Since he's just starting out I don't want to use anything specific since it will change. I really like the way the flannel feels and am very pleased with the one I found so ... think I'm going with that. Unfortunately ... I lack 6" having enough for the backing. Grrrrrrrr. And don't know if it came this way or picked up something in my washer, but there are some faint black streaks on the flannel fabric. Double Grrrrr. So I'm going to Walmart when I think someone will be in the fabric dept to see if the rest of the bolt has these light marks on it. If it does I'll return what I have and buy more - with that extra 6" added! Thanks for your input!