Ans. On the birth of a baby, if honey is available in the house that is fine otherwise some crystal or lump sugar should be dissolved in water, the Mool Mantra (the creedal formula) should be recited over it and using the tip of a sword a couple of drops put in baby’s mouth.
The mother should take the rest of this sweet solution.
To put a black woollen thread or any magic formula (written on a piece of paper) around baby’s neck, is against Gurmat). When the mother can walk and take shower (irrespective of the number of days passed since delivery), at that time the family, relatives and friends should prepare ‘Karhah Prasaad’ (sweet sacramental pudding) and take the baby to the Gurdwara (If it is not practical to prepare the Prasaad at home then it could also be prepared at the Gurdwara). At the Gurdwara hymns of gratitude, like:
ਪਰਮੇਸਰਿ ਦਿਤਾ ਬੰਨਾ॥
(SGGS, P. 627)
“The Supreme Lord has given the prop”; And hymns of joy:
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਾਚੈ ਦੀਆ ਭੇਜਿ॥
(SGGS, P. 396.)
“The true Guru (God) has sent (the baby)”, should be recited or sung.
After the singing (or recitation) of these hymns, if the reading of Guru Granth Sahib had been started (in anticipation of the birth) and is now complete, then it should be concluded. Otherwise a supplication should be said. Then the “Vaak” (random reading of a hymn from Guru Granth Sahib, according to the given procedure) is to be read. The first letter of the first word of this hymn will be the starting letter of baby’s name. The Granthi could suggest some names and the family and friends could pick one out of these or any other name that they feel appropriate for the baby. The name is then announced in the congregation and accepted. Singh should be added to this name if the baby is a boy and Kaur should be added if it is a girl. Following this the first five and the last stanza of “Anand Sahib” is sung and then ‘Prasaad’ is distributed.
There is no restriction regarding eating and drinking (for the mother). The idea of impurity (sootak) on the birth of a baby, as prevalent among Hindus, is not recognized among Sikhs.To take a fabric (Rumala) used to cover Guru Granth Sahib and make baby’s clothes with it is inappropriate.