Choosing a Godparent for a child can be a tough decision for parents. Primarily a Godparent is responsible for assisting in the religious upbringing of the child. Often with so many family and friends to choose from it is a decision that takes a lot of thought. Godparents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptised as the parents.

A member of your family or a friend, that's the first dilemma over who to choose. Some people feel family members already have a role where their child is concerned, others feel that they might lose contact with a friend, so it's better to go for someone who's a relation.

It's usually seen as a great honor to be chosen as a baby's Godparent, but its certainly worth thinking about what the person you've asked will think their job entails. If you want a Godfather who will send a card and small gift on your child's birthday each year it makes sense not to ask your beach bum of a brother, who's never managed to send a card to anyone on time in his life.

Since a Godparent is considered a role model, both in religious and personal life, parents should attempt to choose someone who is living a moral life, and should not feel obligated to choose a friend or family member as their child's Godparent if they do not feel they will be a good role model for their child. Neither should location be an influence on the decision, while it is more convenient for them to live close by, it is not a detriment to the child to have a Godparent living far away.

It is considered to be a tradition to have two Godmothers and one Godfather for a girl,and two Godfathers and one Godmother for a boy, although it is up to you how many Godparents you have.

A Godparent is an important religious and personal role model for a child. For this reason parents choosing a Godparent for their child need to select someone they can rely on.