why do catholics baptize babies

Catholics baptize babies primarily to remove original sin from their souls, initiate them into the Christian Church, and confer sanctifying grace that prepares them for a spiritual life and eventual salvation. Baptism is considered necessary for salvation, and infant baptism has been an apostolic tradition, supported by biblical references to entire households being baptized. Since infants cannot make the decision themselves, their parents and godparents profess the faith on their behalf and commit to raising them in the Catholic faith. This practice also reflects the Church's teaching that baptism cleanses original sin and allows God to dwell in the baptized person from the earliest moments of life.