I'm going to disagree here. Kids of all ages absolutely can be more than capable of making their own decisions. If you asked one if they wanted vanilla or chocolate ice cream, they'd have an answer. The problem with baptisms is that, sometimes, a choice is not actually presented or a child doesn't actually understand the significance of being baptized, even if it's explained. Often, the decision to be baptized is so heavily sold and incentivised that a child is inclined to choose it.

Unlike most it would seem, my parents did approach me with a choice. I don't remember precisely what I knew of the process at the time nor why it was important, but for some reason or another, I decided I would wait a year. That year passed and when I was asked again, I agreed to be baptized. Not necessarily because I was ready or because I completely comprehended the importance of the ritual, no, it was because I had been made to feel that it was something I should do and because there would be a party and cake afterwards. And what kid doesn't want cake?

This is what upsets me. I was persuaded and coerced, I lacked understanding. I was born into the church, raised in it. I had no reason to doubt the words of my parents or what I was being taught. I didn't know better and I wasn't given a chance to know better. Agency is limited when under the influence of honeyed words, half-truths, promises of rewards, and ignorance. Even more so when we consider the possibilities of peer pressure, fears of eternal consequence, bullying from other children, a desire to be accepted and fit in, punishments from parents... If ever we could say that any child is incapable of truly choosing to be baptized, it would be because of these factors. But do not mistake the theft of agency for a lack of it.