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A soft, warm blanket is a must for every infant. Always among the most popular baby gifts, blankets give new mothers something cuddly to wrap her baby in. Blankets are available in and unending number of designs, colors, and styles, and can be had with plush lining and trim. They are also available in many types of fabrics, which is the subject of this article. Here's a listing of the ten most popular baby blanket fabrics and what you can expect to spend on them.

Cotton

Cotton is the most well known fabric in existence today. It can be washed by machine and is extremely versatile - it can be woven, knitted, and dye any color you can imagine. Generally priced in the $10-$40 range, it can become more expensive with an elaborate design. The packaging may also influence the price.

Flannel

A light- or medium-weight cloth, flannel can be made in several ways, primarily a blend of wool and cotton or wool and a synthetic fiber. These blankets are generally available in the same price range as cotton, $10-$40.

Chenille

Usually made from cotton, this fabric can be distinguished by its manufacturing process. First the fibers are spun into a tightly wound core, then piles (short lengths of fabric) are wrapped around so its edges stand at right angles from the core. This gives chenille its characteristic look and makes it feel so soft. A blanket made from chenille is a little more costly than one made from cotton or flannel, ranging from $25 to $60 in cost.

Fleece

I bet you think you know what this is made from, but you're wrong. You're confusing this with the wool of sheep. As used in a fleece baby blanket, the term describes a polyester fabric. There's no wool in a fleece baby blanket! Prices can range from $10 all the way to $70.

Satin

Once very expensive because it was made from silk, satin is currently produced from nylon, rayon, acetate, and polyester. This provides a much more affordable way to attain the glossy finish the fabric is known for. Although still costing $50 or more, satin baby blankets are much less expensive today than they were when they were made from silk.

Alpaca

The original source for alpaca wool is the Peruvian alpaca, but the term now refers to a more generic style of fabric. It can be made from Icelandic sheep wool, high-quality English wool, or mohair, and is available in a wide price range. Expect to pay a minimum of $30 but the cost could go above $120.

Cashmere

Obtained from the cashmere goat, this wool is renowned for its legendary softness. One of the more expensive fabrics to choose for a baby blanket, expect to pay from $80 to more than $200 for a cashmere blanket.

Merino

Merino is a less expensive alternative to cashmere. Originating in Spain, it comes from a breed of white fine-wooled sheep that produce an exceptional quality of fleece. It looks and feels very similar to cashmere, but baby blankets made from merino will cost significantly less - about $30 to $120.

Velvet

Considered a luxury fabric because it requires multiple steps to manufacture and more thread per square inch than other fabrics, velvet can be made from many fibers, including cotton, silk, and synthetics. Prices for velvet baby blankets range from $40 to more than $150.

Charmeuse Silk

Charmeuse silk is the most expensive fabric used to make baby blankets. Shiny and very smooth, a blanket made from the "silk of the emperors" will make a great impression on the new parents and show just how much they and the baby mean to you. With a beautiful drape and an elegant luster, a blanket made from charmeuse silk will cost about $300. Maybe not the most practical fabric to catch baby's messes, but it'll definitely feel nice.