| The one gift that parents give a child that | | | | cool to the parents or may have some deep |
| lasts forever is the baby's name. No matter | | | | meaning they stand for, but the truth is, the |
| what happens, a baby's name will stay with | | | | child with a name that is too strange is |
| him or her through growing, childhood, | | | | going to have problems all his or her life |
| adulthood and beyond. Picking a baby name | | | | because of it. Make sure that contractions |
| isn't easy though, and it's a task that takes | | | | and nicknames don't create other words or |
| a lot of thought and consideration. Here are | | | | phrases that could be uncomfortable. On their |
| some tips to choose the best name for your | | | | own, some baby names sound fantastic. Paired |
| baby: Make a list of all the baby names you | | | | with the last name, they sound like a phrase |
| and your partner like. Write down any name | | | | that may be distasteful or curious. A |
| that catches your eye or that pleases you. | | | | nickname paired with a last name could spell |
| The list may be a long one, but you will | | | | trouble too. Also, make sure that the |
| start to narrow down what you like in a name | | | | initials of the name you choose don't create |
| and what you don't. Cross off any names that | | | | a word on their own. Harold Arthur Melbourne |
| don't seem to be a good fit or that just | | | | becomes "ham" and Heath Smelt spoken aloud |
| don't click, even though you may have liked | | | | sounds like "he smelled". Ask the opinions of |
| them at first. If there are names that come | | | | others. People love to be included in the |
| to mind over time, add them to your list. | | | | name search, and they'll be more than willing |
| Look at all types of names. There are popular | | | | to help in the choice. They may love a name |
| name choices, celebrity names, those from | | | | you like too, and cement the decision. They |
| history, names that reflect a culture or a | | | | may nix a name you thought good and point out |
| people, names based on nature or religion... | | | | reasons why the name isn't the best choice. |
| The choices are endless, truly. If you find | | | | Keep in mind that you have the final choice |
| that you prefer Scottish names, delve deeper | | | | in your baby's name. You, your partner and |
| for choices. If you like natural-sound names | | | | your baby are the ones that will have to live |
| like River or Rain, feel free to explore | | | | with the name chosen for a very long time. If |
| those selections. Post the list where you and | | | | you feel very strongly about a name you like, |
| your partner can see it often. That way, the | | | | then give it to your baby despite what a |
| names will always be in mind, and you will | | | | family member or friend may think. Of course, |
| both be able to test them often. Speak the | | | | do consider the reasons why your friends and |
| names aloud and see how they sound and feel | | | | family suggest the choice might not be a good |
| on your tongue, match them up with the baby's | | | | one; they have both your and your baby's best |
| last name, and try to find the variations or | | | | interests at heart. |
| nicknames your child might end up with. Being | | | | |
| cute, quaint, trendy or clever usually isn't | | | | Find helpful and creative ideas for parents |
| the best idea. Your baby's name choice isn't | | | | and grandparents while you shop our great |
| the time to make a statement, either. Think | | | | selection of kids furniture (including our |
| about how the child will feel growing up with | | | | popular toddler beds) and classic toys. Visit |
| a name like 4Real or Revolution. It may sound | | | | today! |