Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions! I will keep it all in mind once the panels arrive and for future quilts for kids

I find with little kids that texture really appeals to them. I try to use flannel whenever possible, at least for the back if not the top as well. And they LOVE the feel of satin, so I try to incorporate a narrow satin border somewhere, or put some satin into the blocks.

Most kids are pretty open to any colour scheme, but personally I don't like really loud, bright schemes which is what you often find in kid prints....for that matter I find most "kid prints" pretty awful. I would rather the print(s) did not carry the design.

My sister and I like to make baby quilts for charity, and for that purpose stick to simple designs when possible. We have a Pinterest board called "Baby Quilt Awesomeness" you may want to check out!

....... or for another texture, how about minkee for the backing?? :)

when I do kids I love to do 6 inch square quilts, I've got a die cutter die that cuts the perfect squares that finish at 6 inches and then I can just go nuts with fun fabric with themes they like (cats, dinosaurs, fairies, space, science, etc)

Sometimes I'll do a panel with squares around the sides but I often find that panels aren't printed very well which is frustrating BUT the kids certainly don't mind.

My then 5 year old granddaughter was playing in my sewing room (I had a little play area for them while I sewed)
I was talking to myself but out loud trying to decide which fabric to use in a baby quilt. My granddaughter, whose ears were always listening, looked up and said "the bright colors grandma, babies like bright colors, remember that!" She was right, lol

I think I will definitely gt minky or flannel for the back!

These look simple and suitable
https://www.freeapplique.com/dinosaur-patterns.html

Suitable for 2 & 4 yo.. just need to add more boarders
👍👏🦖🦕

.......... or could make the dino larger. Or put on more than one dino.
Lots of possibilities.

My sons and my granddaughters prefer fleece, minky or flannel on the back. They are their go to quilts ALL THE TIME.. I recently made an I spy quilt for my grandchildren. When it comes off their bed, they can use it at the beach, on the couch or wherever they want to drag it. My granddaughter was princess obsessed when she was three. She now is not as interested in that quilt and asked for a new one of rainbows and unicorns. Just enjoy what you are making yourself. Kids love everything. it's all in the build up and presention! When not on their beds, they will use it if you let them..