baptism of premature infants

baptism of premature infants
Question from Diane Panella on 5/5/2008:

I was told that a new born baby does not have to be baptized. My question is really if a baby is born and is still alive and is premature and has the chance to be baptized by a priest and then expires did it need to be baptized. I was told that this baby does NOT need to be baptized to go to heaven. I was told baptism is for adults and it is not in scripture that a baby (or premature baby in this case) needs to be baptized. Please answer this question. Thank you
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 5/6/2008:

Diane, The custom of infant Baptism comes from the practice of the Church itself, from its understanding of its need from the words of Jesus, and from its experience of infant mortality. We believe that Revelation is found not only in Scripture but also in Tradition. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis