When you find out that you are expecting your "to do" list suddenly seems to grow by leaps and bounds. Your "free time" is often spent shopping for maternity clothes, choosing a theme for the nursery, getting daily care items like the Madela Breast Pump, car seat(s), blankets and more. As you prepare, you are frequently asked 2-3 common questions-"When are you due?", "Is it a boy or girl?" and "What are you going to name the baby?" Of course, this last question can be one that may require a bit of thought.
If your family has a name that is passed down from generation to generation, then you may already know what you are naming your baby. However, if this is not the case, or perhaps you want to break away from tradition, then you are now facing the challenge of finding the perfect name for your soon to arrive bundle of joy. To help in your baby name selection, here are some considerations and steps to make it easier.
Quick Tips:
- Check out the Social Security Administration's website to see what names are currently popular.
- If you "create your own name" make sure it is bully proof. Kids are great at finding ways to make fun of someone/thing-look for rhymes, hidden words and how the name links with your surname.
- Pay attention to the initials, Darren Allen Merriweather, will likely receive some unwanted comments.
- Note how the name might be shortened. Does the name sound good with the surname?
- Long first names should be paired with short surnames and vice versa.
Considerations of Name Selection:
- Make a list of names you love. Be sure to include any family member's names that you wish to honor.
- As you consider names, ask whether the name ages well. For instance, Star might be okay when they are young, but what about as an adult/senior citizen?
- Decide if you want a traditional, popular, or unique name.
- Think about how you want to spell the name.
- Try mixing the first and middle names, for example, Scott Allen instead of Allen Scott.
- Remember, your child can always have a nickname.
- Do not just give your child initials for a name, they will get tired of telling people that the initial don not stand for anything.
- Do not go to the hospital with just one name pick out. You may change your mind after the baby is born.
- Consider names inspired by your beliefs.
- Your baby's name is the first gift you give to them, so be sure to make it something special.
Your baby will arrive before you know it (even though there are times it feels as though pregnancy will last forever!). Enjoy the preparation for baby's homecoming, and then get ready for the journey down the road of parenthood.
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