I am going to be a Great Nana!! :woot:
I want to knit up a blanket that will be softer than any blanket I could buy. What yarn should I use?
I am also looking for a fast and easy (simple) pattern with no holes in it.
How many skeins does it take to make a baby blanket?
Is chenille good for baby blankets?
Anyone have any ideas?
What kind of fiber were you thinking of? Acrylic? Cotton? Wool? Acrylic and cotton I know, wool not so much for babies. I usually make blankets that are washable for kids.
Here is an easy pattern I found that I thought I might try next time I need a baby blanket:
I was also thinking of knitting different color squares and sewing them together.
Congrats on being a great nana! 
What type of fiber? Do you want to buy it at a local store like Michaels or Joanns? Or are you going to an LYS or buying online. It makes a difference in suggestions. I agree with Craw that washable is usually best for babies. All cotton tends to be heavy so I’d use a blend if you want cotton. Chenille is okay if you don’t mind knitting with it, but make sure you choose a pattern with no detail since it hides your stitches.
Here’s some more simple and quick blankets. I’m giving you links to Ravelry so you can see what other people have done or used.
Simple diagonal garter stitch with a border is beautiful, too. You can use any border, but look at these.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/brooklyntweed/tweed-baby-blanket