In my opinion, 100% cotton. Very few people are allergic to cotton, and it washes well, standing the test of time.
Polyester tends to crumble to dust after about 5 years, and in some cases beards. ( Bearding is when the fibers start pulling through the fabric. )
In my opinion, always use 100% cotton. Very few people are allergic to cotton. Wool batting, or polyester can cause rashes. Polyester batting will 'crumble' to granules and dust after a few years of repeated washing and abuse. Stick with cotton, especially for baby. Something else to consider . . . If you are going to hand quilt the baby quilt, use a 'needled cotton batt.' It is easier to quilt. Also, it is a good idea to buy a cotton batting that does not contain little pieces of the 'hull' and seed ( some batts will have bits all through it. ) Those hulls and seeds will eventually bleed small amounts of cotton oil, leaving a stain on the quilt that will NOT wash out.
It's the cottony stuff that goes inside a quilt and gives it bulk.
Batting
a baby quilt
There are many websites that offer free baby quilt patterns. The following are websites that offer free baby quilt patterns. www.freequiltpatterns.info/quiltcategories/freebabyquiltpattern http://www.bhg.com/crafts/quilting/free-quilt-patterns-for-babies-and-kids/ http://quilting.about.com/od/babyquiltpatterns/Free_Baby_Quilt_Patterns.htm
The best to purchase a quilt rack is from Sears. Sears has the largest selection of quilt racks, that come in various designs. The prices that Sears offers on the quilt racks are also the best in the business.
A safe baby quilt is one that does not have buttons or anything else a baby could put in their mouth, nothing too fluffy, and one where the stuffing (if any) will not come out because this can prevent a choking hazard.
Q-tips, can be used for cleaning a baby's ears. Baby quilt.
One can learn to create baby quilt patterns in many sewing magazines. Interweave and Sew It All are two magazines that have many available patterns and tutorials for baby quilts.
I know of a site that has baby quilt patterns. It is called patternmyquilt dot com. They have templates to use to create your own for your making pleasure for all kinds of quilts.
I believe Michaels have this kind of stuff. You can get a lot of baby quilt patterns on that store. You can also try Joanne's, they have a lot of baby quilt patterns. My mom always shop on that store, she loves cross-stitching and quilting.
Batting is used to fill quilts. You can get polyester, bamboo, cotton or a mix in the correct size of the quilt you are making (crib, full, king). You can buy batting at places like Joann's and maybe even Walmart.