Sharing the news of your conception with your partner, family and friends was likely an early highlight of your pregnancy. Now, either days, weeks or months later, another exciting aspect of having a new baby has come about – choosing a name! But, exciting as this task may be, many couples struggle to agree on a name they both love. Maybe you like older, classic options, while your partner prefers something more modern. Or, perhaps one of you is stuck on a family name that the other is just not convinced by. Don’t let the baby name battle leave you feeling defeated. Below are five pieces of advice on how to keep your cool when picking a baby name – tips for meeting in the middle and choosing a moniker everyone is happy with.
1. Talk Openly
Finding the right baby name is something that requires thoughtful communication between you and your partner. Share your thoughts and explain the story behind a particular name, if there is one. Giving details about why a particular choice is so important to you can help your partner better understand the story behind a name and gain a new appreciation for it. Be patient with one another and keep an open mind as your partner explains his or her objection or attraction to a certain name.
2. Listen Respectfully
The most important thing to remember is that you and your partner are on the same side. You both want to choose the perfect name for your little one and such an overwhelming task can leave you feeling frustrated. Don’t let the conversation turn into an argument. Instead, listen to what the other has to say without passing judgment. Make it clear that you understand why they feel a certain way and that their opinion is important to you.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Revisit Baby Names Later
If you feel like the conversation is taking a negative turn or that you simply aren’t getting anywhere, don’t be afraid to step away for a while. You don’t have to choose the first name that is suggested, so give yourselves some time to sleep on it. You never know – the name your partner likes may begin to grow on you the more you think about it, or one of you might come up with another idea along the way that you both love. Take your time and don’t rush the process.
4. Divide and Conquer
Instead of compromising on a name that neither of you love but can both agree on, consider dividing up the naming duties. Let one parent choose the first name while the other chooses the middle. This way you both have part of the name that you love rather than simply settling. If you plan to have multiple children, you can swap which parent gets to choose which name so everyone feels valued.
5. Wait Until the Baby Arrives
For some parents, seeing their little one up close and personal inspires a name that they feel fits the baby’s features and personality. If you’re struggling to finalize a name ahead of time, this might be an option you want to consider. You can also come up with a list of names and choose the final option after birth – this way you’re not starting from scratch in the heat of the moment.
