YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, THE TOOTH FAIRY HAS ANSWERS While everyone seems to know about Tooth Fairy, not everyone celebrates in exactly same manner. And, parents often have questions. Following are some common questions concerning this fantasy fairy who visits in night and leaves presents and money.

Why did a fairy become associated with losing a baby tooth? Many old cultures marked loss of a child’s baby or milk teeth. Some ancient cultures placed lost tooth in a tree or threw it to sun. Other rituals involved having an adult swallow tooth or burn it.

Why is Tooth Fairy so popular? The Tooth Fairy is a whimsical concept that helps both parent and child mark transition from infancy to childhood. It’s a rite of passage that is not attached to any religion or holiday, which accounts for its widespread celebration.

When does Tooth Fairy come to visit? Although it varies, children generally lose their first baby tooth between ages of 5 and 7 years.

Why is Tooth Fairy traditionally female? As a popular culture figure of relatively modern times, Tooth Fairy is usually depicted as a woman. However, some companies are now offering Tooth Fairy “Prince” style gifts for boys to enjoy.

What does Tooth Fairy exchange for child’s tooth? A generation ago, Tooth Fairy brought only a modest gift, perhaps a dime or a quarter. In very recent years, that amount has increased dramatically and children now receive Tooth Fairy gifts ranging from a dollar to five dollars to much more. Sometimes monetary amount is considerably higher for first tooth lost. Instead of cash, some parents opt for a gift. But money remains most popular choice.

Is Tooth Fairy celebrated around world? Throughout English-speaking and many European countries, Tooth Fairy tradition is widely known and practiced. Although in many cultures, first lost tooth is only one recognized by Tooth Fairy.

THE END OF A MAGICAL CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE Alas, a child’s belief in Tooth Fairy is all too fleeting. By age of nine or ten, most children have stopped believing in Tooth Fairy. Many kids, however, continue to play along with their parents because they enjoy tradition and they like collecting money! The last baby teeth are usually gone by age 12, and Tooth Fairy ceases her visits.

What happens to all teeth collected over years by Tooth Fairy? Some parents tell their children that teeth become countless shimmering stars in sky. Others say that Tooth Fairy is building a fabulous castle for herself using all of “donated” teeth. Today, there are numerous books available about Tooth Fairy that offer their own version of what happens to countless lost teeth.

In end, magic of Tooth Fairy is perpetuated by parents who make up their own stories and create their own rituals. This only adds to magical charm that we call Tooth Fairy.

As an adult, just think how many times during an average week you give and spell your name. Do you want to give your child a name that he or she could really resent later?

If you absolutely love a name, but can’t tolerate nickname that often goes with it, then think twice.

For example, I have a friend who named her son Michael, even though she hates nickname, ‘Mikey’. Now mom spends far too much time and energy correcting kids, teachers and other parents who refer to him by dreaded nickname. It’s just not worth it.

HAVE SOME BACK-UP CHOICES Since ultrasound tests are not always interpreted correctly, All About Baby recommends choosing names for both sexes. Even when you think gender is a certainty, it is still a good idea to have a back up name. Why? Sometimes name that seemed perfect during your pregnancy just isn’t right match when new baby finally arrives.

This actually happened to another mom that I know, who was having her second son, a boy. They learned sex of baby during pregnancy and planned for months to name their new son, Cameron Michael.

However, when I visited their home a few days after baby's birth, I learned parents had named him Matthew John. His mother’s explanation was that after his birth, they all realized ‘he just didn’t look like a Cameron.' And you know, she was right, he looked like a Matthew John!

PICK THE NAME THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to baby names, and family members can be especially outspoken. While it’s fun to hear suggestions, especially during first part of your name search, keep in mind that ultimately your child’s name is your decision. It is impossible to make everyone happy.

Naming your infant is one of most important tasks you will ever undertake. A person’s name is truly a lifetime gift, and it helps define your child -- within family, to friends, at school and to outside world. If you consider options carefully and select with love, you really can’t go wrong.

For a complete list of 20 Helpful Baby-Naming Tips as well as a wide variety of other interesting child-related content, visit http://www.allbaby.com.