Archive for the ‘Baby names’ Category

How to Care for Your Baby’s Mouth

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Caring for your baby’s mouth should start right after birth, not just after teeth come in. Find out when and how to care for your baby’s mouth with these helpful tips.

Learning to care for your baby’s mouth is actually quite simple, but many parents are unaware of the need. Often, this results in poor gum health and cavities at a very early age. Find out what you need to know and fight poor dental health early on by learning tips that will help you care for your baby’s mouth.

Birth to Teeth

Care for your baby’s mouth should start right after they are born. Use a wet washcloth daily on your baby’s gums. A gentle rubbing motion is efficient. Make sure that the washcloth is clean and never use toothpaste or other cleansers in your baby’s mouth at this early age.

If your baby develops thrush, a yeast infection that looks like a white coating on the teeth, gums or tonsils, call your pediatrician. An antibiotic can be administered to clear up the infection. If you are breastfeeding, you may also need medication to prevent reinfection of your baby’s mouth.

Baby Teeth

Once teeth start emerging, it is time to start brushing. A soft bristled child’s toothbrush is adequate in helping you care for your baby’s mouth at this time. Many dentists recommend a fluoridated toothpaste during this stage, but parents should do their research. Not everyone agrees, and some studies have linked fluoride to brain damage later in life. If you are nervous about the potential dangers of fluoride, find an alternative toothpaste that is safe for infants. In the end, use your own best judgment.

Snacks and Juices

Sugary snacks and fruit juices can wreak some serious havoc in your baby’s teeth. As such, proper care of your baby’s mouth should include limiting sugary snacks, fruit drinks, soda and other sugary items. Limiting these items is also important for your child’s overall health. Opt for healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables. And as you care for your baby’s mouth, don’t forget that some foods can pose as choking hazards for infants and toddlers.

Girl Baby Name Ideas with Unique Summer Flair

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Are you expecting a new baby girl in the summer? We have some girl baby name ideas with summer flair to match the season of your little one’s arrival. If you’re having a hard time choosing a name and are bored with the same old summer-themed names, try these unique name ideas on for size!

If you’re looking for girl baby name ideas with unique summer flair, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to naming a baby after a season, it can be hard to find names that stand out. This is especially the case when it comes to summer-themed names. For example, most summer-inspired names include options like May, June, July, or you guessed it….Summer. Pretty, but not very original, right? If you want something a little more unique, check out these girl baby names with unique summer flair:

KaiWant something really trendy? Then this is a good option. Kai is a Hawaiian name, and it means “sea.” It’s often used for both baby boy and girl names, but it’s especially popular as a baby girl name.

MorwennaWhen it comes to girl baby name ideas with unique summer flair, Morwenna really takes the cake. It’s not often you hear this name, and while it is more popular in Europe, it’s quickly becoming a favorable choice for moms around the globe who want a girl baby name with summer flair. Morwenna is an ancient Cornish name, and like Kai, it is rooted in a meaning that has something to do with the water. It means “waves of the sea.” Beautiful, right?

NeridaThis is a beautiful, exotic girl baby name idea with unique summer flair. Nerida is a Greek name that means “mermaid.” If you love the beach, the ocean, or swimming in the pool, you can pass on your love for the water to your new baby girl with this special name.

OceaneMany summer days are spent in the sun at the ocean, and the name Oceane is a girl baby name idea with unique summer flair and some authentic French flavor. It has been a popular name for girls in France for some time now, and it continues to gain ground on the top lists for baby girl name ideas. Out of all the girl baby name ideas with unique summer flair, this is one of our favorites!

Disney-Inspired Baby Name Ideas

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

You don’t have to be a Disney fan to check out Disney-inspired baby name ideas for your little one on the way. Baby names inspired by Disney characters have a lot to offer to any parent looking for a classic, creative, memorable name idea.

Disney-inspired baby name ideas have a lot to offer for a number of reasons. One of the most appealing things about them—aside from the fact that they are easily recognized—is that they offer a combination of classic and unique style. Many Disney-inspired baby name ideas are popular because of the movies they come from, but the names themselves are traditional with endearing meanings behind them.

Aurora—Disney lovers have cherished this name for years. Aurora is the name of the princess from the famous film favorite, Sleeping Beauty. Aurora means “dawn” and has Latin and Spanish roots. If you’re looking for a name fit for a princess but can’t quite bring yourself to name your daughter after a Disney princess name that is really out there, like Cinderella, Aurora is a safe, beautiful choice.

Belle—Similar to Aurora, Jasmine, and Ariel, the name Belle is based off of another famous Disney princess, from the movie Beauty and the Beast. It is a diminutive of the name Annabel and has a number of origins, including French, Hungarian, Scottish, and Spanish.

Sebastian—If you’re looking for a colorful, solid boy name idea, Sebastian is a Disney-inspired baby name idea that won’t let you down. Inspired by the loveable crab character from The Little Mermaid, Sebastian means “majestic” and is Greek in origin.

Maurice—Maurice is another nice Disney-inspired baby name idea for a boy. Meaning “moor” or “dark skinned,” Maurice is Greek in origin and is the name of Belle’s father in the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.

Other Disney baby name ideas to consider for your little one include Oliver, from Oliver and Company, and Peter, from Peter Pan. You can also consider Bianca, from The Rescuers, and Marie, from The Aristocats. Flora and Fauna from Sleeping Beauty are also nice Disney-inspired baby name ideas.

Common Baby Name Faux Pas Every Parent Should Avoid

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Choosing a name for your new baby can be a tough task, especially when you’re trying to ensure you choose the best name and dodge common baby name faux pas at the same time. Here are some common baby name faux pas and how to avoid them.

If you’re in the process of baby name hunting, it’s a good idea to have some common baby name faux pas on hand so you know how to avoid them. While you can name your baby anything you want, does it always mean you should? Celebrities are notorious for choosing unique, bold names, many of which are completely “out there” in the common folks’ eyes. Experimenting is good, but when is far too far?

To help choose the best name for your little one, familiarize yourself with these common baby name faux pas:

Choosing a random name without doing your homework—There’s nothing wrong with picking a random name just because you like the sound of it, but did you stop to check the meaning of the name? Have you considered whether or not the name will produce any nasty nicknames for your child in the future? What about the way it blends with the middle or last name you have picked out? See what we mean? Do your homework—your child will thank you someday!

Choosing a long-winded name—Choosing a long name can be tough for your kid in the early years and as they grow older. The longer the name, chances are it will be harder to spell or pronounce. Try to avoid names that will elongate your child’s name, particularly if their last name is already a mouth full.

Choosing an over-the-top name—Thinking outside the box is great. But jumping twenty feet from that box until you’re over the fence and beyond? Not so much. Get creative, be original, and have fun when coming up with name ideas. But deliberately choosing an odd, unusual name for the sake of being trendy isn’t worth putting your child through a potential awkward childhood. Experiment away, but don’t get too crazy or your name choice might end up being too over the top for your little one to handle! Keep this common baby name faux pas in mind as you name hunt.

Baby Name Ideas with Nature Themes

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Are you an animal lover? Do you love the outdoors? Whether you’re crazy about wildlife or want to give your new baby a name that expresses your passion for nature, check out these baby name ideas with nature themes!

Baby name ideas with nature themes give every nature-loving parent the opportunity to pass on their love for wildlife and Mother Earth to their child. Whether you have a green thumb, love animals, or are passionate about the outdoors, check out these baby name ideas with nature themes for your new baby:

Ivy—While the first thing you might think of with the name Ivy is poison ivy, the name means much more. It is very beautiful and works well with a number of middle and last names. It is derived from the plant name and means “faithfulness,” with a Greek origin.

Fauna and Fawn—These two names are some of the most popular baby name ideas with nature themes, and it’s easy to see why. They’re both beautiful and have direct roots to nature-inspired themes. With Latin, French, and English origins, the name Fauna means “young deer” and “lover of Hercules,” but it also refers to the Greek mythological deity of fertility and nature, who was known for chastity. The name Fawn shares the same meanings and is another great name for a new baby girl.

Forrest—No, this one isn’t only inspired by the movie Forrest Gump. In fact, the name Forrest has been around for a while and is a popular baby name idea with a nature theme. It has French, English, and Latin roots, meaning “dwells in the forest,” “from the woods,” and “woodland.” It’s a great first name for a baby boy and blends nicely with a number of last names.

Birch—This boy name not only refers to the birch tree, it’s also an English name that means “bright” and “shining.” It makes a good, strong first name, but can be used for a middle name just as well. This is one of the best baby names with a nature theme for a boy.

Baby Name Idea Sources to Help You Choose a Baby Name

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

If you’re about to embark on the journey to select a name for your new baby, baby name idea sources can help you choose the right name. Check out these baby name idea sources if you need a little inspiration.

For some new parents, baby name idea sources aren’t necessary. Some parents know exactly what they want to name their new baby right off the bat, or at least have a few name ideas picked out to choose from. Whether you have no idea what you’d like to name your new baby or you’re overwhelmed with the variety of choices out there to choose from, baby name idea sources can help point you in the right direction.

Even if you don’t find the exact name you’d like to give your new baby from baby name idea sources, you can at least use these sources to draw inspiration for name ideas. Baby name idea sources can often give you a good idea of which names appeal to you and can suggest variations of certain names you’re interested in.

Try the following baby name idea sources to help you choose a baby name:

Baby name search engines—This is one of the most popular baby name idea sources to turn to when in need of new name inspiration. Many on-line search directories specialize in providing the history, variations, and origins of names, and they also allow you to search by letter and sex to help give you some suggestions.

The family tree—Another baby name idea source that has proven to be a favorite when searching for a baby name is the family tree. Whether you have direct contacts to study your family tree or you consult a genealogy service, turning to your family names and their history can be very satisfying and can help you choose a family name that will carry on your legacy.

Hobbies and interests—Unlikely places to find baby name ideas include your hobbies and interests. Get creative and come up with name combinations that represent you or your partner’s passion. Looking to your personality can provide another great baby name idea source to help you choose a baby name.

2012 Trending Baby Names for Twins

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

Are you expecting twins? Do you gravitate towards trendy baby names? Then you will love these 2012 trending baby names for twins.

Trending baby names for twins can be even more difficult to find than trending baby names for a single child. This is partially due to the lack of twin births in the trendsetting population, but there is another factor. Some parents who have twins want the names to be similar–rhyming, with the same meaning, anagrams, etc. Others want each name to be unique, giving each child their own personality. Because of these two opposite spectrums, soon-to-be parents of twins might have a difficult time finding names to fit their personal preference. Thankfully, no matter which end of the spectrum you fall, you are certain to find something you like in our list of trending baby names for twins.

Trending Baby Names for Twins – Girl/Girl

For parents having twin girls, trending rhyming names include Ava and Emma, Ella and Emma, Gabriella and Isabella, Jayden and Jaylen, and Olivia and Sophia. For parents who want to mix it up a little and give each girl a unique name while still celebrating their unique connection, Faith and Hope are at the top of the trending list. And for parents who want to give each girl a unique name and unique personality, the top trending names are Addison and Avery.

Trending Baby Names for Twins – Boy/Boy

The list of trendy rhyming names for boys is substantially shorter than it is for girls, with Elijah and Isaiah being the only set to make the list. Names that start with the same first letter seem to be more popular with boys, including names like Isaac and Isaiah, James and John, Logan and Landon, Lucas and Logan, Matthew and Michael, and Ethan and Evan.

Trending Baby Names for Twins – Girl/Boy

For a boy/girl twin set, names that start with the first letter are the only trendy twin names to be found right now. Included in this list are Adrian and Adriana, Caleb and Callie, Jayden and Jordan, Madison and Mason, Samuel and Sophia, Hunter and Hayden, and Aiden and Ava. If you look closely, however, you will notice that some of the sets of trending baby names for twins can be taken apart to create new pairs, giving rhyming parents exactly what they’re looking for.

Mythology Themes for Naming Your Baby

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Still trying to decide on a name for your baby? Are you fascinated by gods, goddesses, royalty, and old folklore tales? Then these mythology-themed baby names may be just what you’re looking for.

Mythology themes for naming your baby can make choosing your baby’s name more interesting and maybe even a little easier. But like all methods for choosing a name, using a theme to choose the name of your baby will still require some time and thought on your part. Still, if you are stumped for a baby name and nothing else seems to appeal to you, these fun mythology-themed baby names may be exactly what you need to change gears and find that perfect name for your little one on the way.

Mythology Themes for Naming Your Baby Boy

If you are having a boy and want to name him after a hero, try Castor, who was a hero in Greek mythology, or Ajax, who was a mythical Greek hero. You can also try Robin, after the English Folklore hero Robin Hood. Want to name him after a king? Try Priam, the king of Troy in Greek mythology, or Arthur, the mythical British king from the Knights of the Round Table. Names of mythical gods can include Loki, a Norse god, or Ares, the god of war. You can even go with Zeus, the god of the gods.

Mythology Themes for Naming Your Baby Girl

For girls, names can include goddesses, like Aja, the forest goddess from Yoruba mythology, or Cybele, the mother of the gods. Also consider Sabrina, the Celtic river god, or Calliope, the Greek muse of epic poetry. Marian, who was the love of Robin Hood, is also a great choice, or Morgan, a sorceress from an Arthurian legend. Royal names could include Guinevere, who was a queen in an Arthurian legend, or Leda, who was the queen of Sparta in Greek mythology. Isolde is also beautiful, and she was an Irish princess from an Arthurian legend.

No matter which enchanting name you choose for your baby, you can be certain that your friends and family will be intrigued by your decision to use mythology themes for naming your baby.

Baby Names Inspired by the Springtime

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Whether you’re expecting your baby in the springtime or the spring is your favorite season, you might enjoy naming your little one something that was inspired by one of the most beautiful times of the year.

If you’re a parent on the hunt for baby names that are inspired by the springtime, look no further. We’ve collected some of the very best baby names inspired by the spring season to give you some inspiration while you search. Some of these names are directly related to the season or they embody the essence and the spirit of what springtime is all about. Whether you’re having a boy or a girl, try any of these baby names on for size.

Girls:

Rose—Springtime is all about fresh blooms and gardening, and one of the most classic flowers many people think of when they think of a beautiful garden is the rose. Rose is a beautiful name for a spring baby girl and it literally means “flower” with Scottish, English, and French origins. It also means “horse” in German.

April or May—Springtime opens you up to these two pretty girl names. April means “opening buds of spring” with an English origin, and “open” with a Latin origin. May is also beautiful, and it means “kinswomen” with an Anglo-Saxon origin. It also means “wished-for child” as a diminutive of the name Mary and “pearl,” the Scottish form of the name Margaret.

Boys:

Neo—No, this is not only Keanu Reeves’ character name in the movie The Matrix. Neo is also a great boy baby name idea for any baby born in spring because it literally means “spring.” If you want something fresh with a nice ring to it, Neo is a great option. It also works well as a nickname or a middle name.

Haruki—If you want a Japanese boy name with some springtime flair, opt for Haruki. It means “spring” in Japanese and is a strong, solid, and unique name that will embrace the essence of the season.

These are just a few of the many baby names inspired by the springtime, but hopefully they will serve as some inspiration to help you find the perfect springtime baby name for your little one on the way!

Musical-Themed Baby Names for Your Baby

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Do you love music? Do you try to live your life in harmony? Expecting a baby soon? Then maybe one of these musical-themed baby names can give your family just the right tempo.

Musical-themed baby names for your baby can add a little harmony to your baby’s life and complement your melodic lifestyle. Various instruments, musical tempos, and various musical terms can all provide you with plenty of name sources, but for a few great ideas, check out these musical-themed baby names first.

Musical-Themed Baby Names for Your Baby Boy

There are many options for musical-themed baby names for boys. Some resemble regular, everyday names. Others are exquisite and unique. Either way, these boy names are sure to sing a sonata to your heart.

For boy names that fall more on the traditional side, opt for Jack, Reed, and Bene. For unique sounding names, choose Vespers, Omaggio, Zydeco, Tocsin, Legato, Quintus, or Glissando. And for names that are unique but not too over the top, try names like Clef, Allegro, Harp, Alto, Tempo, or Freddo.

Musical-Themed Baby Names for Your Baby Girl

There are also plenty of musical-themed baby names for girls. Names for girls can be harmonious, upbeat, unique, or just plain elegant. No matter which one you choose, you can be certain that no one will be able to steal the music from your little girl’s step.

For harmonious baby girl names, try Melody, Song, Rhapsody, Harmony, or Hymn. For upbeat names, try Cadence, Medley, Dot, or Allegra. For names that are unique, try Nera, Lyra, Stanza, Viola, Ottava, or Key. For elegant names, try names like Marcia, Arietta, Celesta, Melisma, Capella, or Sonatina.

Gender Neutral Musical-Themed Baby Names for Your Baby

What if you want to use a musical-themed baby name but don’t know the gender of your baby? Not to worry, there are some names that would suit either gender. Try Vespers, Nocturne, Cadence, Solo, or Sonore. Any of these gender neutral musical-themed baby names for your baby will hit just the right note for a boy or a girl.