What are expectant parents to do? From the hundreds of names available, how do you choose the one that's right for a little person you have yet to meet? One way to narrow down your choices is for each of you to keep a running list of name possibilities, and then compare your lists to see which ones are the same. Hopefully, there'll be at least one or two!

After you've created a list of your top ten favorites, practice saying each one out loud to hear how they sound. After all, your child will hear this name directed at him (or her) a thousand times over the next several years; it would be nice if the first, middle, and last names all seem to go together — and don't create open opportunities for teasing by other kids on the playground later on.

Getting Dad Involved

Many times, amid the monthly obstetrician visits, the baby showers, and all the attention that's paid to the mother-to-be, the prospective father feels a little left out. But there are a few ways Dad can be even more involved in naming the new baby — of course, he'll want to have some choice in the matter!

If you're more concerned about equality, why not let Dad choose baby's first name while you choose the middle name, or vice versa? You can always switch this naming order with your next child! Using this method, you might wind up with some interesting name combinations — but you're sure to have less argument about your final decisions.

Make a Naming Date

To make name-choosing a fun opportunity for togetherness, consider going away together for a “baby naming” vacation. This way, you'll be away from all other outside influences — and you, Daddy, and baby can weigh some options without any pressure. Talk about why you like or dislike certain names, and then make a list of the possibilities that you can rank according to preference.