Blessing for a New Baby
A prayer for parents on the birth of a child or the anniversary of Baptism — dedicating the child to God and asking for the intercession of Mary, Joseph, and the Guardian Angel.
The Blessing for a New Baby is a prayer of dedication and gratitude for new life. Parents offer the child to God, asking the intercession of Mary, Joseph and the guardian angel, and thanking God for the gift. It can be prayed in the hospital, at home or on the anniversary of Baptism. It sets the tone for a family life in which faith is breathed in from the first days. Grandparents and godparents can join in, and the prayer can be repeated at each year's birthday. It also asks for the parents' strength in the sleepless weeks to come.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayBlessing for a New Baby
Heavenly Father,
we thank You for the precious gift of this child.
In Your infinite love, You have entrusted this new life to us —
a soul created in Your own image,
redeemed by Your Son,
and destined for eternal life with You.
Lord, we dedicate this child to You.
Watch over this little one with tender care.
Guide every step of this child's life.
May [name] grow in wisdom, in stature,
and in favor before You and before others.
We ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of Jesus and mother of us all.
May she shelter this child under her mantle,
as she sheltered the Christ Child in Nazareth.
Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Child,
protect this family as you protected the Holy Family.
Holy Guardian Angel, be always near this child —
guarding, guiding, and keeping [name] safe.
Lord, give wisdom to the parents of this child.
Help them to raise [him/her] in the faith,
to teach [him/her] to love You above all things,
and to find in Your Son the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,
who said: "Let the children come to me,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Amen.
(This prayer is especially fitting at Baptism or on the anniversary of Baptism.)
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray the Blessing for a New Baby?
Pray it on the day of birth, at the baptism and on each baptism anniversary.
How do I pray the Blessing for a New Baby?
Hold the child, read the blessing aloud, and name the child.
Who is the Blessing for a New Baby for?
New parents, grandparents and godparents.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play