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Why You Should Never gift a quilt to a newborn says Dr. Pait

by

Rows baby quilt

Quilters are natural gift givers and many of you, like myself, especially enjoy welcoming new babies into the world with a quilt. With the colors and style reflecting the expecting mother’s taste. it’s often the centerpiece of the nursery, So, you can imagine my surprise when local physician (T. Glen Pait, M.D.) recommended this week on his radio show, Here’s to Your Health, to never give one to a newborn. He says,

 

If you are considering a blanket or comforter as a gift for a newborn, something to decorate the nursery would be much, much safer.

In the context of preventing SIDS, which was the topic of the show, I get his point. Tiny babies need to sleep on their backs on a tightly fitted sheet with no bedding or stuffed toys in the crib. But his advice to not give one as a gift assumes that parents who receive one for their baby are not savvy enough to keep it out of the crib until their wee one is a bit older (peak age for SIDS deaths is 3 1/2 months). As every parent knows, babies do not stay small long. It would be a shame to deprive them of a gift they will likely cherish their entire lives over a well meaning but misdirected PSA (public service announcement).

Photo uploaded by editor shows a portion of a baby quilt made showcasing a Mark Twain fabric collection. It was a gift to a newborn.

Comments

  2. Snooby: I think Dr. Pait is more of a parrot, just relaying the words of Marian Willinger, Ph.D. in a press release dated 12/1/2014 from NIH – National Institutes of Health for the study entitled Nearly 55 percent of U.S. infants sleep with potentially unsafe bedding
    Dr. Willinger explains:

    “Parents receive a lot of mixed messages,” said study author Marian Willinger, Ph.D., special assistant for SIDS at the NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. “Relatives may give them quilts or fluffy blankets as presents for the new baby, and they feel obligated to use them.”

    Source noodls.

  4. What a ridiculous man… Scaring young mothers with a stupid idea… Good thing us mothers and grandmothers know better… He’s probably never had kids… Shameful…

  5. It’s hard to believe so many generations of babies have survived being covered with quilts,blankets,comforters etc. This all before there were stretchy suits ……..and “experts” on everything, all contradicting each other !!

  6. Telling people not to give babies quilts, is like telling people not to give a little kid a red rider BB gun like in A Christmas Story, because they’ll shoot their eye out. It’s all about parental guidance, and responsibility. I wouldn’t obligated to put something in the crib with my child that could potentially be hazardous just because someone made it as a gift. Hazardous is hazardous. Now, would I want to take pics of me holding the baby with the blanket that they made? OF COURSE! Because that’s safe. When did we all lose our common sense? Good lord.

  8. There’s more than one way to use a quilt? What about using it as a play mat for tummy time etc? What about hanging it on a wall. Keep making those quilts for babies, please.

  9. I had my son 45 years ago. The junk that has come out since then still amazes me. A younger friend whose daughters were born when it was the thing to only give them formula until they were six months old still blows my mind. They were always hungry, their skin was translucent and they got colds more often. Mothers still know how to care for their babies and a cuddly warm quilt isn’t any more dangerous than a blanket. You have to be a parent and take care of your child so you check on them regularly, but no quilts? Good grief, what’s next?

  13. Exactly Bronwyn! Parents are not stupid and will do what is appropriate. If you are close enough to a person to make a baby quilt for them, then you will no doubt have had a conversation about its safe use. –Scarlett

  14. I hear you Adiarra, great point. It’s exactly like my friend and former Needlework editor for Craft Gossip said on this subject, “Better not give 6 month clothing at a baby shower, because the parents will probably put it on their newborn.” LOL The logic behind this recommendation is flawed. –Scarlett

Have you read?

Book Review- Scrappiness Is Happiness – Inside The Book

First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

  • dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
     • scrappy quilt layouts
     • projects designed for leftover fabrics
     • Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

  • scrap quilts
     • sampler quilts
     • block-of-the-month style projects
     • mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

  • bright cheerful fabrics
     • vintage-inspired colour palettes
     • classic patchwork shapes
     • fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

  • quilters who love scrap quilting
     • anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
     • makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
     • quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.