How Soon Baptism?

Q: My daughter and son-in-law are expecting their first child next month. Because we live many miles from the godparents, my daughter wants to have the baby given a special blessing by the priest in the hospital and wait some months until Memorial Day weekend to have the Baptism. Is there a rule not allowing this?

A: Canon #867 states that, if an infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptized without any delay. Under ordinary circumstances, states Canon #867, parents are to see to the Baptisms of their infants within the first few weeks: "As soon as possible after birth, even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child and to be themselves prepared for it."

The first consideration in determining the time is the welfare of the child, says Father John Huels, O.S.M., in the Pastoral Companion (Franciscan Press).

Also to be taken into account is the health of the mother so that if possible she may be present for the Baptism. There may also be necessary some time to prepare the parents for the sacrament and to plan the ceremony.

Father Huels notes that the phrase "within the first weeks after birth" may be interpreted broadly to allow for special family considerations, for example, to await the return of a family member who lives out of town.