Why It Can Be Great for You and Your Baby to Come to Church Now
Sometimes parents/caregivers tell me that they plan to begin coming to church when their children are a little older. Often one reason is nap time, which can definitely be a challenge depending on your child. I found my little one was actually great at church for the first few months, because he would just fall asleep regardless of what was happening. Since then he likes to keep himself awake where there are people to see, so nap time becomes the time he sleeps when travelling to and from church.
Sometimes the reason I hear is waiting for the baby to be old enough to understand and attend the children’s program. As your baby grows older, there will be the opportunity to learn about faith, to ask questions, to participate in our wish to care for the world. But the truth is there will always be some reason it isn’t convenient to come to church, so I think we shouldn’t try to wait for the perfect time. Instead, why not think of the benefits right now for yourself and your baby?
Here are some…
Music
Babies love music, and worship has lots of it! One baby I know loves bouncing up and down during hymns and organ music, while our own little one just looks around with wide eyes taking in everyone singing, and hearing our voices joined in. As an adult, the music can be a nice change from nursery rhymes and lullabies, and singing is good for recovery in body and spirit!
Stained Glass
I know my little one loves staring at any lights, and he loves stained glass. Recently I was at a service and he was a little fussy, until I turned him so he could look up at the stained glass. All of those colours! It provides the stimulation of lights and colourful toys, without electronics and with something beautiful for the adult to enjoy as well. Baby toys might be bright & colourful, but beautiful isn’t usually on the list…
Language
Recently I was reading that the greater the vocabulary a baby is exposed to, the greater their linguistic intelligence will be. It can be hard, however, to talk to your baby about things outside the practicalities of baths, board books, and diaper changes. Think of all the vocabulary your little one will hear spoken by others and yourself in a worship service! At this age, your baby doesn’t understand anything, so you don’t have to worry about explaining challenging concepts, you can simply enjoy the benefits of linguistic exposure. And for you as parent, guardian, or caregiver, these words might support or challenge you, offering a place to feed mind and soul.
A Space Where Baby isn’t Everything
Having a baby in your life can become all-consuming, and it can be worthwhile remembering that that one person isn’t everything. Yes, you will encounter lots of enthusiasm for your little one at church! But it won’t be the only thing you hear and talk about, which can happen not only at home but in larger family and social gatherings. You can listen to “adult” ideas, joys and sorrows, without needing to leave your little one behind.
A Caring Community
Caring for a baby is a lot of work. At church, you can find a community that will care for you as you do so – from offering to hold the baby (if you wish), to offering to bring over something for you to drink, to asking how you are doing. In particular, families further away from their extended families can find this welcome support. The church is also a place where all generations gather, unlike what will be so much of your baby’s life as an infant and child, with day cares, schools, programs and sports teams divided by age. Here three or four generations gather together – sometimes related by blood or choice, and sometimes by the bonds of friendship and community.
By the way – you can come for more than Sunday worship. Last fall, the most popular participant of our study group was a baby, and we have babies show up for volunteering, community events, and even the occasional committee meeting!
With many blessings, Rev. Emily Gordon
Babies at Church: The Practical Details
Diaper Changes
There is a changing table in a bathroom downstairs. You can reach it by going down the stairs, rather than up, at the ramp entrance (or take the lift down one level from the entrance or two from the sanctuary). It is to the left when you get down the stairs. You are also welcome to set up a changing station somewhere convenient for you. In the first couple of months, we used a pew at the back of the sanctuary as a changing table once the service was over. We also used the floor in a corner of the Hearth Room (through the doors at the front right of the sanctuary), which avoids fall risks and is fairly close to washrooms.
Feeding
Feel free to feed your baby in the sanctuary or to take your baby out of the sanctuary to feed at any time during worship, whatever is most comfortable for you and your little one. The rocking chairs in the sanctuary might provide a comfortable location (to the right/North side of the sanctuary). For somewhere a little less distracting, you might find one of the pews inside the entrances to the building, or one of the chairs in the Hearth Room a good option. You are also welcome to use the Oasis Room (the office across from the Main Office, near the Welcome area) if you would prefer a more private location. Our greeters or church officer would be happy to direct you.
Fussiness
Every baby is fussy sometimes – and it is a welcome reminder of the richness of life during worship. While as a minister I have no concerns about crying during worship, I know as a mother that I want to find ways to soothe my little one when he’s upset. You are welcome to move to the rocking chairs in the sanctuary or to walk around at the back. Both these options give you the chance to hear what is happening in the service. There are also more rocking chairs with the children’s area downstairs if you would rather be further away. This can be a nice option if you have an older child as well.
All the Gear
Babies come with lots of stuff! Feel free to bring your bags, car seat & anything else into the pew with you if you would like – there’s room! You’re also welcome to leave bigger items, such as strollers or carseats, inside the sanctuary by the door to the ramp entrance or by the coat racks that are at both entrances and outside the Hearth Room, wherever it is most convenient for you
Toys and Activities
With older babies and toddlers, you are welcome to bring toys or books with you. There is a children’s table set up in the South Transept where you will find rocking chairs, colouring supplies, children’s bulletins, as well as books and dolls that your little one is welcome to enjoy before, during, or after the service.
Do you have any other practical questions about bringing your baby to church? Feel free to send an email or phone us and ask.
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