Hello! I’ve decided to answer some of our reader questions on video! Today’s topic is baby name sniping: when you’ve planned to use a baby name and someone close to you decides to use it first! This is particularly frustrating if you’ve chosen a unique name. Read More
When adults and even children use video conferencing, we of course recognize that the screen is merely showing us an image of someone far away as we speak. Babies? Not so much.
Science News reports on a new study looking at how young children respond to video calls. Read More
Hi Jennifer,
I’m wondering about your thoughts on the name India. When choosing a name for me twenty-two years ago, my parents considered both India and Hilary, however, they went with the latter because they were too nervous to give me such an exotic name. Read More
Dear Jennifer,
My grandmother’s first name was Gloriette, pronounced glory-et. I’ve tried looking up this name before with no luck. Does the name come from somewhere? People used the nickname Glo for her a lot. That side of the family also has a strong French Canadian background. Read More
Dear Jennifer,
I recently watched a movie called “Triple Dog” and the main character was a girl named Chapin.
I noticed you didn’t have it on the website and I would really like to know what it means.
Thanks, Anna
Dear Anna,
That’s a great question! Read More
Poetry is a form of literature that we often forget about, but it’s one of the most adaptable and enjoyable varieties to read with kids. It’s also a form of reading that isn’t too intimidating to young readers — stanzas are less overwhelming that paragraphs. Read More
Hi Jennifer,
Which name do you prefer, Liam or Asher with the last name Bowman?
Sincerely,
Ashley
Dear Ashley,
If you say both names out loud, Asher Bowman sounds better than Liam Bowman. With Liam, the ‘M’ in both the first and last name makes it a little clunky. Read More
Toddlers and babies need to move, and the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo can make it more fun for them to do so.
With sounds, lights, and the opportunity for plenty of movement, the Jumperoo is a fun, entertaining way for baby to develop crucial motor skills, Fisher Price says. Read More
Helping your baby through toilet training can be difficult, and every little bit of help along the way can make a great difference, say the makers of the new Lumi Potti.
The difference? A motion-activated nightlight lets your child find the potty at night, and use it confidently without needing your help. Read More
I receive hundreds of emails a month asking for name advice. I do love researching names! However there is a right and a wrong way to ask. So I thought this was worthy of a post:
1. If asking about the meaning of a unique name, first look up alternate spellings of the name in question. Read More
Hi Jennifer,
My husband’s cousin’s name is ‘Chainie’. I have never heard of this name before until I met her. As far as I know this is not a nickname and is her actual first name. I could not find it on your website so I was wondering if you could shed some light on her name’s origin and/or meaning. Read More
Hello Jennifer,
I’ve come up with two new unique girl names. The names are Veina and Nathana. I think I came up with Veina because I was thinking about the name Reigna which is beautiful as well. Nathana is derived from Nathan but has a feminine side to it. Read More
For kids, tooth-brushing is an unpleasant chore, says San Francisco-based Grush. “Parents are forced to spend a lot of time supervising their child’s brushing to make sure they brush properly.”
The solution to this problem? The video game toothbrush, which “transforms boring tooth-brushing into a fun game. Read More
The Explore and Learn Helicopter combines a favorite toy with introductory learning tools.
There’s a spinning propeller of course, and wheels that roll for take-off. The exit door opens and closes — and releases colorful balls. “Pulling the helicopter and spinning the propeller promote imaginative role-playing,” VTech says. Read More
Catch up with the Baby Names Podcast
Baby Names Tip: Don't give your child a nickname (i.e. "Jimmy") as a given name on their birth certificate. Let them have the flexibility to choose. Remember, you're not just naming a baby, you're also naming an adult!