All excellent suggestions.
Now, another thing to think about. If the quilt top just fits the top of the bed, why not just put borders along the sides and bottom of the quilt? That way it will also serve as a bedspread. And no one has to remember where the top is. Plus no one will really see the top edge of the quilt anyway. You could make some pretty pillowcases out of the border fabric so you can place them at the top of the quilt when the bed is made.
I made my oldest boy a flannel brick quilt and used leftover fabric to make several pillowcases. Bed looks nice - when it's made - which isn't very often - kids!