Often when a couple are expecting their first child they will receive lots of gifts from family and friends. One of the gifts that they are likely to receive in all this as well as diapers, toys and clothing will be a baby quilt. However although these can be brought readily today it is much nicer if they receive one that has been made with love from someone who cares.

In many cases a baby quilt which has been made by hand and handed to the couple will be treasured for years to come and often will be passed down from one generation to the next. So choosing the right type of baby quilt pattern can often be very difficult because of the large variety of patterns now available. The most common types of patterns used for baby's quilts include trains, planes, boats, ducks and letters of the alphabet.

All the patterns available will provide the quilter with a general idea of what they will need to produce the quilt as well as detailed instructions on how to make the complete product. Actually getting hold of a baby quilt is not that difficult as there are plenty of books and also websites that offer 100's of different patterns for a person to choose from. There are even some sites which will offer you the chance to get hold of patterns completely for free.

The great thing about a baby quilt is not only can it be used around the crib, but also to provide a cover inside the crib when the baby is not in it. It could even be used as a decorative wall hanging if the parents so wish. However at no stage should it be used as method for keeping the baby warm at night, because of the risk of suffocation. However it could in fact be used during the day when they are sleeping in your arms or in order to prevent a chill whilst out with them whilst out for a walk with them in their stroller.

If you're making a baby quilt for an expectant couple it is best if you choose colors which are either neutral or bold, but do not stick to one prevalent color such as blue or pink. A lot of couples will not tell others the sex of their baby until it is born so keeping away from pink and blue is a good option.