What Should My 4 Year Old Wear?

Definately not jeans. You might also consider his shoes. If he has regular street shoes and not sneakers, that would be better. They wouldn't have to be dress shoes, just not sneakers. Again, the respect thing...

Please, even though there will be others there wearing jeans, please do not think it is appropriate to wear in a church. I do realize many people believe jeans, especially designer jeans ($$) would pass for church attire. Still, it is denim and denim is not appropriate for any church function. Please, wear pants. Thank you for asking.

I just wanted to throw this out there... God doesn't care what you wear. He cares about the condition of your heart. So yes, it's right to teach our kids the importance of respect, and dressing appropriately for certain occasions helps show respect. But I've been reading this book that talks about the "white picket fence syndrome". Really interesting stuff. It talks about avoiding teaching our kids that as long as you look nice on the outside it doesn't matter what's going on on the inside. Like as long as you don't get caught, it's not wrong. So yes, I think khakis are appropriate for a baptism, but if it's a matter of teaching our kids about respect it's more about the behavior we model for them. Values are not taught to our kids, they're caught by our kids.

I definitely think NOT jeans! I know some people think it's fine, but it has always seemed disrespectful to me to not dress up when going to church.

So yes, I think slacks and a nice sweater sound just right.

Definitely a nice pair of pants. This is an opportunity to teach him about respect...for himself and others. If you don't have a pair, maybe you could borrow from a friend?

Hi C.-

I would definitely put him in khaki pants and not jeans. We have a rule in our family that once you hit age 2 and they make khaki pants by the dozen, no more jeans at church. Plus, since it's such a special event, it's probably better to dress up a little, even if it's a casual church.

Hope you have a really nice time!

He's 4. I think that jeans are fine with a nice sweater, its not like you are sending him in a t-shirt.

I think kahkis are appropriate and dressy enough for a 4 yr old they also easy to find in their size. A pair of tan ones mix well with lots of sweaters and shirts.

It truely depends on the church. I being of "old school" still put my boys in dress shorts or pants and a polo or sweater every week for church. However, my church is more casual than some. Many people every week wear jeans. I personally have put my boys in slacks. However, you may ask the parents of the babtised child what the normal dress for their church is. If people are usually dressed casual, a nice pair of jeans will work.
The comment that God doesn't care what you wear is true. He just wants you there in celebration of the babtism.

I would not wear jeans to a baptism at a church. I think as long as you have pants, he should wear pants. If it was just weekend mass, then jeans would be fine. I would be conservative and put him in pants.

Khaki's and a nice shirt or sweater (depending on the weather) would be good. I agree, no jeans though.

I am so glad to hear so many people say no jeans! I think even if your son were 4 months old, no jeans. Definitely a pair of khakis. Church is not a casual event, and especially not a baptism. I think it teaches your son a nice lesson that you dress up for special occasions, church being one of them.

I agree with the khakis or dress shorts depending on the weather and the temperature of the church. This is a big day for him too! Just make sure he's comfortable. Congrats!
C.

I am not Christian and I have never been to a baptism in my life nor will I ever be however according to my knowledge of baptism ceremonies, I believe it takes place in a church, your place of worship. Anytime one steps foot in a place of worship whether it be a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue, one should pay respect accordingly. It is inappropriate for one to wear casual attire with this in mind. I am not sure whether people's standards of religion and respect have gone down tremendously but if not I would say go with the dress clothes: shoes, pants and sweater. No jeans or khakis. It sounds like others seem to agree about this as well so probably just go the extra way to make him look classy. Worst comes to worst, everyone will just ooh and ahh how classy he looks. Good luck with your choice and hope you all enjoy the ceremony. Be well. G-d bless!