Picking a name for a new baby is a big decision - but what happens if you end up regretting your choice? Some parents have second thoughts days, weeks, or sometimes even years after welcoming their new arrival.
But one mum is so unsure on her eight-week-old son's name that she's debating changing it, especially after receiving "negative comments" from friends.
She took to Mumsnet to ask other parents for advice, admitting she's having a "bit of a crisis" as she doesn't know what to do.
She writes: "I’ve read lots online and on here about baby name regret as I’m having a bit of a crisis about my 8 week old’s name. I think it’s a combination of having received a couple of negative reactions to his name and stupidly looking up opinions on the name on Mumsnet since he was born.
"I don’t have one particular name that I wished we’d called him, although we did have a shortlist, and my regret comes from not trying out all the names for a few days after he was born (which we did with my first child and I love her name). I have pangs of regret for the names we didn’t use which sounds ridiculous!
"I’ve always struggled with making decisions and have often felt ‘buyer’s remorse’ after making particularly big decisions so I suspect this is just an extension of that exacerbated by the negative reactions etc.
"My husband is being reasonably understanding about how I’m feeling but has shut down the idea of changing his name as ‘we can’t be the parents who changed their baby’s name'."
She later added: "I still love his name but I can’t shake some of the comments and negative connotations that I’ve read out my head which is awful as it shouldn’t matter what perfect strangers think - or my elderly neighbour who thought it was ok to say to me ‘oh I’m not sure on his name’. I’m having massive mum guilt too that I’ve given him a name that he’s going to hate!"
People were quick to show their support to the new mum and offer their stories and advice.
One said: I changed my son's name, I switched first and middle name. Only negative reaction came from my grandmother, but I didn't care. He was around five weeks or so when it was decided. Over a year now. The truth is I never regretted the change of the baby's name. Not a single second. I love my son's name. I was also happier getting asked about his first name after the change and I guess that's also influenced how people reacted towards it. Also a lot of parents I know made a compromise and didn't get their first choice. Sometimes it just takes time to adjust. Whatever you decide good luck."
Another added: "We changed [our second child's] name at four months. We're both glad we did. It wasn't anything very out there, but it just wasn't right. Easy process and we just refused to justify ourselves why when communicating. It was all very difficult at the time."
A third commented: "Only your and your [husband's] opinion matters. You'll never find a name everyone likes. I hate some of the most popular names at the moment. I recommend having some quiet time with your bub and saying their name lots and writing it down. Do you still love it? Does it feel right. If still on the fence try a couple of other names out privately.
"Do a pretend facebook post (but dont actually post it) announcing a different name with your bubs picture. Then see if that feels right or very wrong. We loved our name but it's not popular and not in fashion. We have a few raised eyebrows occasionally but he owns it now and if you're confident when you say it people feed off that. Good luck and enjoy your new baby."
