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Choosing a baby gift can be a daunting task. With rows and rows of baby toys and products, there seem to be endless options. From plastic rattles to dainty little booties to baby bouncers, these gifts are cute and functional but not quite as special as giving a homemade gift.

One hand-crafted option is a quilt. Baby quilts are not only unusually adorable but still very practical since babies spend a great deal of time on the floor. Such a homemade task may be rather time-intensive, but it is important to remember that making a quilt is giving a gift of real love. Fortunately, the process does not have to be as overwhelming as it seems. In fact, there is a multitude of easy baby quilting patterns to choose from.

You can find these patterns in a variety of locations. Local craft or sewing stores will likely have quilting books with ideas that you can purchase. There are also many online resources that offer free quilt ideas to choose from. Whatever you choose, however, be sure to consider the pattern carefully. Not all quilts require the same amount of skill or time. If you are concerned with getting your quilt done quickly, here are some guidelines to determine how difficult the pattern may be.

1. Size. The bigger the quilt, the more time and energy it will take to complete it. Luckily, baby quilts tend to be smaller than regular quilts.

2. Shapes. Quilts can vary from a simple pattern of geometric shapes to complex pictures. While some of the cutest patterns may have patchwork images like rocking horses or teddy bears, these types of patterns tend to require much more work and skill. When looking for easy baby quilting patterns, look for shapes that are simple to cut out in order to keep the amount of intricate cutting and sewing to a minimum. The larger the pieces, the less sewing required. One alternative to intricate designs is to use fabrics with detailed printing.

3. Detail work. Some quilts will have beautiful decorative stitching to add extra pizazz. Though the look is certainly quite beautiful, such detail work will add significant time for you. Additionally, though sewing on beads or other add-ons can be cute, they may pose a risk for babies should they become loose after excessive use.

4. Amount of fabric. Be aware of the number of different fabrics that are required and the amount of each. Quilts with more of a patchwork appearance may allow you to use smaller pieces of fabric or even remnants, which you may already have or can be bought at a cheaper price.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Consider the baby you are making it for as well as your own skill and availability. With the range of easy baby quilting patterns to choose from, you are sure to find something perfect to celebrate the new little baby in your life.