DH is going to be a godfather! (Questions inside)

[Faevantastic]

Cue the lame Godfather jokes.  Yes, he has already started.

DH's close friend asked him to be his soon-to-be daughter's godfather last night.  She's due on Jul 16.  We aren't overly religious... and I'm clueless about these things.  Is there a time when babies typically have their christening?  I ask because they just moved to FL, so we're going to have to make the trip down for it.  We have a vacation trip planned for first week of Nov, I'm nervous that maybe we'll have to cancel it.  I doubt we can make both trips.

One other question... Is there a godfather ettiquette DH should know about?  

[kandrze1]

Well, I know Catholics usually baptize within the first two months. I waited longer so Emerson's godfather could make it. I'm not sure if there is a specific time frame for other Christian denominations. 
I can't really think of any etiquette. It's nice to get your godchild a small gift, usually it's religious. I think Emerson got a small cross necklace from her godfather. That's not entirely necessary though. I would not have been offended at all if Emerson had not gotten a gift from her godfather especially considering he travelled to be at her christening. 

[orriskitten]

I'm also not religious and Mel's godfather (my best friend) did some google magic, so this is what he found...

Depends on the family for when the christening is. We did Mel's in September, but it can be whenever for most. Some faiths have a specific tine I believe, so definitely ask!

In terms of etiquette, he found that the godfather helps pay for the ceremony/celebration and the godmother does jewelry as a gift. We're fairly clueless, but that is what the internet said so it must be true

[TrudyCampbell]

I'm Catholic and we baptized at around 6 weeks old.

[Faevantastic]

They're Catholic. Hmmm... So should be fairly soon then. They live in West Palm Beach. Not the worst location, right.

[teamhayes]

we baptised K at a Catholic Church in November (he was a little over 6 months old) and he was one of the older babies being baptised so it depends on the person i think. We plan to baptise M at the same church late summer - he will be a little over 2 months old - just because we want the celebration outside.

As far as godfartherly duties I would say just be there through the childs life is the most important. Have them know him and send cards, etc.

Not sure on gift but $ is always nice. There are so many cute things you can get girls 0 like like cross necklaces,etc.

For boys I usually order christening blankets. Company is called Fill in the Blankie.

www.fillintheblankie.com/about-personalized-baby-blanket/about-sonya-bebeblankee/personalized-baby-blanket-occasions/personalized-baby-blanket-occasions-baptism-gift.html

[raynes]

H is the godfather to one of his BFF triplets. Looking at pictures they were older, maybe 6 or 7 months? Able to stand holding on to things. They're random protestant (maybe Anglican?)

We got her a christening picture frame that they put a picture of both of her godparents holding her in.

[careyalis]

We are Catholic and Blake was baptized at 2 months, but I actually got teased for doing it so soon. My niece and nephew were both baptized between 6 and 8 months, so it won't necessarily be super soon. They do not baptize during lent, but I think that is pretty much the only restriction.

Personalization mall has some cute gifts. My MIL got my neice a precious little pearl bracelet with a tiny cross on it for hers.