If the quilts are to go home then I wouldn't think they would need fire retardant. I've never seen fire retardant on regular blankets for children in the store HOWEVER the hospital is going to want fire retardant to protect from law suits. A nice idea but just not worth it to me if they insist. Fire retardant is expensive and some fabrics change colour after use. Fire retardants are also a carcinogen I believe.