Choosing baby's name together: 6 ideas to avoid arguments

It's one of the happiest decisions of pregnancy, and sometimes one of the tensest. One of you loves a name the other finds old-fashioned, the family chips in, and the list never gets shorter. Here are six ideas to move forward together.

1. Start on your own

When you suggest a name out loud, you watch the other person's reaction, and end up censoring yourself. Making a list separately first lets you be honest about what you really like. Then you compare.

2. Only keep the names you both love

Rather than defending your favorites, start from the overlap: the names you both like. That's exactly how Nivellia's Name Match works: each of you swipes on your own, and the app only reveals the names you both liked. Nobody sees the other's "no"s, which avoids quite a few hurt feelings.

3. Give yourselves a veto

Each parent can rule out a name without having to explain why. A name tied to a bad memory or an old acquaintance doesn't need to be debated. The veto avoids long discussions that go nowhere.

4. Try it out in real life

Say it out loud with your surname. Imagine it shouted across a park, written on a CV, said by the grandparents. Think about initials, possible nicknames, and how it's written in the family's other languages.

5. Make a short list, then wait

Once you have three to five names in common, let them sit for a few weeks. Some will naturally stand out, others will wear thin. Many parents even keep two finalists until the birth, to see which one "fits" the baby.

6. Keep it secret, if you like

Announcing the name before the birth opens the door to comments. If you'd rather avoid unsolicited opinions, nothing forces you to reveal it before the big day.

This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you have any doubt about your child's health, consult your doctor or pediatrician.