What's the best baby blanket pattern

[Schalmake]

Hello. I'm trying to find a baby Afghan for my soon to be born 2nd cousin. And she's due to arrive on Valentine's day 2018. Which pattern would be loved by the mom and dad and the baby herself. Like lacy type or circular crochet type blanket?? So what's everyone's thought of mind. Thanks.

[redrosesdz]

New babies are so much fun to crochet for!

That's a huge topic! There's literally thousands of baby blanket patterns. Whatever you make will be loved by the whole family.

The most important factor is using colors that the new parents like. I made a few blankets for my grandson and the one that got used the most was in the color mom loved best.

My personal preference is anything made from yarn that says baby on the label. It's soft and allergen free.

I make more solid patterns, because I have a fear of little fingers and toes getting caught in lacey holes. However, I've been told by those with more knowledge that lacey is just fine for babies.

[Granny Square]

My mind went to a heart motifs, here are a few free patterns.  Not necessarily baby-sized, but they could be scaled down.  Some of these, with the rows of little hearts stitched in different colors, look like good stash busters as well.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearts-afghan

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearts-blanket

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiny-heart-blanket

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearts--diamonds

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blanket-of-the-hearts

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearts-pixel-graph  

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heart-strings-3  this one is free, but you have to sign up.  

 

 

 

[Bailey4]

I always work towards what Mom likes because it is more likely to get used.  I also try for yarns that suit the climate.  For instance I originally targeted lighter yarns for a blanket going to Texas and of course they moved to a colder climate.  I was able to have more freedom making blankets for twins due in December/January.  I've made different styles, sizes, shapes, etc. depending on the preferences of the Mom in question.  Some like traditional, others are more interested in something different.