Christian Community:
When we dedicate an infant it is a sign of worship and a deeper understanding that our children belong first and foremost to God. During the process of dedication we entrust the Christian upbringing of a child not only to the parents but to God's church. Like Hannah dedicated her son Samuel, and Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus at the temple, so parents also aknowledge that their Child is entrusted to God and to The Church.
Emphasis on Personal Decision:
Because infant dedication delays baptism and places that choice in the life of the child. Infant dedication emphasizes one’s "personal faith in God." This means that you as parents choose to delay baptism until your child is of a mature age. Hence, no water will be applied on your infant during the dedication. You are dedicating your infant to God while the congregation stands with you as the extended family of God. In so doing, you are taking a vow to take direct responsibility for the Christian training of your child. (Traditionally, dedication requires that both parents be Christians. However, dedication is also appropriate for the children of one parent when Christian sponsors stand with and take vows with the parent.)
God's Grace:
We are bold to also claim that we come to a saving grace of God through personal faith in God. When you choose infant dedication, you are relying on God to lead the way for your child to come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. The baptism is intentionally delayed until your child reaches a mature age. At that time, he or she can be baptized, making a public confession of faith in Christ. Since the appropriate age for this baptism varies in each case, the general rule of thumb is to consult with the pastoral staff for discernment.