What's your go-to baby yarn?

[mrs.jacinthe]

I have a TON of friends who are due just after Christmas, so I need to get a head start on baby blankets.  Up until now, I've been using acrylic for baby blankets because it washes and dries well and is easy to knit, but I'm thinking I should probably start using a superwash merino, cotton, or some other natural yarn instead.  

What's your go-to for a baby yarn that is soft and squishy, but will hold up well and not melt onto the baby in case of fire (eek!)?

Also, if you have a go-to blanket pattern, please let me know.  I'm kind of bored with my current set of options.

[mala]

I don't knit baby blankets, but I do prefer cotton (or cotton/bamboo blend) for just about anything for its ease of washing. I usually buy it undyed and dye it myself, though, so I'm no help for which brand to go with.

[charlatti]

Honestly, I stick with acrylic. Babies don't actually sleep with blankets on them anyway (SIDS risk) so the fire risk seems like a nonissue to me. I always used blankets on the floor for DD to lay and play on, and acrylic is perfect for that.

ETA specifics: Wool-Ease is my worsted go-to, but if I need a thinner yarn I really liked working with Patons baby yarn.

[egeiger]

I like wool ease by lion brand.

[brandienee]

The leafy baby blanket is still on my needles. LOL.

I prefer natural fibers for babies. I would go with super wash wool or cotton; but I will fully admit that I am a yarn snob. I can't stand the feel of some acrylic yarns.

I've been using Cascade 220 for baby blankets for years. It washes well, just hang to dry. If you can, find a local yarn store rather than going to Michaels or Joann's. They won't have Caron or Lion Brand, but I guarantee that they have baby safe yarns in a variety of colors. (If it's something your budget will allow)

[nannerl]

I love knitpicks superwash. I'm in the middle of some baby projects now and it knits up and wears beautifully.

[oneslybookworm]

I usually use acrylic as well, and I really like Stylecraft Special DK. Lots of color options, fairly soft and easy to work up.