I have been hand-piecing and hand-quilting for about 20 years. I enjoy the process, but it is time-consuming....more so than a machine project. (I too finally broke down and bought a LA so I can finish up a stack of hand-pieced tops). I agree with several of the comments above that both methods are acceptable for durability. However, there is a special significance to hand-work. I am curious....is this baby quilt for your own child...your daughter?....or for your daughter's baby? If this is your 'first' and you opt for hand-quilting, you could be tying your self to a future of hand-quilting for all those babies yet to be...
Whatever your decision, the quilt will be a family treasure!