Top tips when choosing your baby's name

Want to know the best way to choose a baby girl's name or a baby boy's name? Netmums members share their insight into the best way to name your baby

When you pick a name you like, think about how it goes with your surnames, the initials and how well it fits with the names of your other children (if you have any). Also think about how it may be shortened and whether you like the shortened names. Think of any obvious nicknames the name lends itself too as well.

Say your chosen names out loud and see how they sound. You will be using them an awful lot and calling them across parks and playgrounds in years to come and it must sound right to you. Say the name with your surname and any chosen middle names too to see how they sound.

There will be names that you love but your partner is not so keen on and vice versa. Find a name you both really like and come to a compromise. Whatever name you choose in the end make sure it is one you both agree on.

Think about how you will spell the name. Will you choose the traditional spelling or a different form? Is it an easy name for your child to learn to write at school? Will people consistently spell the name wrong? Do you mind?

Find out just how much people spelling their child's name wrong irritates mums in this thread from our coffee house.

Take a bit of time to find out how popular your chosen name is. If it is one of the top ten baby names then you will probably find there are several children with the same name at nursery or school. Many said that you can't go wrong with a traditional name but you may prefer something more unique instead.

Pick a name you think your child will love. Of course - there are no guarantees but think about how they might feel if they are given either a very popular name or a very unique and individual name. Some members said though that whatever you choose, your child will know it was a name chosen with love so they are bound to appreciate it anyway.

Pick a name that will not only suit a baby, but also suit a child and an adult, even a pensioner. Think about how your chosen name will fit and sound as your baby grows up and carries it through life.

If you have a name you really love then try not to get too upset if someone 'steals it'! Easier said than done as it becomes less unique to you and your family but if it is a name you have always loved and have your heart set on then don't let others 'nicking' it put you off.

Before you reach a final decision on a name think how it might look on a CV. Would a really unusual name look odd and put off potential employers?

Many said that they waited until their baby was born to make a final decision on a name. They had ideas and a shortlist but left it to see whether their baby suited their chosen moniker before making the final decision.

So many Netmums members recommended keeping your chosen name or names a secret. If you tell others then they will be bound to share their opinions and perhaps put you off your chosen name. Many said they kept schtum until they introduced their new baby with their new name.

Choose the best baby name right now by visiting the Netmums Real Baby Name Guide.