UndeadKittenthats pretty much BS. I also knit for several hospital charities, and they take cotton, flax, linen, and blends of those with acrylic. In fact, Acrylic is more frowned upon, because it melts and becomes one with skin if it catches fire, where cotton just burns away, not melting into the skin.
ziraIt depends a lot on the charity you are knitting for. Some take wool, some take acrylic, some take anything. Acrylic is often wanted for ease of care, wool for warmth, etc. Our knitting guild works with a large number of charities and the rules are very different for each one.
anonajnYou are aware that all synthetic fibers used in making children's sleepwear are treated with flame-retardant chemicals? So I think an awareness and concern over the use of acrylic in items that are used for infants in any setting is justified.
kanddmomI beg to differ. First of all, we aren't talking about fibers designed for use in childrens sleepwear. We are talking about acrylic yarn. Which, I guarantee, is NOT treated. Don't believe me? Take a lighter to it. Told ya.
Wool is a no no, they won't even take it for non-allergic babies. Acrylic or nothing.