[Amelia]

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?). Lets collect folklore about how to make a boy or girl.

Share your ideas especially anything that has worked for you!

[Amelia]

Can we choose the sex of our child? Here is what scientists have to say about it:

Yes, choosing the sex of your child is technically possible thanks to advances in fertility treatments that allow doctors to create or identify embryos of a certain sex. But today's sex-selection options aren't equally effective, affordable, or available.

The most accurate sex-selection methods are usually the most expensive (tens of thousands of dollars), often involving invasive infertility treatments and fertility drugs with side effects. If you're serious about trying one of these techniques, you'll have to meet strict eligibility requirements, too. In some cases you won't be eligible unless you're married and already have at least one child of the sex opposite from the one you're trying for. Some clinics also have age limits or require you to take hormone tests to prove you're not approaching menopause.

And keep in mind that Mother Nature has already tipped the odds a bit in favor of boys in the sex-selection game. According to data released in 2004 from the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 1,050 boys are born for every 1,000 girls.

[Amelia]

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.)