Choosing a baby name is one of the first important decisions you make for your baby once they are born and for some, it can be a very overwhelming experience - myself included.
It took me almost a week to choose a name for my last two children as my partner and I kept second-guessing our decision.
When picking a name for your child, there are a lot of things you need to consider so it is imperative that you do your homework and ask yourself this simple question before you make a final decision.
Pixie, Birdie and Fifi are adorable names for a baby but how will they feel when they are older? Take into consideration that you're not just naming a baby, you're also naming an adult.
The name Avery Sophia Sheehan may sound like the perfect combination but it may lead to some teasing on the playground in years to come.
Be mindful of the current popular baby names as your due date approaches. Having two to three kids with the same name in one classroom can be very confusing never mind at home on the road.
Do you want a name that reflects cultural heritage? Or maybe you want to keep it in the family. Have a look at your family tree for inspiration to see if anything catches your eye. You can also research the meaning of any chosen names online.
Brainstorm nickname ideas with your partner and make sure there are no slang words or unfortunate nicknames that could pop up in years to come.
While this may not bother you or your partner, it may become an issue for your child as they get older. For example, one of my daughters is called Kadie, yet everyone calls her Katie and at just four years of age, it already bothers her.
If you can't agree on a name, simply wait until you meet your baby. As you get lost in the newborn baby bubble, your baby's name might just roll off your tongue. In Ireland, you have up to three months to register the birth of your child so there is no rush when you really think about it.
It's common for expectant parents to disagree when it comes to naming your child. Make a list of names together that you both like and go from there. If that fails, you could just flip a coin - that's what myself and my partner had to do on baby four and for those wondering, he won.
