How to influence the sex of your baby

There are no guaranteed methods for influencing the sex of your baby, but there are certain factors to keep in mind... 

I want a boy!
Before even having sex, your partner can increase his sperm count by wearing loose-fitting trousers and sponging his scrotum with cool water, which is good for making boy babies. When it comes to doing the deed, you and your partner should do it doggy style, and you should try and climax first. The best time to have sex is just after ovulation.

I want a girl!
Have sex face-to-face, with shallow penetration. Don’t have sex if you have any sign of slippery vaginal mucous. You should try not to climax – this will make sure your vagina is acidic, which is right for making girl babies. When it comes to timing, make sure that you have sex every other night until ovulation is due, but abstain 24 hours before ovulation. Having lots of sex is good for producing girls, too.

Should I try douching?
Douching your vagina (squirting liquid into it) is believed to help improve its condition, making it either more alkaline (better for boys), or more acidic (perfect for girls). Buy a douche bag from your chemist, but be careful when you’re using it.

* Boy try 15ml (1tbsp) bicarbonate of soda to 600ml (1pt) lukewarm water

* Girl try 15ml (1tbsp) white wine vinegar to 600ml (1pt) lukewarm water

For more information

The Family Planning Association

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has a list of clinics offering IVF treatment.