When crocheting for babies, it is important to take the time to make a smart yarn selection. You want to select soft yarn that the baby will love to feel as she explores her tactile world. You also want to choose washable, durable yarn to make Mom and Dad happy!

Here are four key Ss for choosing the right yarn for a crochet project for your baby:

1. Think Soft.

A baby’s skin is sensitive. Whether you are making a toy for the baby to play with or a blanket or garment to go against the baby’s skin, it’s important that the yarn be soft and cozy to the touch, like Red Heart’s Baby Clouds in our Little Bo Sheep Hat.

A new choice from Red Heart is Anne Geddes Baby Yarn, an acrylic/nylon blend in a soft weight that is easy for babies to wear. We used it in the adorable Ladybug Cardi designed by Vicki Brown for our upcoming May/ June 2013 issue. You want to stay clear of any yarns that can scratch or feel itchy on kids’ sensitive skin, like mohair or some other wools. You also want to make sure the child isn’t allergic to certain fibers—it’s best to go with a yarn meant for baby.

2. Think Sturdy.

All of that chewing, playing and exploring of their toys and garments means babies are hard on their things. You want to create crochet items that are durable. Because of this, you’ll want to choose yarns that are in it for the long haul. Super soft luxury yarns may meet the softness and safeness standards but they may not stand up to the durability test. Acrylic or acrylic/nylon blends hold up really well to wear and tear—more than natural fiber yarns. This makes them great for heirloom gifts.

3. Think Stain-free.

Babies are adorable but they are also messy. Their toys, clothes and accessories have to be washed frequently. Most new parents don’t have the time or energy to frequently wash baby gifts by hand. You want to make items out of yarn that stains less easily and can be washed in the machine. Mom and Dad will thank you!

Acrylic yarn is also designed to be easily washable and tumble-dried in the machine, like the one used in the Polka Dot Baby Blanket designed by Marty Miller for our July/August 2012 issue.

4. Think Savings.

As I mentioned, there are some great high-priced one-of-a-kind luxury yarns that will meet the criteria of being soft for babies. However, they are less likely to be durable and easily washable plus they are usually expensive. In an ideal situation, the things that you crochet for a baby will be saved and appreciated fondly for years to come. However, messes and mistakes happen and baby items often have to be thrown away. You probably don’t want your cash going to a very expensive yarn for a baby item that might not make it through the next few months. Luckily, there are many affordable yarn options that will be soft, durable and washable.

Do you need crochet patterns for a baby in your life? Check out our special Crochet Today! Baby & Kids Book, filled with more than thirty patterns for tiny tots.