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