THE NAME GAME
20 Tips for Picking the Best Baby Name

By: Nancy Wurtzel - http://www.allbaby.com

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy and delivery books and going to childbirth classes. Yet surprisingly, many decide their child's given name within a matter of minutes, often spending more time selecting the right car seat or stroller.

What should parents-to-be consider when choosing a baby name? My company, All About Baby, a children's products company that has seen all types of name combinations, has come up with 20 helpful tips to make the process interesting, fun and successful.

First, start with the experts. The choices today are staggering with more than 50,000 common names and spelling variations. Begin with some basic homework by buying a few books or a baby-name software program. You can also tap into dozens of internet sites, some that even offer customized search programs, complete with the meaning and origin of the names.

Somewhere during the middle of your pregnancy, start jotting down favorite selections. Next, begin mixing and matching the first and middle names along with the baby's last name to see how you like various combinations. Keep in mind that names often bring up a myriad of emotions, and sometimes parents can have very different reactions to their partner's favorite choices.

Trendy names are in fashion, but there is always something to be said for the old standards that have endured the test of time. Bambi Nevada might seem like a cool choice today, but how will it look 20 years from now on a business card? Along these same lines are exotic spellings and invented names. Kids can sometimes be cruel and a highly unusual name could be fodder for playground teasing. Later, as an adult, just think how many times during an average week you give and spell your name.

If you absolutely love a name, but can't tolerate the nickname that often goes with it, then I suggest that you think twice.

I have a friend who named her son Michael, even though she hates the nickname, Mikey. Now the mom spends far too much time and energy correcting kids, teachers and other parents who refer to him by the dreaded nickname. It's just not worth it.

Since ultrasound tests are not always interpreted correctly, All About Baby recommends choosing names for both sexes. Even when the gender is a certainty, it is still a good idea to have a back up name. Sometimes the name that seemed perfect just isn&Mac226;t the right match when the new baby arrives.

Another Mother that I know, was having her second son, a boy. They planned for months to name him Cameron. However, when I arrived at their home fa ew days after his birth, I learned that his name was actually Matthew. His mother's explanation was that 'He just didn't look like a Cameron!'

Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to baby names, and family members can be especially outspoken. While it's fun to hear suggestions, keep in mind that ultimately your child's name will be your decision and it is impossible to make everyone happy.

Naming your infant is one of the most important tasks you will ever undertake. A person's name is truly a lifetime gift, and it helps define your child -- within the family, to friends, at school and to the outside world. If you consider the options carefully and select with love, you really can't go wrong.

For a complete list of helpful baby-naming tips and other interesting child-related content, visit http://www.allbaby.com or call 800-781-7171.

By: Nancy Wurtzel, owner, All About Baby - http://www.allbaby.com