Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 197 - Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 197 - Part I. Why does the Church adhere to the practice of infant Baptism?

(Youcat answer) From antiquity the Church has practiced infant Baptism. There is one reason for this: before we decide on God, God has decided on us. Baptism is therefore a grace, an undeserved gift of God, who accepts us unconditionally. Believing parents who want what is best for their child want Baptism also, in which the child is freed from the influence of original sin and the power of death.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1255) For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult  - on the road of Christian life (Cf. CIC, cann. 872-874). Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium) (Cf. SC 67). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Infant Baptism presupposes that Christian parents will raise the baptized child in the faith. It is an injustice to deprive the child of Baptism out of a mistaken liberality. One cannot deprive a child of love so that he can later decide on love for himself; so too it would be an injustice if believing parents were to deprive their child of God’s grace in Baptism. Just as every person is born with the ability to speak yet must learn a language, so too every person is born with the capacity to believe but must become acquainted with the faith. At any rate, Baptism can never be imposed on anyone. If someone has received Baptism as a little child, he must “ratify” it later in life—this means he must say Yes to it, so that it becomes fruitful.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1275) Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.

(This question: Why does the Church adhere to the practice of infant Baptism? is continued)