Choosing Baby Names

One of the first big obstacles new parents face is selecting the perfect baby names. This may seem like an easy enough task especially when you consider the fact that in just a few short months you will be consumed by the sometimes overwhelming world of parenthood. Nevertheless, choosing baby names can be particularly time-consuming, frustrating and even a source of anxiety for new parents.

There are so many things to think about when selecting the perfect name for your child. Many parents don't have an inkling about where to start and feel absolutely overwhelmed. The best place to start is with a list. Both parents should take a moment and write down the first ten baby names that come to mind. It's not as difficult as it sounds - it's actually surprising, how many distinctive names have been stored in your memory, as you go about your every day life. Be sure to list names for both boys and girls, unless you already know the sex of your baby.

Once you have completed the lists, both parents should eliminate any names that either parent objects to. Even if there are only a few names remaining, at least this is a good place to start.

After your brainstorming session, define some parameters that both of you agree upon for your baby names. Consider 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.

If you find that you are still at a loss for the perfect baby name, use the Internet. There are forums full of soon to be parents that are struggling to find baby names too. Browse through their name ideas and post your own to get unbiased feedback as you work through your choices.