Your pregnancy to-do list probably seems never-ending; from preparing your nursery to considering home birth options and shopping for newborn essentials, there’s a lot to accomplish in nine short months. But, near the top of this list is deciding on your baby’s name. After all, onesies will be outgrown in a couple of months, but your child’s name will last them a lifetime.

How to Choose a Baby Name

1. Think About Tradition

Honoring a beloved relative or acknowledging part of your family history by giving your baby a family name will convey a special sense of importance and tradition. However, be sure you also like the name on its own merit. And, because emotions run high in pregnancy, be careful not to commit to a suggested name simply because a relative requests it.

2. Consider How It Sounds

With any name under consideration, say it aloud to hear how it sounds with the first, middle, and last name together. Is it easy to pronounce? Is it easy to spell? Do the initials make sense together? You may also want to ask others for their opinions before you commit; although, if you go down this road, tread carefully.

3.  Strike a Balance Between Unique & Too Strange 

If your heart is set on a unique baby name, be careful about going too far. Although celebrities might get away with naming their children Apple or Pilot, consider how a very unique name might affect your child when they’re in school or applying for a job. Likewise, keep spellings simple. Adding extra letters or vowels to a common name just to make it stand out doesn’t always make sense.

4. Keep a List

Most importantly, keep a list throughout your pregnancy with all your favorite names. You might find that the name you loved one week falls out of your favor the next, so being able to revisit your top choices is essential. As your due date approaches, begin narrowing down your list to a few finalists.
 

The good choices you make during pregnancy will give your little one the best possible start in life. If you’re interested in pursuing a natural birth under the care of a midwife, Home Birth With Love in Suffern, NY, is the top choice of local mothers. From comprehensive prenatal care to holistic birthing practices, this caring midwifery practice will help you welcome your baby in a loving environment free from the stresses of unnecessary medical interventions. To find out more, call (845) 641-5058 or visit their website.