craftgrrl | Pre-wash

I always pre-wash my fabrics before starting a new project, but I have a new project that I'm not sure on. I'm making a nursery set for a friend and his wife who are expecting. For the quilt, I bought one of those pre-constructed panels (as seen here) and I have the washing instructions on how to wash it, but I'm not sure if I should pre-wash it. since the edges have not yet been bound or have a seam of any sort, will the batting be ruined, or is it safe to wash first. If I wash it should I wash the blanket binding I bought as well, or vise versa if I don't wash the panel should I also not wash the binding?

My second question is also for a product I've not used before. I bought fleece binding for a fleece throw I'm also making for this couple. I plan on pre-washing the fleece, but do I need to pre-wash the fleece binding too?

Thanks in advance and I'll be sure to post pictures when all is said and done.

(x-posted to