Knitting for a newborn?

A friend's due date is sneaking up on me very quickly, and I just have to knit some things for her. This will be the first time I've knit for a baby or child at all. On one hand I am excited, just envisioning many quickly produced and satisfying F.O.s On the other hand I'm kind of baffled. Babies grow quickly and make messes. What kinds of patterns are good, and what yarn works well? I am thinking it's a pretty safe bet that MACHINE WASHABLE (in all caps like that) is the major factor in yarn choice. However, I'm also thinking softness, and quality are also important in this kind of gift giving.

I may eventually end up stashing for the project(s?) that I chose for this endeavor, but right now I'm thinking about the possibility of using up some stash yarn too. Partly because it is Friday and I'm thinking it might be fun to start off with a nice quick weekend project. Just few of the contenders, and I'm sure I have plenty of bits I could use up too if I find the right project(s) for them:

  

Caron Spa: 75% Acrylic, 25% Bamboo, DK, Light Gray, stashed: 1 skein = 251 yards

Sublime Yarns Organic Cotton: 100% cotton, DK, Nutmeg, statshed: 1 skein = 120 yards

Cottonade: 100% Cotton, Worsted, Teal, statshed: 1 skein = 83 yards

I've queued a few projects which I probably have to make at some point, wether it's statsh yarn or requires a purchase. Of course something with a cat is an appropriate gift from me. I think this kitty buddy blanket from Stitch Therapy is pretty adorable:

And booties seem like they'd be quick, fun and use up scrap yarn. These are from Saartje Knits:

I'd like to make a garment too, some kind of sweater, but I'm not sure what age would be best to plan on making it for. And I'm feeling a little overwhelmed since there are so many patterns for babies out there. Any suggestions, yarn recommendations, stories, tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated!