We use straw and haven't had any problems with it. I usually have a thin layer of shavings under the straw to help with absorption. We've foaled out on shavings before too when the mare got sneaky on us, but tend to go with the straw because there is a higher chance of the foal inhaling shavings. The only thing right off that I would say definitely not to would be sawdust - because it is so easily inhaled while the foal is trying to figure out their environment. But even in saying that, I know people who use it...of course we treated one of their foals last year for pneumonia so...

My favorite foaling medium is clean pasture/paddock Unfortunately, since we moved north that tends to be covered with a rather thick layer of snow during that particular time of year!!!

Come join our Saturday Night Barn Party from 9-11 also! PHRitters is always ready to party