The ghodiyu has been used for generations in India and has put many happy and healthy babies to sleep, while allowing their parents some R&R for their tired bodies.  It is essentially a hammock that envelops the child, simulating a womb-like experience, thereby quieting and calming the child.  With minimal strain on your body, the baby can then be rocked to sleep by pulling on the string attached to the hammock at whatever speed you like.  The best part is, it can be placed next to your bed so you don’t even have to get up in the middle of the night if the baby starts getting fussy!  All you new-mom Saheli’s know just how difficult and exhausting that can be!   

Additional benefits in using the ghodiyu are:

• Reflux Reduction  – due to the natural curve in the hammock the baby’s head is raised higher than the rest of his/her body
• Spine Support – the curvature of the spine is supported naturally once the baby is suspended in the hammock
• Prevents Plagiocephaly or Flat Head Syndrome – the baby’s weight is evenly distributed as the hammock conforms to the baby’s shape

Now Sahelis, you may be asking – where can find a ghodiyu in the USA?  Not only have we found a vendor that sells the original ghodiyu design in a lovely stainless steel, but we have also found a variation of this traditional Indian baby swing.  Ghodiyu.net offers the metal version, which we have tested and can honestly say is “heaven for kids”.  CitySaheli has watched a number of children fall asleep quickly and remain in slumberland for more time than when they are placed on an open mattress/playpen/crib. 

For a more modern interpretation, Hushamok.com offers a baby hammock, which offers similar, if not the same, benefits as the ghodiyu.  The makers of this baby hammock say this version was said to have originated in Latin America and it is truly different from others in that it is centrally suspended by a leaf-spring that causes the motion to be smooth and non-jerky.  

 As a special offer to CitySaheli Baby readers Hushamok.com has offered a chance to win a free MySeat ($219 value) when you purchase a hammock with the okoa stand.  Be sure to enter CitySaheli in the  where did you hear about us box.  Here is a sample of what it looks like.

* To prevent any ‘bumps in the night’, babies should not be placed in the ghodiyu/baby hammock once they are able to roll over on their own (approximately 4 – 6 months old).   

Parents often want names that have some or all of these traits: carries culture, is pronounceable, is original, and has a beautiful meaning.  And if it happens to solicit a thank you from the tot when he or she is old enough, even better.  Although the accessibility of global resources, such as websites and frequent skype conversations with dadi and nani can help, it also can quickly lead to information overload, leaving parents overwhelmed.  With so many choices, it’s nearly impossible to pick the perfect name.  CitySaheli brings it all together for you in this South Asian Guide to Naming Your Baby.

Step #1:  Choose an Approach
Choosing an approach that aligns with your personal interests and beliefs can quickly help to narrow the list.  Below are some commonly used filters among the South Asian community to select the perfect name.

A. Baby Names by Birth Star. One way to name your baby is according to her Nakshatram or birth star.  According to Vedic Astrology, one’s birth star can have a significant influence on the life cycle of a person and her personality traits.  In other words, it’s considered good luck.  How can you determine your baby’s birth star?  The most common way in South Asia is to consult a priest or Vedic astrologer. If you don’t have access to either before leaving the hospital, get your hands on a Nakshatram calculator.

• Birth Star (Nakshatram) Calculator
• Lucky Syllables based on Birth Star (Nakshatram)

B.  Baby Names by Rashi. Another way to name your baby is by her Rashi.  According to Vedic Astrology, each of the 12 zodiac signs has two and one quarter constellations and each constellation is further divided into four parts (charan).  Each charan is assigned a letter and that letter is the ideal starting letter for the baby.   How can you determine your baby’s rashi? Again, the conventional way is to consult a priest or a vedic astrologer, but fortunately for those without regular access to the internet is very useful.

• Indian Hindu Names – Baby Names By Rashi

C. Baby Names by Meaning. Often, couples and/or families have strong attachments to the meaning of a name, especially one that triggers a specific emotion, memory or event. A CitySaheli friend has a name that’s derived from the Hindu goddess Parvati. Coincidentally, her husband’s name is a representation of the Lord Shiva who was Parvati’s husband according to the ancient Vedas.  Together, Parvati and Shiva created a son named Ganesh so when it came time to naming their son, they scoured for any and all names that were derived from Ganesh.  Certain websites like the one below have search engines geared specifically for this:

•  Hindu Mythology 
• Muslim Baby Names 

D.  Baby Names by Khandan (Family Lineage).  As earnestly depicted in the movie, The Namesake, many South Asian families ask relatives, especially elders, to name their baby.  Each family chooses the name based on different things.  The husband’s sister in many Indian cultures is often given the responsibility of choosing the baby’s name.  With so many other baby details to manage, why not take a task off your plate?

E.  Aesthetic Synergy with Last Name. Last, but certainly not least- you may be inclined to pick a name simply on how it sounds, especially with your last name. And why not? Your baby’s first and last name will be said together many times in her lifetime. Shouldn’t it sound nice?

Step #2: Choose a Category:
Once you’ve selected the right approach for you and your family, select the category that best meets your requirements.   With over 50,000+ names to choose from, identifying the right category can help slim the list down even further.

A. Traditional Names. Traditional Indian names never go out of style, especially now with families picking names to be culturally sophisticated.  Click on the resources below for more information:

•  Books: Pick a Pretty Indian Name for your Baby
• Nriol – Indian Baby Names With Meaning 
• Indian Hindu Names 

B. Religious Names. Many couples are inclined to name their baby after a religious deity or icon.  No matter what the religion, this, too, is a classic move. The website below has a comprehensive database of names from all south asian religions.

• BabyNames.com

 C. “Fusion” Names. If you are drawn to a name that has South Asian Roots but also has a western flair, you are likely seeking a “fusion” name.  The names that are considered “fusion” are based largely on personal preference. CitySaheli picks include:

• Boys: Jay/Jai, Dev, ,Neal, Krish, Aryan, Arya, Kiran, Zane, Nalin, Kannan
• Girls: Anya, Eesha, Aleena, Sahana, Asha, Veena, Krisha, Sarina, Monica, Sonya

 D. Create Your Own. You may find that none of the categories above appeal to you. This is when it may be time to create your own name.  Use root words to create your own name. A CitySaheli friend recently named her son, Jaiden, using the root word, Jai (victory).

 Step 3:  Have some fun!
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of names to just a few, below are some fun, context setting exercises.

A.  Other Cultures/ Languages. Often South Asian names exist in other cultures.  This link below will tell you if you’ve picked one of them and what it means in other languages.

• ThinkBabyNames.Com 

B. Name Popularity. How popular is the name that you picked?  Enter the name(s) in the website below to learn more:

• ThinkBabyNames.Com 

C. Numerology. Just how lucky is the name you picked? According to the study of Vedic numerology, the luckiness of your “name number” can tell you how strong your relationships will be with other people. How can you tell just how lucky your name is? Use the calculator below and have fun with it.  You can enter various combinations of a name (with or without last name, with or without middle name or middle initial) in this site and see which is the luckiest.

• Lucky Names through Numerology

Whatever your approach, enjoy the process.  It is often said that when you meet your baby, then you’ll know what his or her name should be. It’ll just come to you. Congratulations and enjoy the process!