I make lots of baby quilts. (probably over 100, so far) Except for one, a commission, I have chosen the fabrics and patterns. I never do pastels, both because I am not a pastel kind of person and because some studies have shown that small people respond more to bright colors. I do LARGE # of patterns, some of them oversized single blocks, especially stars. I select fabrics that will encourage discussion as the child gets older. Mainly, I make them about 42x50, so they are big enough for toddlers to drag around. Sometimes I quilt a plain piece of fabric then add an applique, such as a large fuzzy teddy or a Sunbonnet Sue. Once, I took a "prancing pony" PP pattern, enlarged it, and made a quilt for a 4th birthday present (commission). One of my regular patterns is to take an 18x24 piece of large scale pattern, generally tropical fish, cut off the corners, place on batting and backing, and add strips of fabric all around until it is the size I want, sew back the cut off corners, add a border and I am done. My first one of these was ready for binding in 2 1/2 hours, while I was doing demos at our quilt show. I guess what I am saying is don't limit yourself.