Babies in Mass?

We started bringing ours when he was a week old 😅 we did sit in the courtyard though at first just to keep him safe from illness but once he was a couple months old we brought him inside and just kept him in the baby carrier and he was just a sleepy little cuddle bug

Point being they are never too young to start! 🫶

We normally sit towards the back of the church so maybe we could sit at the very back. That way if we have to step out, we can make a quick exit

One week old! That way there is no adjustment period. Mass and is just part of life from the get-go. My 14m old gets fussy sometimes so I periodically step out. Many other parents do the same and nobody cares when they disrupt mass! Children are the greatest gift from God!!

“A church without crying is a church that’s dying” don’t be afraid to disrupt others. The great part about mass is it’s consistent every week so maybe just step out or stand up and rock baby during the readings and homily but i dont know other than that I feel it’s okay and you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable 🫶🏻 That’s how I’m going about it at least

Sit near the back / edge of pews and be ready to step out if needed but as early as you’re comfortable. We recently had our 3rd and per pediatrician’s recommendation, waited a month before bringing the baby due to germs and flu season.

Jesus said let the little children come to me (Matthew 19:14) ❤ I started bringing mine as soon as I was recovered from birth. Our priest likes to say "If you don't hear crying the church is dying" lol

I would say bring your baby as soon as you feel ready! Some people might wait until they feel comfortable bringing their baby around strangers who might have colds or whatnot. But I have seen practically newborns at mass. I started bringing my daughter when she was about 2 months because that just happened to be when I started RCIA. It was totally fine and actually waaaay easier than it is now that she’s 20 months and needs constant activity lol. When she was small we would either leave her in the car seat to sleep or I would hold her in a carrier. For our next baby, which will be born in a little over 2 weeks (yikes!), I’ll probably just bring him as soon as I feel physically recovered enough to do it. As far as the fear of disrupting mass, here’s a great article to read that talks about just that. https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/let-the-loud-children-come-to-me/ Remember Jesus is present in the mass and that is the most important reason EVERYONE should be welcome! God bless!

This makes me feel so much better. We’re not married and we were supposed to attend the RCIA classes later this year. But idk how it’s going to work out now. But we’re meeting with the Deacon next week to discuss everything. Maybe they can rush along the classes or something

I’m also looking for modest dresses for mass. And some maternity dresses for mass. Do you guys have any recommendations as to where to even begin shopping?

Brought mine when he was 6 days old. Be prepared for people to make comments lol but you can maintain distance and if they are in a chest carrier or car seat with a cover people don't tend to come up and want to hold them. We did palm Sunday, holy Thurs and good Friday along with Easter Sunday and honestly he was fine!

I’m already preparing myself for the comments. We’re unmarried and living together. Now we’re pregnant while we’re trying to become Catholic. But we told each other that this wouldn’t have happened if God didn’t want it to happen and that helps with the anxiety and going to church

I take them the first Sunday after they are born. We go to the early Mass. They can’t get enough of those graces, and if the church ain’t crying, it’s dying!

You guys have made me feel so much better about taking a newborn with us to Mass. We found out we were pregnant on Easter. I’m due in November, so I think if I go into labor at the church, I might name the baby after a saint or something

@Jewel people are annoying always. 😑 you do you, boo!

Bring baby as early as you like. Crying babies are ok at mass. Obviously if baby is really kicking off it’s good to be at the edge of pew so you can step out if needed.

I’ve taken my kids since they were born. I take them out only when they are disruptive enough that I can’t hear what the priest is saying. My husband had a slightly lower tolerance and takes them out sooner.

@Jewel latched mama sells maternity/nursing dresses

@Qhianna thank you so much. I’ll check those out as soon as I can

@Jewel Nobody is unworthy of Gods forgiveness and redemption, regardless of the sins of our past. What matters most is that you seek repentance by getting married, and if you’re in RCIA then to focus on that and possibly receive the sacrament of Reconciliation if you’re already baptized. No one knows your situation and if they judge you for your faults then they need to reread scripture 😅 Wishing you a healthy and blessed pregnancy.

I’d also suggested looking for “smocked” maxi dresses online, they are super comfortable during pregnancy, postpartum and easy to nurse in! I’m a huge huge fan 🫶

@Shannon thank you for that. It makes me feel better about this. I was hesitant on telling the Deacon because I was afraid of what he would say. But he congratulated me and set up a meeting for us to go in and discuss everything with him. It’s next week which is also the same day as our first doctor appointment

I took my baby after a month. Just so you know you are not obligated to attend Sunday mass when you are caring for a newborn as per the Cathecism of the Catholic Church. Get your rest and when you are ready, come to mass with your baby. Fend baby off from touchy strangers!! Be ready to be assertive as babies can get sick easily as not fully vaccinated yet

As soon as you’re comfortable

For dresses-Seraphine has a lot of good quality options. They’re a bit spendy full price, but often on resale sites.