Baptism alternatives?

Question

For Christmas my very catholic parents gave me my old baptismal gown my grandmother made and my father's gown he wore back in 1952. Neither my husband nor I believe in god or religion and will not be baptizing our children. I didn't have the heart to break it to my family on Christmas Day. I've heard of "welcoming" parties and am wondering what besides a baptism could we do to invite people to meet the new baby? I'd like to still be able to use the gowns.

Answer

I don’t know what else you could do with a traditional baptism gown other than a baptism. Sounds like you need to have a talk with your family.

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Perhaps you could have some nice professional pictures taken of the baby wearing each of the gowns and give that to them as a gift?

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You could have a day for people to come and give their blessings to the baby, religious or not. Maybe have a scrapbook or something so people can write a message to your baby. Have it catered because food is important.

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Just do a Welcoming. It’s what we did. 
Each person got to write a letter to her, giving a blessing or just saying how much they love her, whatever they want, for her to read when she’s older. My husband and I stated vows to her individually as parents, and then turned towards everyone else and said:
“It takes a village to raise a child. We as her parents have made vows to Liliana, and now we ask you to do the same. You are all her village. You are the ones who, alongside us, will be helping mold and shape her as she walks through life. We ask that you guide her gently, with wisdom and love. We ask that you encourage her to always act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Just as you did with us. Do you promise to Liliana and to us to fulfill these duties today and throughout her life?” And they all said “yes”. 
And then we had food and socialized and everyone got to love on us and her. You could, of course, make the vows to reflect how you want your child raised, that way it’s either more or less religious.

Answer

You can do a dedication ceremony. I did one because I’m Christian but do not believe in baptizing babies. No where in the Bible is a baby baptized because it’s a conscious decision to dedicate your life and follow Jesus and that impossible when you’re a baby. 
Regardless we did a dedication to God. It’s a promise to raise the baby in a Christian, loving household and allow the baby or child to receive the Word and make his own decision on whether to follow Jesus or not.
You could do something similar but change the wording. Maybe say something like dedicating to a life of love happiness and understanding, to keep the baby safe well cared for and educated, to allow the baby to be their own identity and make their own decisions on life and what they believe in and to support them in all their conquests. Etc etc

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Unless they want to pass it down more, you could frame it as a memento from your childhood/family history.

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I would use it for a naming ceremony

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Baptize the baby in the name of Satan (only revealing the fun twist of satanism after everyone is there) then once they're all horrified give up the ruse and then they'll be less angry it's not getting inducted and more relived it's not a literal satanist.

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I’m not sure what exactly happened but I was “welcomed” in a church. My extended family is religious but my parents didn’t want me raised in the church and were against “washing away the sins” of a newborn.

Answer

Dedications are always a safe option.  The ceremony could be used in different ways.  Traditionally, the parents dedicate to raise the baby in Christ, but it's becoming popular for the parents to dedicate their lives to the baby, not unlike an exchanging of vows.
Wish you luck on whatever you do!

Baptism alternatives?

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