In the LDS church, we believe that we should be baptized when we are old enough to know right from wrong. As little babies, we don’t sin simply because we don’t know right from wrong. We also don’t believe that by being born we are born with sin. So, in our church, we do not baptize infants. But, having a new infant is still a very special time. That little life brought into a new home is so magical. You can’t help but feel how close they are to their Heavenly Father, and you can’t help but worry about the big life that lies ahead of them.
So, we do believe in blessing our babies. A blessing is not cleansing them from sin, but rather is a special gift given to them from their Heavenly Father through a member of the church who holds the priesthood (or authority) to give them a blessing. Usually, it is the father of the baby that gives this blessing.
Last Sunday, we blessed our baby boy. It was a wonderful day. We had lots of family and a few friends there. My husband gave the blessing. You could not help but feel how special this child is to our Heavenly Father as you listen to his blessing. It made me so grateful to have the gift of a new child of our Heavenly Father’s in our home. While taking care of a new baby is often difficult, it is also a fleeting moment that doesn’t last forever. I’ve realized this as I’ve watched my two older kids grow. Since I really feel like this is my last child, it makes it even more special.
A blessing like this is comforting to the parents too. I see this child through His Heavenly Father’s eyes. I know that this baby is mine, on loan, from a loving Father in Heaven who loves him too. I feel privileged to be entrusted with the task of raising these little ones. I know that it is my responsibility to teach this child the best I can so that he has the tools to choose the right paths in his life and return to that Father in Heaven that misses him. With every baby blessing, you can’t help but remember how they were just with that Father. And, how lucky you are to now have them in your life.