Blanket for a friend, what wool would you choose?

[Skarlet]

Hi all,
I'm new to mumsnet, and need some advice, please...
My friend is having a baby in June, and I'd love to knit her a nice baby blanket.
I'm a beginner knitter, and have found nice blanket patterns on the Ravelry website.
I want to make something beautiful, but, I also want to make sure it's practical and she can actually get a lot of use out of it.
My question is, would you prefer a blanket in acrylic wool, practical and washable but not as breathable, or,a soft, breathable woolly blanket that may need more care when washing?

Any advice gratefully received!
Maria

for june i would use cotton. there are lots of nice soft cottons, debbie bliss or rowan if money is no object.

acrylic is really practical, my mum knit dd a lovely shawl. dd was v. sicky so i could wash and dry teh shawl really quickly.

but if it is aesthetics you are after wool is beautiful.

Thanks DB,
I now realised maybe I should have posted in the Arts and crafts area, and have moved my thread there.
Will go to the shops tomorrow!
Maria