Baby Naming Controversies

I've always imagined that it would be some picturesque day with my husband and lazing about, his hands on my belly and us basking in the sun as we discussed what to name our future bundle of joy. We smile, laugh and agree on the perfect names.

Okay, back to reality, it's simply not like that. Most of the time it is both of us pouring over lists and creating new lists, passing said lists back and forth, sometimes even arguing over a name or two. Naming your baby should be a joyous time. But truthfully speaking, it's a big job. Don't worry - you're up for it!

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when trying to pick a suitable name for your little one:

• Family Matters Whatever you do, don't let family issues cloud your ideas or rain on your parade. If you love a name and you joyfully announce it to a room full of blank stares (Or worse - crying!), simply remember it's your baby!

• Friendly Advice Don't get bullied into using names you don't like or care about, even if everyone else is doing it. Be a free spirit and choose your own names - even if that is choosing a popular name.

• He said, She said It's tempting to pull out all the stops and swear that if you have to give birth to this baby, by gosh, you get to name it! Sometimes men agree to this willingly, but be careful that this abdication is real.

Need some advice? I think probably the easiest way to avoid criticism and crying over the names you've slaved over is to simply wait to announce the name when the baby has arrived. It's certainly one way to help people hold their tongue. After all, it's much harder to criticize a name when you're holding the sweet bundle of joy.

My sister is living proof. She wanted to name her son Pierce and told everyone she intended to do so at about 25 weeks gestation. She heard all sorts of comments - good and bad. Though we waited to share the names of our last child (Lilah) and haven't heard a peep to our faces, even though the grapevine tells us it's an old-fashioned name. It was much less melodramatic for all of us.

No matter what name you decide on, or how you come about that name, remember that it is your decision. You are the ones who ultimately will say that name 2,734,998 times in the next 18 years, and if you're okay with it - so am I.