If you want your baby to be a boy, should you eat more red meat? To get a girl, should you treat yourself to chocolate? Or make love under a full moon?
Everyone's heard at least one of these stories , and we all know they're just urban myths, but...what if, by chance, one of these methods actually works? Couples who'd give anything for a daughter or a son may want to give one or two of them a shot (heck, it can't hurt, right?). We've collected some of our favorite folklore about how to make a boy or girl. Share your ideas in the comment box at the bottom of the page — especially anything that has worked for you.
(A caveat: Those of you who are truly serious about sex selection should be sure to see our article on what the scientists say. Also, don't forget to take our quiz on the myths and realities of baby-making to find out what can really help you conceive.)
Your child is what you eat
According to folk wisdom, what you put in your body before conceiving may affect what comes out nine months later.
If you want a boy...
> Eat more meat — the redder the better.
> Stick with salty snacks such as pretzels and chips.
> Dads-to-be: Stock up on soda, especially cola drinks.
If you want a girl...
> Both partners should eat lots of fish and veggies.
> Give in to your chocolate craving, or just eat sweets in general.
The joy of sex
Quite a few old wives' tales about sex selection involve theories about the best way to make love if you want to influence your baby's gender.
If you want a boy...
> Lie down after sex and stay there for a while. Supposedly that gives the boy sperm a chance to beat the girl sperm to the egg.
> Make love standing up.
> Try the rear-entry position.
> Focus on his pleasure — if the male partner climaxes first, supposedly you're guaranteed a boy.
> Give in to seduction — if the man is the one to suggest some baby-making, you'll get a boy.
> Gals, sleep to the left of your partner.
If you want a girl...
> Give the missionary position a go.
> Make love with the woman on top.
> Focus on her pleasure — if the woman orgasms before her partner, you can decorate your nursery in pink.
> Take the lead — if the woman initiates sex, you'll get a girl.
It's all in the timing...or the direction
In a society where many people still check their daily horoscope for guidance, is it any surprise that superstition and folklore also dictate when to make love if you want to pick your baby's sex?
If you want a boy...
> Make love when there's a quarter moon in the sky.
> Have sex at night.
> Mark your calendar — more boys are conceived on odd days of the month.
> Follow the compass — one of our users swears that pointing the woman's head north while you make love guarantees a boy.
If you want a girl...
> Do the baby dance when the moon is full.
> Make a date for love in the afternoon.
> Get together on the even days of the month.
Keeping your cool
And we mean both literally and figuratively. According to some stories, being relaxed when you conceive means you'll have a girl. If you're a worrywart, a son's in your future.
But the actual temperature may play a role too. Some say a man's testicles should be cool before you have sex if you want a daughter; for a son, warm them up.
That idea plays into the common belief about boxers versus briefs — go for the tighty-whities if you want a boy, but hang loose if you're aching for a girl. (FYI, research does suggest that boxers are best for baby-making in general.)
Just plain way out there...
Some sex selection folklore defies categorization. For instance, some say that if the hairline at the base of your last child's neck is a ducktail, your next baby will be a girl. If it's straight across, prepare for a boy. Another story says that the baby's sex is determined by which partner is dominant in the relationship at the time of conception.
