if you choose a batting choose one that says on the package- 'suitable for tied quilts' not all batting choices are- ones that need to be quilted every 2-4" will pull apart, ball up & become quite horrible in a wash or 2. you need a batting that says it is suitable. warm & natural is an ok cotton choice- dream poly is a nice one too- depends on how 'lofty' you want the quilt to be- I generally make 2 for family members having a new baby- one *flat* one with a flannel center and one fluffy/cozy/lofty one usually that one is the one on the floor-nice padding --- the comment about not using poly for baby quilts...yes, if it caught fire the batting would probably melt---if a cotton one catches fire it may burst into flames...(what is the lesser of those evils?) better to avoid fire-than worry about that- polyester batting makes nice baby/kids quilts mainly because it washes up very well & will take a beating and last for many years. there are lots of great battings on the market- just find one that is good for tied quilts (in some minds tied are more dangerous for babies than which batting is used-choking hazard)