What is a Blessing? 

Church blessings or thanksgivings are an ideal alternative to a christening if you would like your child to be welcomed into the Christian church but don't want the full commitment of baptism. Clergy in some denominations are now happy to perform blessings for babies possibly followed by a baptism when the child is old enough to understand what it means.

A blessing usually takes place as part of a main church service. The child, family and any godparents go to the front of the church and are asked to say a few words, while the church promises to help the family look after the child. Some churches are happy to let parents write parts of the blessing themselves.

In a thanksgiving service, thanks are given for the gift of the child and no blessing or baptism is carried out. Parents are not asked to profess their faith but prayers are given. As with a blessing, godparents are optional.