Glad I read this I was just gonna sew flanal squares together. Guess I better do some research!

PS:
Not trying to put a damper on your kind heart but teeny tiny fingers and toes may get caught around strings,flanel would be snuggly but maybe just not the rag type.;)

I missed that they were going to the hospital. Our hospital would not accept a rag quilt or fleece. They also have specific sizes that they can use. I guess I need to read more carefully.

If you plan to use the same size for all 3 layers, just realize that you will need to cut through 6 (SIX) layers of fabric on the raggedy edge. Ouchie for those poor wrists.

I would not make one for a hospital, but for a healthy baby, if you cut your squares on the straight grain of the fabric, there will be no threads longer that the 3/4" or 1" that you leave to fluff when you sew the seams. I made mine with three layers. It was adorable, but I won't do it again. Too hard on my hands. A daughter wants one. I told her I'd make it and she could do the cutting.

If you wash and dry twice and take it outside and shake it, there aren't many threads that still want to shed. My washer didn't mind, but if it did, I'd wash it in a lingerie bag and let the dryer do the fluffing.

Ditto on this :) I wouldn't think a rag quilt would be too good for babies. See what the hospital recommends.

Rag quilts should never be made for babies.
All the strings are a choking hazard.

The three layers of flannel will work fine.

Since I live in Fla., I simply used flannel on both sides with no batting in between. I am sure it will be just fine.

I always use 3 layers of flannel. I think it rags much prettier that way. I also found that if I put the finished quilt in the dryer BEFORE I wash it, some of the lint will be removed then. It seems to help me.

Judy in Missouri

I use three layers, too, and it's just fine. Just be sure your three colors all go together, because the middle will show up much more than you think!