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How important is choosing a baby name?

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After you find out you have a new member of your family on the way, the initial joy will wear off and the reality of the responsibility and decision making you have in front of you will set in. You'll have to decide whether to breast or bottle feed; to use disposable or cloth diapers; how to decorate the nursery; what toys to get; what kind of education your child will get; what parenting styles you'll use and the list goes on and on and on.

One of the more enjoyable - and most important - decisions you'll make is what to name your child. You may have some ideas and mind - some mothers pick out their children's name when they are a child - but it's important to consider this decision. It will, after all, have a lasting effect on your child his or her entire life.

A name can tell a lot about a child's heritage and background. Some parents take the time to consider whether their potential name choices could end up in a nasty playground teasing. What does the name rhyme with?

Take some time to seriously consider what you want your child to be known as throughout his or her life. For a deeper look at what your choice could mean, read the book Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.

Next Page: Should I choose a popular baby name?

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