Wedding Registry

Wedding registries have changed a lot over the past few decades. Not many couples nowadays are setting up their own household for the first time upon getting married. But once upon a time, newlyweds would need help furnishing their first home, and wedding gifts filled that need. This is why traditional wedding gifts include things like china and bed linens. The wedding registry (a.k.a. bridal registry) enabled the couple to list their preferences, making life easier for their wedding guests. You, being a modern couple, may already have an adequately furnished household or two. And good news, technology has revolutionized how couples create a wedding registry, what you can register for and how guests purchase wedding gifts, making it a real win-win for you and your guests. So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

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Here are tips on how to create a wedding registry.

Why create a wedding registry?

A wedding registry a time-honoured tradition that isn’t going away any time soon. Your friends and family want to contribute something to your new married life together. Something... but what? If you already have your own household(s), it may be hard to figure out what to get you. Do you want your guests to spend time and money on their best guess? Do you want to end up with wedding gifts that you don’t want or need, or maybe even dislike? You’re gonna get gifts anyway; they might as well be loved and appreciated and easy to shop for, right? Some people might prefer to choose something on their own, but many will appreciate your guidance. That's where a wedding registry comes in. It's your wish list of items, usually held by a retailer or online registry, that your guests can choose from.

What to add to a wedding registry?

Well in advance of your wedding day (long before you send out your wedding invitations -- like, very soon after you get engaged!), sit down and talk about your future life together. Take stock of the household items you have already. Are there any gaps that need to be filled (such as enough place settings to host a family gathering someday)? Are there items that need to be replaced or upgraded (such as bed sheets, maybe, or pots and pans)? Are there some little luxuries that you would love but have never indulged in (like crystal highballs for your weekend Single Malt)? It’s great to register for such “traditional” items, especially if there are some older people on your guest list who might be more comfortable buying gifts like these.

How many items to put on a wedding registry?

Choose items in a wide range of prices. For occasions such as bridal showers, or for guests with a limited budget, there should be inexpensive options (kitchen gadgets, for example). At the other end of the spectrum, you could add one or two “big-ticket” items, such as a high-tech vacuum cleaner or a mattress, appropriate for group gifts (that is, a group of friends or colleagues chip in to buy it together). Plus everything in between.

The total number of items you register for should be at least double the number of guests, to give shoppers lots of choices. As a rule of thumb, there should be at least 75 items. But don’t get too carried away; you don’t want to seem greedy.

When to start a wedding registry?

Register early. It does take time, and you must not leave it too late. There may be gift-giving occasions ahead of the wedding, too, after all. Chances are your friends will be looking for bridal shower gift ideas, for one thing. Some couples receive engagement gifts too.

How to manage your wedding registry?

By the way, you can’t just open your wedding registry and then ignore it. Check on it every now and then to make sure there are still plenty of items to choose from. This is especially important before a bridal shower or as the wedding day draws near: last-minute shoppers need some choices, including different price points.

Some gift registries offer “completion” programs that give you a discount on items that are left on your registry after the wedding. Find out about this and other perks, as well as the return policy, when choosing where to register.

How to tell guests where you’re registered?

It seems that attitudes and rules about many things are in flux these days, and the realm of wedding gifts is no exception. So when it comes to the question of how to inform your guests that you’re registered and where, there is no longer a hard-and-fast answer. Traditionally, discretion is paramount: if yours will be a very formal occasion with lots of your parents’ friends, for instance, you mustn’t mention your gift registry in your wedding invitations (or other written communications). If you’re being more casual about things (and can be sure your guests will be down with it), you might include registry info in your save-the-date cards, for example. One option is to include the URL of your wedding website on invitations, etc., and have your wedding registry information and link posted there. In any case, people will just ask – you, or your parents, or members of your family or wedding party, so make sure everyone has the deets.

A few words on wedding registry etiquette

Always remember that it’s a tremendous privilege to receive wedding gifts. It’s not your right to receive them, nor your guests’ obligation to give them. And it’s certainly not a tit-for-tat proposition: do not keep score (that is, don’t expect a guest to give you a gift whose value is at least equal to what you paid for their meal at the reception). Only a “bridezilla” would deem a gift insufficient and embarrass or shame the giver, or call out someone for not giving a gift at all; don’t be that person!

Appliances

• Blender
• Coffee & Espresso Maker
• Coffee Grinder
• Tea Kettle
• Juicer
• Food Processor
• Stand Mixer
• Hand Mixer
• Slow Cooker
• Pressure Cooker
• Rice Cooker
• Toaster
• Toaster Oven
• Microwave
• Waffle Iron
• Griddle
• Panini Press

Kitchen Accessories

• Cooking Utensil Set
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Tongs
• Mixing Bowls
• Cutting Board
• Cheese Grater
• Ice Cream Scoop
• Mortar and Pestle
• Pizza Stone
• Digital Thermometer
• Digital Scale
• Towel Holder
• Canisters
• Trivet
• Tea Towel
• Apron

Bakeware

• 2 - 4 Cookie Sheets
• Loaf Pan
• Cake Pan
• Rolling Pin
• Oval Baker
• Square Baker
• Rectangular Baker
• 2 - 4 Ramekins

Knives

• 8 - 10 Piece Knife Set
• 8 - 12 Piece Steak Knife Set
• Santoku Knife
• Carving Knife
• Utility Knife
• Knife Block/Magnet
• Kitchen Shears
• Sharpener

Glassware

• 8 - 12 Iced Beverage Glasses
• 8 - 12 Champagne Flutes
• 8 - 12 White Wine Glasses
• Decanter
• Pitcher
• Cocktail Shaker
• Ice Bucket
• Coasters
• Wine Bottle Opener

Everyday Dinnerware

• 8 - 12 Casual Placesettings
• 8 - 12 Cereal/Soup Bowls
• 8 - 12 Coffee Mugs
• 1 - 2 Serving Bowls
• 1 - 2 Large Platters
• 1 - 2 Medium Platters
•  Dinnerware

• 8 - 12 Formal Placesettings
• 8 - 12 Accent Plates
• 8 - 12 Formal Soup/Pasta Bowls
• Coffeepot
• Teapot
• Gravyboat and Stand
• Creamer
• Sugar Bowl
• 1 - 2 Serving Bowls
• 1- 2 Large Platters
• 1 - 2 Medium Platters
• Covered Serving Bowl
• Salt & Pepper Shakers

Bed

• 2 - 3 Flat and Fitted Sheets
• 4 - 6 pillowcases
• Comforter or Duvet
• Duvet Insert
• Mattress Pad
• 2 - 4 Pillows

Bath

• 6 Bath Towels
• 6 Hand Towels
• 6 Wash Cloths
• Bath Mat
• Shower Curtain
• 2 Robes
• Bath Rug
• Vanity Mirror
• Waste Basket
• Soap Dish
• Lotion Dispenser
• 2 - 4 Bathroom Containers

Outdoors

• Barbecue
• Barbecue Tool Set
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Picnic Basket
• Patio furniture set
• Snow shovel

Decor

• Vases
• Frames
• Lamps
• Throw Blankets
• Candles and Candleholders
• Wall Art and Mirrors
• Entertainment System
• 
  
•  Care

• Vacuum
• Broom
• Garment Steamer
• Hand Vacuum
• Iron
• Ironing Board
• Mop
• Steam Cleaner

Luggage

• Duffel Bag and Backpacks
• Luggage Tags
• Travel Tote Bags
• Carry-on
• Honeymoon Fund

• Airfare or Transportation
• Accommodation
• Activities

Other

• Cash Fund
• Gift Cards
• Experience Gifts
• Food/Wine
• Charity Fund

Baby Registry Checklist

Feeling totally overwhelmed by the process of setting up a baby registry? That’s understandable — babies need so much stuff, and it can be tough to know where to begin when compiling your list of essentials for your future bundle of joy.

But setting up a baby registry can also be fun, and will ultimately make your life easier in the long run. Why? A baby registry tells your eager friends and family exactly which gifts will help you out the most. A registry also provides you with a place to keep track of baby gear before your little one arrives. That’s why What to Expect has created the ultimate baby registry checklist — a definitive list of baby registry must-haves, from big-ticket items (like the crib and stroller) to everyday essentials (think diapers, wipes and burp cloths).

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How does a baby registry work?

A baby registry is a list of items that parents-to-be would like to receive as gifts. This ensures that future moms and dads get everything they need to welcome home their new addition. Typically, baby registries are organized by store and can be set up either as an online baby registry or physical one. Some registries allow you to combine lists from multiple retailers.

Many popular baby registries also offer additional perks, such as free returns, price matching, a welcome box of freebies and a completion discount on select items. Certain online features, like a gift tracker for thank-you notes or an app that lets you monitor your registry on the go, may also be helpful. 

How to choose the best baby registry

Wondering where you should register? The best baby registry for you depends on your specific needs, such as your budget, the product brands you’re considering and whether you’d prefer to register online or in-store.

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular baby registries out there; check out What to Expect’s list of the best baby registries for more detailed information about each.

When should you make a baby registry?

You should feel free to create your registry as early as you’d like. In fact, many online baby registries now allow you to set yours to “private” mode — this feature lets you discreetly start adding items in those first few months of pregnancy, before you’ve announced your news to friends and family.

If you’re having a baby shower, it’s a good idea to complete your baby registry before invitations are sent out so guests have plenty of time to choose a gift. You can continue adding items to your registry leading up to the shower.

What to put on a baby registry

This fail-safe baby registry checklist will help keep you focused as you gear up. It includes every product you’ll actually use when your little one comes home — and none of the extras you’ll never need.

Bathing

• Baby tub
• Soft hooded towels
• Washcloths
• Baby-safe body wash and shampoo
• Baby-safe body lotion
• Simple bath toys
• Faucet cover

Bedding

To follow safe sleep practices, stick to just a fitted sheet in baby’s crib without any crib bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals or blankets.

• Crib mattress
• Waterproof mattress protector
• 2 or more fitted sheets

Clothing

• 10 leggings or elastic-waist trousers
• 10 pairs of footed pajamas
• 10 pairs of socks
• 10 short-sleeve onesies
• 10 long-sleeve onesies
• 8 pairs of non-footed pajamas
• 1 snowsuit with mittens and booties (for a winter baby)
• 1 soft hat
• 1 outfit to come home from the hospital in
• 1 pair of soft-soled baby shoes (these aren’t essential, but you might want them for photos)
• Baby-safe laundry detergent

Feeding

If you are not breastfeeding, you’ll only need the items with a star next to them.

• Breast pump
• Extra pump parts
• Breast milk freezer bags
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras
• Nipple cream
• Nursing cover
• Baby bottles and nipples*
• Several bottle brushes*
• Bottle drying rack*
• High chair*

Medical must-haves

• Baby-safe nail trimmer
• Thermometer
• Rubbing alcohol pads
• Saline nasal drops
• Suction bulb

Nursery furniture and gear

• Crib
• Bassinet
• Rocking chair or glider
• Changing table
• Light dimmer or night light
• White noise machine
• Baby monitor
• Baby books
• Baskets or bins for storage

Playtime

• Swing, seat or bouncer
• Activity mat
• Soft baby book
• Soft stacking blocks
• Wooden stacking blocks
• Teething toy
• Rattles or maracas
• Organic cotton stuffed animals
• “Lovey” blanket

Travel items

• Infant car seat
• Stroller
• Stroller bunting for cold or rainy weather
• Baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• Portable changing pad
• Travel crib or playard

Fun Ways To Propose To Your Bridesmaids

Celebrating with your best friends and sharing with them the excitement about your wedding and marrying the partner of your dreams is a rite of passage for every bride. The first friends you tell when you get engaged will likely be the people you want standing by your side on the big day. Asking these friends to be part of your wedding party doesn’t have to be an over-the-top affair, but by making the moment special you are showing how much their love and support means to you.

Keepsake Gifts
Treating your bridal party to a set of matching necklaces or bracelets bonds the party and is a meaningful touch. You can all wear the matching set on the big day, but it is also a special keepsake that they can keep long after your vows.

Create A Bridesmaid Box
One popular idea that’s taken off in recent years is putting together a box of goodies (all wrapped up nicely, of course) for the women you’ll be asking. Gift them items specific to your wedding, such as adorable bridal party T-shirts, bottles of wine or matching glasses. You can also include items pertaining to their interests such as candles, stationery, or a gift that will remind them of an inside joke you share.

Think Sweet Sentiments
If your closest friends have a sweet tooth you can have a box of sweet treats delivered. It’s something fun and celebratory that they can enjoy right away. Plus, is makes for a pretty sweet photo.

Your bridal party-to-be may know better than anyone what you’ve always dreamed of as your perfect proposal. One fun way to ask them to join you on your wedding day is to actually propose to them. They’ll love the thought you put into your ask, and it gives them great visuals to be able to capture the memory.

Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Date

So you’re engaged, and ecstatic to start everything that comes with planning your dream day. But where do you start? Before you start ticking off items on your to-do list, there’s one important detail you need to consider: your wedding date. Here are some tips to help you understand that choosing your date is a process, and something that you should put some thought into. These tips will ensure you pick the date that’s right for you!

Black out any dates that don’t work for you and your closest guests. Secondary to you and your future spouse (obviously), you’ll want to consult the schedule of close family and friends, such as your parents. Black out the dates that don’t work for them and ask them to place a hold on tentative dates you have in mind.

Avoid holidays or long weekends if possible. Having your wedding on holidays or weekends where people will likely be traveling might make it more difficult for your guests to attend. Unless your wedding is themed around this specific holiday and you don’t see it being a schedule conflict with most our guests, choose around these days. See our handy list of dates you should avoid.

Look at venues prior to choosing a date.
This is an absolute must, as you will want to choose your venue before your other vendors, and your venue’s schedule will play a key role in selecting your wedding date. Have a few dates in mind that you are okay with and don’t have your heart set on a specific date prior to booking your venue.

Keep in mind the season.
This will indicate the availability of your venue; during peak months (May to September) it may be more difficult to secure a date. If the day of the week is not important to you, consider having your wedding on a weekday (Thursday or Friday) or in the off-season months. Not only is there likely to be more dates available, but these dates can help you save a few extra dollars.

Consider the availability of must-have vendors.If there are vendors who are a must on your list to hire, contact them early on. For example, if you are looking to hire a specific wedding planner, go to them to see if their schedule aligns with yours. As your planner will be your main point of contact with other vendors, they will be a priority to secure.

Baby Care 101

Guess what — you're already a natural at caring for your baby (maternal instinct isn't a myth!). Start feeling like a parenting pro now with this guide to basic baby care, complete with tips to keep your newborn clean, cozy and happy.

Worried your newborn will be sporting a backwards diaper and you won’t even notice? Positively sure you'll fail to ever get a big burp out of your little one? Certain beyond a doubt that you’ll fall prey to the bevy of potential breastfeeding problems? Stop stressing. Remind yourself that you're a first-time parent with little prior experience in most things baby, from changing diapers (especially for a newborn boy who loves to make a splash) to burping (your baby, not you), so you can't be expected to be in the baby-care-know right off the bat. And even if you do mess up a little in the first few weeks, relax — first of all, blunders are a rite of parenting passage, and second of all, chances are your baby will be very forgiving. Actually, your pipsqueak probably won't even notice your inexperience and certainly won't remember that you waited a few too many days to trim those nails or that you didn’t get every speck of grime out of the cute folds in his baby neck.

One way to start breathing easily? Get the 411 for first-time parents with this basic baby-care guide. All your need-to-know newborn info, from belching techniques to umbilical-cord-stump care, is just a few clicks away. And the more you learn about caring for your baby — and the more you get to know your bundle’s little quirks — the more comfortable you’ll start to feel in those new-mom shoes. Before you know it, you’ll be grooming and bathing your newborn without batting an eye.

Even though babies grow (and grow) faster than you can imagine, one thing stays the same: Mother (hey, that’s you!) knows best. That being said, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and lots of it — whether it’s tapping an experienced mommy friend for swaddling suggestions or asking your mother-in-law to babysit (and it’s totally okay to skip date night to sneak in some much-needed shut-eye while Grandma’s on duty).

So whether you’re a laid-back lady looking for a few first-time parenting pointers or you worried throughout your entire pregnancy (both are completely normal), when it comes down to it, you want to do as much right as possible for your precious newborn. Luckily, with a little practice (and you'll get plenty of that) and some extra guidance (just keep on reading), you'll be a pro in no time.

How To Care For Your Baby's Teeth

When to start brushing your babies. Most parents believe that they need to start with proper dental care only after the first teeth have broken through. But you should actually start much earlier. A gentle cleansing of the gums of the baby is beneficial for a good oral health.

· In addition, your child gets used to it and will have their teeth brushed as soon as they grow

Learn to open your baby's mouth properly. Some babies may struggle if they try to open their mouths to clean the gums or brush their teeth. It is very important that you do not use any force to open your mouth as you could hurt your baby.

· If you're having trouble, you can try opening his mouth to give him the pacifier and instead put your finger or toothbrush in it.

· It's not a good idea to get your baby to open his mouth to something edible because your baby will be very frustrated if he does not get it afterwards.

Learn to properly cleanse your baby's gums before the first teeth come. You can use a clean, damp wash mitt to clean your baby's gums. But it can not be that easy to handle. Some parents feel more comfortable using their finger. When you use your finger, it is of the utmost importance that your hand is clean before you put it in your baby's mouth.

· There are special cleaning tools that you can buy to clean your baby's gums. These are made of soft rubber and usually have small, soft bristles on the surface.

· They are designed to be pushed onto the end of an adult's index finger so that the bristles are on the inside of the fingers. This allows easy handling inside the baby's mouth.

Do not use toothpaste. At this age, it is not really necessary to use toothpaste, even toothpaste for toddlers. Instead, one should only wet the gum cleanser (brush, cloth, or finger) before putting it into the baby's mouth.

· You should make several movements through the mouth while gently rubbing the gum surface.

· Of course, it is important not to move too close to the neck. Otherwise, the baby could start choking and possibly breaking

Brush your baby's teeth right after the breakthrough. You should continue to clean your baby's gums using the same methods, even if the first teeth are already coming. But do not forget to clean your teeth as well. Once a few more teeth have arrived, you can invest in your first baby toothbrush

Get a baby toothbrush. Look for a baby toothbrush with a small and soft head and rounded bristles that easily adapt to your baby's small mouth and little teeth. The brush must have a long handle, so it is easy to hold and easy to handle in the baby's mouth

Learn to properly position the toothbrush to effectively cleanse your baby's teeth. The best way to brush your teeth is to put your baby face-down on your lap. This makes it easier for you to move your arm and clean your teeth properly.

Brush your baby's teeth twice a day. You should clean your baby's teeth twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. Place a pea-sized portion of toothpaste on the toothbrush, cleaning the inside and outside of the teeth in a gentle circular motion.

· If you can, gently pry your baby's tongue to remove the bacteria. Just do not go too far down the throat with the brush. Otherwise, you could stimulate your baby's gag reflex.

· If you're using a fluoride-free toothpaste, you do not need to worry about it if your baby does not spit it out because it can be swallowed safely.

Help your baby to bite as painlessly as possible. During teething, your baby's gums will swell and hurt. You can alleviate these symptoms by doing the following:

· Gently massage the gums with your finger. Make sure your hands are clean before you do that.

· Give your baby something to bite and chew on, such as a teething ring. Do not give him anything with small parts that could suffocate.

Amazon Wedding Registry

Take your baby to the dentist when it is one year old. It is recommended to bring your baby to the dentist for his first birthday.

· At this stage, your baby already has some teeth that the dentist can examine to see if they are developing properly.

· The dentist will also check for any cavities or gum diseases and will advise you on proper oral hygiene.

Make sure your baby does not eat too many sweets and starches. Sweets and starchy foods can cause cavities in the teeth.

· Sweetened drinks such as fruit juices can cause the decay of your baby's teeth. The sugar of the juice produces bacteria on the tooth surface, which can lead to cavities.

· When you buy baby food, make sure it does not contain any extra sugars. If you are doing the baby food yourself, do not add sugar.

· Do not give your baby any juice or other sweet drinks before going to bed. If your baby wants to drink before bed, give him milk or water.

Tips

· Let your child drink water after each meal. This removes some of the food from your teeth and gives your teeth a little fluoride.

· Discard your baby's toothbrush after three months, or when the bristles begin to curve and break.

· In addition to proper oral hygiene, proper nutrition and a visit to the dentist are part of proper dental care.

· When the baby begins to eat solid foods, it is important to think of a good diet so that his teeth, as well as the rest of the body, remain strong and healthy and grow well. Sweets, ice cream and other sweets should not be part of his diet.

· If you're having trouble, you can try opening his mouth to give him the pacifier and instead put your finger or toothbrush in it.

· It's not a good idea to get your baby to open his mouth to something edible because your baby will be very frustrated if he does not get it afterwards.

Amazon Baby Registry

These are the best tips for your baby's teeth, for more details check teething fever

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Choosing the Perfect Baby Name

Choosing a baby name can be one of the most fun and challenging aspects of having a new baby. Your baby's name will be an introduction to the type of person he or she is - for example, is your baby girl a 'Lilly', or is she a 'Rose'? In your baby boy a 'George' or a 'William'? Should your baby's name mean 'strength' or 'desire', or is the name's meaning not important?

Parents, grandparents, friends, siblings, and family will be sharing their advice and ideas in helping you find a name for your child. Chances are you will spend hours trying to pin down that perfect baby name and you'll change your mind more than once along the way. But eventually, you will find a few names that you like best.

Once you find a few different names, you can ask friends and family which name they like best. You can also compare your list to the top 100 baby names by decade or the most popular names of a specific year - maybe you want a popular baby name or maybe you prefer a unique name. Eventually, you will find the perfect baby name, and it will instill you with a sense of pride and achievement, both for you and eventually for your child.

Selecting a popular name for your baby

Today's favorite names may or may not be around tomorrow. While some names have proven the test of time, others have come and gone like leg warmers. There is an easy way to determine if a name has staying power, simply review the top 100 names by year using this site. We list the top 100 baby names for the past 125 years, by year. While choosing a very popular name today can be fun, it may mean your son or daughter will be one of many in their classes growing up. This isn't necessarily bad, but something to consider when selecting that perfect baby name.

Selecting a baby name with the perfect meaning

A great method in finding a perfect baby name is to understand the name meaning. You can find the perfect baby name meaning using one of two methods: 1) you can look up the meanings of your favorite names, and/or 2) you can take the BabyNamesUSA test. The tests helps you find the perfect baby name by choosing words that you believe are important or are words you want your future baby to possess - like loving, or gentle, or intelligent.

The test will allow you to choose meanings that are significant and/or important to you - whether it's a characteristic you find admirable, or one in which you want your future baby to possess to become successful in life.

Searching for a baby name using the origin/ethnicity/religion of the name

One of the most common methods for selecting a baby name is using the origin and/or ethnicity of the baby name. This will give the baby an immediate source of identity and an understanding of the culture and origin of the baby's family heritage. In some religions, like Judaism, it is common to name a baby after a deceased family member, to honor loved ones who've passed. In many cases these names were from a different generation (see top 100 baby names by year, above) and may be 'out of style'. If this is the case, middle names are the perfect solution.

Choose a baby name for each sex - so whatever the baby is, you are ready.

Once you get the wonderful news that a new baby is coming, it will be a while until you can determine the baby's sex - IF you are considering finding out at all (food for thought - there is no better surprise, and nothing more worth waiting for). Having a boy's name and girl's name is a great start.

Naming the baby after the parent - either a single name, or the entire name

In order for your baby boy to become a Jr. (junior), or the 'II' (the second), the entire name should be the same as the father's. The father is the Sr. (senior), the son becomes the Jr. For example, John William Smith names his son John William Smith, the father is the Sr. /I, the son is the Jr. /II. If the son is the third generation to receive the name, the baby boy typically becomes the III (third). Be sure you want to name your baby boy, or baby girl, the same as a parent - it can lead to confusion growing up. If you know you want to name the baby after a parent, selecting a unique middle name may be the perfect solution.

Your child will have to live with this name for a lifetime.

The name you choose for your baby (and future child/adult) should be worn happily. Will family, friends and one day, employers 'take notice' for the wrong reasons? Remember, kids can be cruel - don't make life more challenging than it needs to be.

Choose a baby name that you are proud of, and makes you smile.

Naming your baby after family and friends that have a special place in your heart is a great place to start. Are their special attributes you want your baby to carry - choosing a name that means something special is also a great idea.

Make sure the full name (first, middle and last) sounds good together.

Say the baby's name aloud - is it easy or difficult to say the name? Choose a name that flows well together. Stay away from Jim Shoe (gym shoe) or names that when pieced together can have an alternate meaning.

Write the full baby name down - as well as the initials of all names.

If your baby name's initials make up another word - be sure you are comfortable with what results. For example James Earl Thompson (JET) may be acceptable, but think twice about names like Daniel Irving Petty (DIP).

Spell it!! When writing the name down, was it difficult to spell and/or say? If you had problems, you may want to reconsider the name.

Nicknames are inevitable.

When your child goes to school, joins a sports team or club, chances are a nickname may be close behind. Some nicknames can be endearing, but others may not be what you had in mind when naming your baby. Many times, Alan Jackson results in AJ - be sure this is acceptable, as many times, it is ultimately out of the parents control.

Naming your baby after a sports figure, movie star, or political hero

Be sure you want to go this route, prior to naming your baby. While the name may be beautiful - it could become overly popular. Or, if the person falls out of favor, it may result in giving the name a negative stigma.

Naming multiple babies

If your family is going to increase by more than one baby, there a few things to consider. First, naming babies with the same first initial may be confusing - for you, the babies and future teachers. You may want to consider choosing different initials - giving each child a unique name. Second, choosing different initials may make things easier when accepting gifts containing your babies' initials. If each baby's name contains the same letters - it will be difficult in determining which gifts belong to which baby. This will only get more challenging.

Religious & Traditional considerations

Some families have a tradition in passing down names from generation to generation. Make sure you check with both parents' families first. Also, some religions don't allow babies to be named after living family members. Be sure to check your religious beliefs as well.

Select multiple names for your baby.

Chances are, you and your partner, your family, and others will all have a different name in mind. While the decision ultimately comes down to the parent(s), keep your mind open to suggestions. Not only will this help in selecting the best name for your baby, but it will make your life easier along the way.

What if there is a pet with the same name we wanted to name our baby.

Unless the name is Fido or Spot - we wouldn't worry much about it. We had a dog name Jordan (after Michael Jordan), and I've met many other people named Jordan. It is inevitable that someone somewhere named a dog, cat, fish or rabbit the same name you are considering for your baby. If you love the name - don't look back.

I have a friend/family member who is considering the name I wanted for my baby.

There are a few things you can do. If the person is going to move forward with the name, you may need to choose a new one (or try talking with them). Or you can find the meaning of the name, and see if a different name with the same meaning is appealing to you.

For you parents that have yet to choose a name for your baby - you should learn from this lesson. You may want to keep you favorite names secret - or only share with people that 1) aren't going to have kids anytime soon or 2) you can definitely trust. Well-liked and/or unique names can become very popular, very quickly.

I love the name - but others do not.

Two points on this.

1. If the opinions of these people mean something to you, it is up to you and your partner whether or not you let other people's opinions change your mind. If their points are valid - it may be worth listening to the person. See 'Selecting a Name'

2. You will always be able to find someone that isn't crazy about the name you've chosen for your baby. If you are happy with your choice - then tune the person out. If that doesn't work, tell them thanks for sharing their opinion with you, and name your baby what you wanted to anyway.

I like one baby name - my partner likes a different name.

There are several things you can do to compromise.

1. One of you pick the first name, the other can select the middle name - or a nick-name for the baby.

2. Each of you can select a few names you each like, and see if one of those baby names makes you both happy.

3. If you are planning on having multiple children, you can take turns selecting the baby's name. You can pick the name for the first child, and your partner can pick the name of the next baby. Be aware - if you decide to do it this way, one of you may not be happy when it comes to the next baby's name.

4. Dart board - Put the different baby names on a dart board (or something similar), and throw away! If that doesn't work, try the 'flip-a-coin' method.

My partner wants to name the baby after a family member - but I really don't care for the name (or the family member).

Honesty is typically the best policy in most cases. If you are not thrilled with the name your partner has chosen for the baby, see article 'I like one baby name - my partner likes a different name'. There are ideas here that will help.

One suggestion: It would probably be best if you didn't tell your partner that "You don't like the name they have chosen". It will be easier if you just say, let's consider that name, and come up with some alternatives as well. Or, if your partner is insistent on that particular name, you may want to use it as the baby's middle name.

Scott Zak is a publisher of http://www.babynamesusa.com and http://thetop100babynames.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Zak/16024

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