I've used minkie many times- I do not pre-wash- no need it does not shrink- or bleed
I do use batting- but nothing as heavy & dense as Warm & Natural--- I use a nice lightweight cotton or poly batting- my favorite is hobbs 80/20 - makes for really soft, cuddly, fluffy baby quilts :)

I also wash everything because of allergies. When working with minkey, I also have my exhaust fan on and wear a mask. It is slippery so I use glue sticks, dabbing some on in certain places or pin, pin, pin or spray baste. I used batting once but, as others stated, it's heavy and warm enough by itself. The light batting really made it too heavy.
You can buy minkey everywhere: online, at JoAnn's, local quilt shops, Hobby Lobby, etc. Some, in my opinion, are better than others.

I am told by firefighting people that fleece melts into the skin in a fire...so I put away all my fleece and quit using it. Do not think I would ever want to give it to a child or elderly person for that reason. Minky might be better to us.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments / suggestions / thoughts!! You've been a tremendous help!! I'm anxious to give minky a try on my next baby quilt.