Choosing a Modern Boy Christening Outfit

Modern Christening Boy Outfits

Preparing for your new baby's baptism can be as intimidating as it is exciting. Between the ceremony, the baptism clothes, determining the guest list, and finding the perfect caterer there are plenty of moments in which you may feel overwhelmed. Try to remember to take a moment to slow down and remember that this is an incredibly special day for your child as well as your loved ones. Photos of your baby dressed in his baptismal outfit with surrounded by close family and friends will be treasured for years to come.

(our Harrison Christening Suit collection pictured with matching booties)

Do boys get baptized in a dress?

Both boys and girls have traditionally worn long white catholic baptism gowns when being baptized. Babies can be baptized by immersion where the baby's body is placed in water or by pouring the water over the baby's forehead. For hundreds of years it was expected that both boys and girls wear these gowns when being baptized, however nowadays it is acceptable to have your baby boy wear a christening suit. Many people choose to go with a christening suit since these suits are considered to be more of a modern boy christening outfit. They can come in many different styles and are able to be more unique and tailor fit to the parent's wishes. There are also baptism rompers and convertible dresses to rompers/shorts that make transitioning into a more casual outfit easy. Boys don't need to wear a traditional catholic baptism gown, it is ultimately up to the parents to decide what they want their child to wear. 

(the Oliver Boy Convertible Christening Skirt can be removed to reveal the baby boy romper underneath)

What do babies wear when baptized?

Traditionally, baby boy's arrive at the church in normal clothes, and during the baptism itself, they are changed into the baby boy baptism clothes. Many families may also decide to dress their baby in a baptism gown for boys before the ceremony to take pictures, while others choose to take all photos proceeding the baptism.

In choosing a modern boy christening outfit, we suggest you stick with whites or creams and choose an outfit made of a soft natural 100% cotton that will keep your baby boy snug and comfortable.

Our Top 3 Baby Boy Christening Suits: 

1. Elijah 3-Piece Christening Suit

The Elijah 3-piece christening outfit is an all-white mix of super-soft textured cotton and stylish design to keep your baby cozy and gorgeous on his christening day. It is an elegant 3-piece with thoughtful details for a unique look. Just pair it with matching Booties and Newsboy Cap to complete the look.

2. Miles 3-Piece set

The Miles 3-piece baby boys christening suit is a gorgeous line of hand-crafted French terry suit suitable for the christening occasion. It's available in either white or soft natural ivory with beautiful hand-crafted details such as a back pocket and a fold-over hem. Your boy is going to look gorgeous in the soft Pima long-sleeved shirt.

There's even a short version of the suit, popular in warmer climates or during the summer and can even be used for weddings.

3. Harrison christening suit

A popular baby boy christening outfit made from quilted cotton with fold-over collar, linen trims, and darling pockets to transform your baby boy into a little prince. For a great head-to-toe look pair with a Newsboy cap, a bib and matching booties also available on our website.

All our outfits are made of high-quality, soft-textured materials to keep your baby boy warm and cozy. We also have matching accessories to help you complete the look or branch out with accented colors.

Who buys the baby boy baptism outfit?

It is expected that the parents pay for everything, including the baby boy baptism clothes, as well as any party favors, food, and reception costs. It is fairly common to receive cash gifts or checks, so you could use these after the fact to help offset any costs. However, you aren't expected to throw an extravagant party for your child's christening, and therefore you may end up wanting to have a more flexible budget for the outfit itself.

Sometimes families pass down baptism gowns for boys to use within the family, and it is likely that this would be a no cost option. But if the style or quality doesn't match up with what you want for your baby's baptism then as the parent or guardian you will be expected to pay for the alternate clothing.

(the Grayson Baby Boy Suit in gray and the Logan Baby Suit in light baby blue are both pastel colored christening suits that can be used in a baptism ceremony)

Does a baby have to wear white at a christening?

While it isn't technically required for a christening outfit to be white, it is best to stick with either white, ivory, or cream colors. As a symbol of purity, white has been the standard color for baby christening and baptism clothing for centuries to honor the Holy Spirit and God. If the christening is being held at a traditional church then white is highly recommended.

You may of course add some small pops of color such as light pastels via accessories, and there may also be some small accents of color on the outfit itself.

What is the purpose of a baptism?

Baptism is an act of convenance. It signifies the entrance into the New Covenant of Christ and memorializes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. When babies are baptized it is for the purpose of creating faith within them and is a symbolic way of having the child join the Church from the very start of their Christianity.

For many families, a baptism is the first step in their choice to raise their child within their church community. Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, marking the beginning of his ministry. In choosing to baptize your baby, you choose to follow the same path as many generations of devout believers. It commemorates the welcoming into a community of family and friends who will support him as he grows and develops within his community. As is stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn." Whether you and your family are deeply invested in your church community or you are simply choosing baptism as a family tradition, the ceremony is a memorable milestone and a special day to celebrate the addition of a new family member with loved ones.

(the Owen Christening Romper is a great option for those searching for a baptism romper or an after-christening outfit)

What does a baby boy wear for a catholic baptism?

Modern boy christening outfits differ from the more traditional catholic baptism gowns for boys. It doesn't matter whether you wish to have a more traditional catholic baptism gown or a modern suit, both are acceptable and are appropriate outfits.

If you wish to go with a suit or romper, it is common to have a matching hat and booties to go with the outfit. Accessories can be a fun way to add some uniqueness and even personalization to the ensemble.

It may be a good idea to have a baptism blanket that goes along with the outfit to wrap your baby in after the ceremony. A blanket may also be helpful to have on hand if you want to take outdoor pictures or if your ceremony is taking place during the cooler months.

You can also pair a matching boy baptism hat and baby boy booties for a gorgeous head to toe look. 

Finding the perfect outfit for your son's christening can be a little daunting, but as long as you stick to the guidelines any outfit you end up choosing will be perfect. Remember to take lots of pictures and spend the day with close family and friends to welcome your baby into your Church and faith.