it actually meant something to him.

[Tiffer23]

Not my child yet, but I think both DH and I were 13. For us in our religion, children are all saved. I want him to fully understand what it means to take on Christ as his savior, not just the elementary concepts we work on now, but the hard parts as well. For me, a 6 year old cannot properly understand all of that. But I do think it's wonderful that it seems she is on the right track and understands she needs to give her life to God.

ETA: I was re-baptized at 20ish because I realized that at 13 I didn't understand enough and truly commit my life to God. I don't think it was neccesary but I wanted to do it as a symbol for myself. But second baptism was private, just DH and friend, and another friend who actually baptized me. No one else knew anything of it.

[Meg678]

In the LDS (Mormon) church, we do not baptize until the age of 8. We believe that is the age when children really can become accountable for what their own choices and are old enough to choose if they want to be baptized and if it is for the right reasons. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (I was raised LDS) and feel as though I had a good foundation and understood what I was doing.

We don't do anything like dedications--but we do have new babies blessed (normally by their fathers) in front of the congregation. The blessing is a prayer for the new child.

Congrats to you and your daughter. :hugs:

Yea, so Manna explained much better than I did so I'll do a :yeahthat:

[Samandy]

Well, my story is a bit different.
My husband and I are non-believers. (he was raised WELS Lutheran and I LDS)
My family half of which are LDS the other half athiest/agnostic (I have 8 sibs), are all understanding that we have our own beliefs. When DD talks to my mom about religion my mom always tells her that she believes in heaven but some people don't, including mom and dad.
DH's family on the other hand tell us all the time that we are going to hell, etc.

Well apparently their guilt got to them as they confessed to us that they had baptized our daughter at the age of 3 on 2 different occasions (once GG did it the other time Grandpa) they couldn't stand the thought of her going to hell.
They said they were just sad that they didn't get to baptize Ally before she died. (apparently the believe she is now in hell)

Needless to say they haven't been allowed to babysit since.
I wish I could trust them but i just can't.

DD tells me that god is a human that lives in space.

[RachelC]

DD was 9 days old, and DS was 1 month old. They'll learn about the significance of their baptism as they grow in the church.

[kettle]

Well, my story is a bit different.
My husband and I are non-believers. (he was raised WELS Lutheran and I LDS)
My family half of which are LDS the other half athiest/agnostic (I have 8 sibs), are all understanding that we have our own beliefs. When DD talks to my mom about religion my mom always tells her that she believes in heaven but some people don't, including mom and dad.
DH's family on the other hand tell us all the time that we are going to hell, etc.

Well apparently their guilt got to them as they confessed to us that they had baptized our daughter at the age of 3 on 2 different occasions (once GG did it the other time Grandpa) they couldn't stand the thought of her going to hell.
They said they were just sad that they didn't get to baptize Ally before she died. (apparently the believe she is now in hell)

Needless to say they haven't been allowed to babysit since.
I wish I could trust them but i just can't.

DD tells me that god is a human that lives in space.

Just wanted to say I'm right there with you mama... DH and I are secular humanists, my family is awesome about it... DH's mom is Super super Catholic... so we're having some problems.

[Samandy]

Just wanted to say I'm right there with you mama... DH and I are secular humanists, my family is awesome about it... DH's mom is Super super Catholic... so we're having some problems.

It's a crappy situation to be in.
I wanted to tell you I LOVE the captain tiny nickname, and you avi!

[kimsansf]

Jackson will be 14 months old when we do a baptism and blessing

[kettle]

It's a crappy situation to be in.
I wanted to tell you I LOVE the captain tiny nickname, and you avi!

Thanks... my husband came up with the Captain Tiny nickname and took the picture... he's also Senor Stinky Pants... and when he's in a bad mood he's Lieutenant Lower Lip (that one's mine!)...

It is a crappy situation... I love my MIL and I know she's trying to do what she thinks is right... but she needs to understand that it's OUR child...

[fiestymomma]

Seven mo first dc, 6 mo second dc.

Sonya

[Namaste]

Last spring at 6 and 2. I joined the Episcopal church and my oldest wanted to be baptized. She understands the nuts and bolts. They can go on to a confirmation if they wish when they are older.

[Meg678]

Well, my story is a bit different.
My husband and I are non-believers. (he was raised WELS Lutheran and I LDS)
Well apparently their guilt got to them as they confessed to us that they had baptized our daughter at the age of 3 on 2 different occasions (once GG did it the other time Grandpa) they couldn't stand the thought of her going to hell.
They said they were just sad that they didn't get to baptize Ally before she died. (apparently the believe she is now in hell)
<---for some reason your quote wasn't quoting write and I'm not sure how to fix it!

That would seriously piss me off! Baptism is such a personal thing, that was way wrong for them to take them upon themselves unless you asked them to. Seriously...

And your daughter isn't in hell (imo). I'm LDS so you might have a little background on what I believe but I don't believe in a God that would torture a newborn, innocent baby like that. I believe that children who die before the age of accountablity are saved and receive exaltation. They're the special ones that didn't need to go through this horrible life to prove themselves. You had an extremely special baby in your home, even though it was for short time, and YOU were chosen to be that special baby's momma. :hugs: to you.

[Computermama]

DD will probably never be baptized, despite the fact that I was as a baby. If she does get baptized, it will be because she's a teenager (at least)and chose to have it done herself.

I'm not Christian, and have no plans of teaching her the christian ways. However, I am Pagan, and probably will not teach her those ways either. I believe that dedicating yourself to a religion is a deeply personal choice that another person should not make for you, even if that person is a loving parent. She will choose a religion, or not, when she's old enough to understand the choice.

[nadjarea]

I think if she is old enough to understand what it is to be saved, she's old enough to make the decision on when to be baptized.

We don't get our children baptized as babies. They were both dedicated right after birth, though. We feel that being baptized is a very personal thing and they need to make the decision for themselves. ETA: That is our decision. We don't think badly of people who feel differently.

BTW, good for her!!!!! :hugs: She's made a very important decision and you should be proud of her. Congrats!!

I totally agree.

The Bible says that baptism is just a picture of what the LORD did for us...dying on the cross and rising up again..under the water...out of the water......It doesn't save you....So, if your child gets baptized at 1 day old or 85 years old, it really. honestly doesn't matter according to the Bible if they didn't accept Jesus as their Saviour when they were old enough to know what sin is.
Anyways OP! Praise the LORD! Two of mine are saved and I can't wait till the other two are!

[CamsMama]

My kids won't be baptized until they're old enough to understand what they're doing. Our church does a dedication in front of the congregation when they're babies, but no baptism until they're older. I've only been re-attending church for about a year, so we haven't had our kids dedicated yet. We will probably have all 3 dedicated together in November/December after the baby is born.

[angbaby1]

4 months old

[LuAnn]

ds1 11m
ds2 hasnt been yet (hoping this month)

[armywife2002]

i dont believe in infant baptism, so my son will be baptised when he is older and accepts jesus, whenever that it.

personally, i was saved at about 8, and baptised shortly after. the getting saved is whats important, baptism is just a public profession of that. so my view is if shes old enough to be saved, shes old enough to be baptised, if thats what she wants

i dont agree with the pp who said a child under 10 doesnt understand what they're doing- i was about 8, and i definitly understood. the preacher even took time to come to my home and talk with me one on one to make sure i understood completely, and wasnt just saying the words. it depends on the child

[ktmelody]

None of my children have been baptized or will be. For my family, my children have the right to choose their own religion/beliefs. So when they are old enough, they can make the decision themselves.

For the record, DH and I are Buddhists. :thumbsup: