Naming Your Baby–It's A Process And A Wonder
One of the biggest challenges a set of new parents faces is choosing a name for their new baby. This seems like an easy task and may be low on the list of priorities, when faced with the daunting world of parenthood. Choosing baby names can be very time-consuming, frustrating and even a source of consternation for new parents.It will certainly be a welcomed idea, to ask friends and family for their thoughts and ideas. But beware! Your parents are from another generation and they may have their own ideas when it comes to good baby name choices. Too, siblings can have their input, also. Just remember, that getting opinions on your baby names can be helpful, but at the end of the day, what you name your baby is up to you. This is your legacy here. If certain people have an aversion to a name that is high on your list, stick to your guns! Once people get to know your baby and form an affectionate bond, you will find that they quickly forget any negative reaction they may have had with the name, and come to love the baby, name and all!!
There are so many things to consider when selecting the perfect name for your child. Many parents don’t have a clue about where to begin and may feel completely overwhelmed. The best place to start is with a list. Both parents should take a few minutes and jot down the first ten baby names that come to mind that they would consider suitable for the new baby. It’s not as hard as it sounds – it’s actually surprising, how many unique and quality names have been stored in your memory. Make sure that you list names for both boys and girls, unless you already know the sex of your baby.
Try writing out the names that you come up with and make sure to say them out loud, to to hear how they roll off the tongue. Check for any similarities to negative words or phrases that may be formed by certain name combinations.
As you make your way through your lists, be aware that some names may have the potential for teasing. Think of any negative words that may rhyme with or sound like the names you are considering. Also, look out for undesirable letter combinations formed by the initials of any baby names on your list.
An excellent and convenient place is the Internet when hunting for baby names. So much of the work is already done for you. Using any search engine, type in the phrase ‘baby names’ and a huge amount of websites will appear, giving you all kinds of baby name information. You can refine your search any way you wish. There are even forums where you can browse other people’s name ideas and post your own to get feedback as you work through your choices.
After this first pass at the name choosing session, you should define some agreed upon limitations for your baby names. Think about and discuss your preferences for cultural backgrounds, family names and number of syllables. You can also narrow it down to include only names starting with specific letters. Be sure that you keep plenty of paper handy–this could take awhile. Listen for potential names when you are in the grocery store, listening to the radio and reading the paper. You’ll be surprised at how tuned in you become.
After completing the lists, both parents should sit down and eliminate any names that either parent objects to. Even if you narrow your choices down to only a couple of names remaining between the two lists, this is a good start.
Choosing a name for your baby is a big job, but it can be a lot of fun. Choosing your baby’s name is important to you and your family, and it allows them to play an active role in the baby’s life even before the the baby arrives. So don’t wait till the last minute, take your time to go through the process, and you’ll be sure to select a name that is perfect for your baby for a lifetime!
Stork and Veil has been a source for gifts for babies and continues to help parents and families of new babies celebrate the arrival of a new family member. For more on the gifts and accessories available, visit http://www.StorkandVeil.com.
