The day of your baby's blessing is a special one. And though it can feel busy and hectic to plan and coordinate with family and your ward, etc., there are easy ways to prepare. Here's a reminder of what to say during the blessing, and a few things you can do before, during, and after the blessing to help eliminate stress and focus on this sacred day.
The Blessing:
1. Address Heavenly Father.
2. State the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Give the baby a name.
4. Give a priesthood blessing as the spirit directs.
5. Close in the name of Jesus Christ.
Before the Blessing:
In order to ensure that this day runs smoothly, there are a few things you'll want to make sure are taken care of before the actual date of your baby's blessing.
"In modern revelation, parents who are members of the Church are commanded to bring their children "before the church," where the elders "are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in His name" (D&C 20:70). - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
1. Schedule a Sunday.
If you want to have relatives and friends attend the baby blessing, make sure you schedule a Sunday (usually a fast Sunday) out in advance so that you can give them optimal time to travel and make any necessary arrangments for the day. You can usually coordinate this date through the ward's Executive Secretary.
2. Extend invitations to be in the blessing circle.
Reach out to those you wish to assist you in the baby blessing ahead of time so you're not scrambling at the last minute to find priesthood holders or decide who will participate in the circle.
3. Teach your other children about baby blessings.
If you have other children, use a family home evening to explain to them the importance of names and why blessing their new brother or sister is important. Read the accounts about how John the Baptist and Jesus received their names in Luke 1:5-17, 26-33. This will help your children understand that everyone has a unique name and identity, even Jesus Christ. Talk with them about how their own names were chosen and the meanings behind them. Tell them your memories of what happened on the day of their baby blessing.
5. Make sure you pick out your baby's outfit before the day of the blessing.
While what your child is wearing when they are blessed is not important to the event, it will help reduce stress the morning of the blessing and allow you to focus more on the Spirit.
The Day of the Blessing:
1. Have a family prayer.
Before you pile into the car and head to the church building, have a family prayer together that will invite the Spirit to be present for the baby's blessing. This will help your children understand the importance of the day and the happiness it will bring your family.
2. Leave for church early.
Try to leave for church a little earlier than normal in order to have enough seats for your family and guests and to prevent yourself from feeling rushed or distracted.
3. Take a family picture.
Take a family picture after church. What better way to remember the day!
After the Blessing:
1. Make sure the blessing certificate is completed.
After the blessing is finished, the Ward Clerk should make sure the Child Blessing Record form is completed. A blessing certificate is also prepared, which the bishop will sign. Once that process is finished, you should receive the certificate.
2. Record the day's memories.
Write in a journal about the events of the day—your thoughts, emotions, words or phrases, and anything else you want to remember. This will give you the chance to look back on the day and remember all the details as well as share them with your baby when they are older.
With these suggestions and tips, the day of your baby blessing will be a memorable and happy event!