when giving a quilt to anyone, family or charity, i use poly batting, and NO chemicals of any kind...allergies are prevalent among the young when subjected to things they can handle easily when older. remember, they will be sleeping under these, breathing in anything you added. The poly is because of dust/pollen allergies, which cotton holds much easier and longer...lint is just as bad as dust for my family. In addition, I do want them to wash and dry quickly, which is easier with poly... my sons would actually stand and stare at the dryer till their blankets were done....