Questions / Confession and the sacraments

Why do Catholics baptize babies?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Fr. Mike Schmitz

Video: Infant Baptism Explained (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz), Ascension Presents, published Jan 21, 2026. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Because babies need grace too, and the Church has baptized them since ancient times. CCC 1250 CCC 1252

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Children too are born with a fallen nature and need the new birth of Baptism. CCC 1250

Infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition, with explicit testimony from the second century on. CCC 1252

Our words

Grace is a gift, and babies are great at receiving gifts.

Watch another on this

Play video: Why Do We Baptize Babies in the Catholic Church?, Ascension Presents, from Ascension Presents, 19 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Why baptize babies who cannot yet believe?

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Related questions

How long does becoming Catholic take? Catholic Answers · 8 minAre the sacraments just symbols? Catholic Answers · 5 minDo I have to confess small, everyday sins? Catholic Answers · 2 minWhy baptize babies who cannot yet believe? Ascension Presents · 19 min

Sources on this page

How we know · 2 Catechism paragraphs

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1250, 1252 (official text on vatican.va).

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