If there is one thing babies and toddlers love, it’s sleeping. It may seem like your little one can sleep forever. That’s because their growing body requires copious amounts of sleep. It’s recommended that toddlers sleep between 11-14 hours each day. That’s too much sleep to get in during the night, which means they’re going to be napping often.
In order to get restful sleep while napping, babies and toddlers need to feel safe, comfortable, and cozy. This is where nap mats enter the mix. Nap mats resemble sleeping bags, but they’re made with more luxurious materials and often come with pillows and blankets. Many nap mats are also portable and store easily, making them great for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten.
- Things to Consider When Shopping for Nap Mats
- Top 10 Best Nap Mats 2023
- 1. Best Overall Nap Mat: Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow
- 2. Best Premium Nap Mat: Urban Infant Tot Cot
- 3. Best Budget Nap Mat: Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow
- 4. Best Minnie Mouse Nap Mat: Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat
- 5. Best Nap Mat with Pillow: Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat
- 6. Best Super Hero Nap Mat: Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat
- 7. Best Mickey Mouse Nap Mat: Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat
- 8. Best Portable Nap Mat: Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat
- 9. Best Paw Patrol Nap Mat: Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat
- 10. Best for Classrooms: Kindermat
- Everything You Need to Know About Nap Mats for Babies and Toddlers
- Nap Mats for Toddlers and Babies FAQ
- Wrapping Up
Things to Consider When Shopping for Nap Mats
Nap mats may seem like straightforward products, but if you’re not careful, you can end up with the wrong one. Different children have different needs, so take some time to look over these important things to consider.
Ages
First and foremost, you want to find a nap mat that’s age-appropriate. There are plenty of options, but the age guidelines can be tricky. For example, most products are recommended for children between 2-5, but some are useful for kids up to ten years old. Luckily, the age recommendations listed in the product descriptions below are reliable. You can also use the size of the nap mat to determine which age it’s suitable for.
Material
The material that a nap mat is made out of determines the quality of the product. The majority of nap mats are made with cotton, polyester, or a blend of two. Cotton is soft and comfortable, while polyester offers more support and durability. For the best comfort and durability, shop for products that include both cotton and polyester.
There are also a lot of products that use microfibers. While microfibers come from different plastics and materials, nap mats are typically made with polyester-based microfiber. Microfiber sounds fancy, but it’s not too complicated. It’s just tiny fibers with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers. That’s roughly ⅕ the size of human hair.
Size
Nap mats come in a lot of different sizes. Nap mats that come with pillows and blankets are also bulkier than those that don’t. When looking at the size of a nap mat, there are a few things you want to consider.
First and foremost, you want to make sure it’s long enough for your toddler. For this reason, we recommend shopping for nap mats that are at least 42″ long. Nap mats of that length, or more, will last your child years.
While length is significant, the thickness is too. Most nap mats are around an inch or two thick. Anything less than an inch is going to be uncomfortable on hard surfaces because there will be a lack of support.
Now that you understand a few of the reasons that you may want to choose one mat over another, here are our picks for the top nap mats for your little one.
Top 10 Best Nap Mats 2023
1. Best Overall Nap Mat: Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 3-7
- Material: Cotton and Polyester
- Size: 50″ by 20″
The Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow comes in a lot of different styles. While we’re featuring the trains, planes, and trucks style, there are thirteen styles to choose from. These fun designs make the nap mat appealing to toddlers, and they work for boys and girls. Keep in mind; the price varies based on the design you choose.
The Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is made from 50% polyester and 50% cotton, creating a comfortable napping environment. While the nap mat is soft, it’s also safe. It’s hypoallergenic and made without harmful chemicals like BPA. To keep your child warm, it comes with a cotton flannel blanket. For portability, this nap mat features a removable pillow and roll-up design.
What Sets it Apart
The Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow has won the Mom’s Choice Award. The award is given to excellent products for children and babies. While the prize is not exclusive to one company, it helps parents know the product is coming from a company they can trust. The 90-day manufacturer’s warranty is also a nice bonus.
The Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is also made with high-quality cotton and polyester that provides both comfort and support. When looking at the award, the quality, and how affordable the nap mat is, it’s clear that it’s the best overall.
Things to Consider
The Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is a great product, but it’s not easy to clean. While you can wash it in a washing machine, you need to be careful with the water temperature. If it gets too warm, the nap mat can be damaged. It also can’t be dried in a dryer, even on low-heat and tumble settings. This means you’ll have to hang-dry it, which can take hours.
If you like the nap mat, but prefer an easy-to-clean product, the Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow is a great alternative. It’s similar in both size and material, but it’s dryer safe.
Who It’s For
The Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is an excellent mat for children getting ready for preschool or kindergarten. The portable roll-up design makes it small enough to fit in lockers and cubbies, and when it’s spread out, it’s one of the most massive nap mats around. This makes it versatile enough to accommodate growing children up to seven years old.
Pros
- Long length and proper thickness
- Made with cotton and polyester for durability and comfort
- Features a cotton blanket and comfortable pillow
- Made without BPA, PVC, latex, and lead
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not dryer-safe
- High price
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-5
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Size: 52″ by 22″
The Urban Infant Tot Cot is a sleek and creative product that’s great for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten. It comes with a detachable pillow and a warm blanket to keep your little one cozy. The blanket is made with durable polyester that’s machine washable and dryer-safe, making cleanup hassle-free. It’s also made without harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, latex, and lead.
The Urban Infant Tot Cot is also portable. It can be rolled up into a tote, which makes it easy to store in closets, cubbies, and lockers. You can remove the pillow if necessary too. It also has a children’s carrying handle, for when your little one is ready to carry it on their own.
What Sets it Apart
The Urban Infant Tot Cot is unique because it received the National Parenting Seal of Approval and Mom’s Choice Award. Both of these awards indicate that a company cares about the quality of their product and the happiness of their shoppers. Awards aside, it also comes with a name tag to help it feel personal. With plenty of designs and the name tag, your child can customize their napping experience.
Things to Consider
The Urban Infant Tot Cot is comfortable, but the padding is not as soft as nap mats that use cotton. While it has better durability than cotton nap mats, comfort is essential when it comes to taking a nap. Still, it depends on what your child is used to.
If you like the size of this nap mat and portable roll-up design, but prefer cotton, the Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is a great alternative. It’s close in size and price, but the cotton material is more comfortable.
Who It’s For
The Urban Infant Tot Cot is an excellent fit for parents that need a hassle-free nap mat. Everything about this product is simple and designed to accommodate busy parents. Your child can carry it on their own; it’s foldable and easy to clean. While the designs are lackluster compared to other nap mats, it’s made with the best materials and comes with the most features.
Pros
- Made with high-quality polyester and cotton
- Comes with a pillow and blanket
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
- Large size is great for children and toddlers
- Comes with a pocket for storage
- Foldable and portable
Cons
- The designs are lackluster
3. Best Budget Nap Mat: Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-6
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 50″ by 20″
The Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow is made with high-quality, soft brushed, microfiber polyester that’s durable and comfortable. It comes with plenty of thickness to support a napping child and comes with a warm blanket to keep things cozy.
The Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow is also portable and easy to clean. It can be rolled up and fits in lockers or cubbies. This makes it great for preschool, kindergarten, and daycare. For cleaning, it’s machine washable and dryer-safe.
What Sets it Apart
The Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow is unique because it’s manufactured by a family-owned company that provides exceptional customer service. Family-owned companies are known for being humble, but Everyday Kids takes it a step further by offering shoppers with resources and assistance after the sale.
While the company is family-owned and operated, it’s impressive that its pricing is low. It’s a premium nap mat that’s more affordable than most brands.
Things to Consider
The Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow is great, but it’s bulky. It can fold into a compact shape, but it’s larger than most nap mats. It can still fit into cubbies and lockers, but it’s awkward for toddlers to carry on their own.
If you like the style of this nap mat, but prefer a more compact option, the Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is a great alternative. It’s a bit smaller and more expensive, but it’s more portable and comfortable for your toddler to carry on by themselves.
Who It’s For
The Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat with Removable Pillow is an excellent choice for parents that will be sending their children to daycare. Daycares can get crowded, but the unique design and name tag make it easy for your child to know which nap mat is theirs. While it can fit in lockers at school, it’s better suited for storage in cubbies, like those you find at daycares.
Pros
- Low price
- Reliable and robust polyester materials
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
Cons
- The nap mat is on the bulky side
4. Best Minnie Mouse Nap Mat: Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2+
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 44″ by 22″
The Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat is a fun nap mat designed to make young Disney fans happy. The nap mat is made with high-quality polyester that’s resistant to fading and easy to clean. While the design is fun, it’s also safe and comfortable. The polyester is flexible and more than an inch thick, giving your child enough cushion to sleep comfortably on any surface. It’s also made without harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, latex, and phthalates.
The Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat is also portable and great for school. It can be rolled up, carried with a handle, and stored in lockers or cubbies. This nap mat is also machine washable and dryer-safe, making it easy to clean. You just have to wash each piece separately.
What Sets it Apart
The Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat is unique because of the Disney styles you can choose from. While we’re featuring the Minnie Mouse style, you can also choose from Mickey Mouse and lots of other beloved Disney characters. Regardless of your child’s gender, there is a Disney theme nap mat your child will love.
Things to Consider
While the Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat is comfortable and safe, it’s on the smaller side. With only 44 inches in length and an even smaller blanket, it’s best suited for young toddlers. For this reason, this nap mat should only be used until your child is four or five years old.
If you like the Disney styles but need a bigger mat, the Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat is a great alternative. It shares many of the same designs and materials, but it’s almost a foot longer.
Who It’s For
The Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat is a great nap mat for parents of young girls. The Minnie Mouse theme makes children happy and tempted to take a nap. While it’s an excellent nap mat for toddlers, we recommend using this product for children between 2-4 years old. It’s big, but it can be outgrown quickly.
Pros
- Fun Disney themes
- Thick padding
- Made without BPA, PVC, lead, and latex
- Great for young toddlers
- Comes with a pillow and blanket
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
Cons
- Too small for older children
5. Best Nap Mat with Pillow: Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-5
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 50″ by 20″
The Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat with Pillow is a premium nap mat. It’s made with durable polyester that doesn’t fade when washed and uses bright colors to make it child-friendly. It’s also a safe nap mat. There are no harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, or latex.
The Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat with Pillow is also portable and easy to work with. It can be taken almost anywhere because it can be rolled into a tote-sized object. There is also a handle that makes it simple to carry. Furthermore, it’s easy to clean. It’s machine washable and dryer-safe.
What Sets it Apart
The Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat with Pillow is unique because it has one of the best designs around. It’s thick enough to be comfortable on hard surfaces, safe enough for children with sensitive skin, and durable enough to not fade after frequent washing. Compared to other nap mats, it’s made with superior materials and care.
Things to Consider
The Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat with Pillow is a great product, but it’s more expensive than most nap mats. Nap mats are typically affordable products, but this one is an exception. While it’s worth the money, some of the features are unnecessary and drive the price up.
If you need a similar nap mat for a more affordable price, the Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is a great alternative. It’s made by the same company and shares many features.
Who It’s For
The Wildkin Microfiber Nap Mat with Pillow is an excellent product for parents in need of a high-quality nap mat. It can handle abuse, damage, spills, and even outdoor usage. While it’s more expensive than most nap mats, it’s a premium product that’s worth the money.
Pros
- Premium microfiber polyester
- Comes with a pillow and blanket
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
- Large size
- Great for older toddlers
Cons
- Double the price of most nap mats
6. Best Super Hero Nap Mat: Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 3-5 years
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 46″ by 20″
The Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat is a creative nap mat that little superhero fans are sure to love. While we’re featuring the Spiderman style, you can also get the Hulk, Captain American, and Ironman. This mat is also available in several non-Marvel styles.
Styles aside, the Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat is comfortable and safe. There are no harmful chemicals like BPA or latex, and the polyester material is soft to the touch. The nap mat also features a pillow and blanket that are machine washable and dryer-safe.
What Sets it Apart
The Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat is unique because of its superhero theme. While many adults love Marvel, children like superheroes too. So, the Spiderman theme can draw children in and create less of a fuss during naptime. Plus, there are a few great heroes to choose from.
Things to Consider
While the Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat performs as advertised, it’s thinner than other nap mats we reviewed. The polyester material is comfortable, but it doesn’t provide a lot of support. If it’s used on a hard surface, it’s not very comfortable.
Unfortunately, many nap mats share this common problem. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to solve. To get the most value out of this product, we recommend pairing it with the Kindermat. It offers additional support and comfort for hard surfaces.
Who It’s For
The Marvel Super Hero Adventures Spidey Action Nap Mat is an excellent product for children that like Marvel heroes or comics. It comes with great features, but the designs are what make this nap mat stand out.
Pros
- Fun superhero themes
- Made without BPA, PVC, and other harmful chemicals
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
- Choices not limited to Marvel designs
Cons
- Thin padding makes it difficult to use on hard surfaces
7. Best Mickey Mouse Nap Mat: Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-7
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 62″ by 26″
The Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat is a high-quality nap mat that comes with a pillowcase. There are a handful of Disney-theme designs to choose from, making it a gender-neutral product. The nap mat is made with soft polyester microfiber that’s soft and supportive. It’s also more than one inch thick, which is enough support for hard surfaces like wood or tile flooring.
The Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat is also portable. It can be rolled up, so you can take it with you on the go. The nap map is also easy to clean. It can be washed in a washing machine and quickly dried in a dryer. The polyester is also durable enough to handle frequent washing without becoming faded.
What Sets it Apart
The Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat is unique because of its size. Most nap mats are between 40″ and 50″ long, but this nap mat is 62″ long. So, your child can nap comfortably until they’re five feet tall. This makes the product great for older children, sleepovers, summer camp, and daycare.
Things to Consider
The Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat is a great product for older children, but there is an issue with the thickness. While it offers comfort on hard surfaces, the polyester gets worn down over time. It becomes as thin as a blanket after frequent use, making it less reliable than other nap mats. Also, there is a pillowcase, but no pillow is included. You’ll have to use your own.
If you like the Disney theme, but need more support, the Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Rolled up Nap Mat is a great alternative. It comes with similar Disney styles, but it comes with more thickness, a pillow, and a blanket.
Who It’s For
The Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat is an excellent choice for parents with older toddlers. Because of its size, it’s great for school and sleepovers. Plus, it can accommodate children up to five feet tall. Compared to other nap mats, this one offers value past its age recommendation.
Pros
- Large size compared to other nap mats
- Fun Disney designs
- Comfortable polyester bedding
Cons
- No pillow included
- The polyester becomes worn out and uncomfortable over time
- No blanket included
8. Best Portable Nap Mat: Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-5
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Size: 45″ by 21″
The Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat comes in a lot of different styles. While we’re featuring the train style, there are a handful of gender-neutral choices you can choose from. The nap mat is made with 90% polyester and 10% cotton, making it durable and comfortable. There are also no harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, lead, or latex.
The Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat is also portable. It has a roll-up design that makes it easy to carry and velcro to keep it from unrolling. There is also a child-friendly handle, so your little one can take it on their own.
What Sets it Apart
The Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat is unique because of the material it uses. Many nap mats use polyester and cotton, but the consistency of the material in this product is exceptional. Instead of using 100% cotton or 100% polyester, the Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat is made with 90% polyester and 10% cotton. This doesn’t sound impressive, but it’s more comfortable. The polyester provides durability and support, while the cotton layer offers comfort. It’s the perfect combination.
Things to Consider
The Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat is comfortable but thinner than most nap mats. On average, nap mats tend to be over an inch thick, but this one only offers half an inch of thickness. This can make the nap mat uncomfortable on hard surfaces.
If you like the combination of cotton and polyester, but want a thicker nap mat, the Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow is a great choice. The consistency of polyester and cotton is 50/50 instead of 90/10, but it offers similar comfort and more support.
Who It’s For
The Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat is an excellent choice for children that need a nap mat for kindergarten and preschool. While the thickness is inadequate for hard surfaces, the thin design makes it easier to carry and store than other nap mats. This makes it great for bringing it in backpacks, on school busses, or storing in lockers.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Comes with a pillow and blanket
- Name tag is included
- Ergonomic carrying handle toddlers can use
Cons
- Limited design choices
- Less gender-neutral than other brands
- Not thick enough for hard floors
9. Best Paw Patrol Nap Mat: Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-4
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 46″ by 21″
The Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat is a high-quality nap mat designed for fans of Paw Patrol. There are a handful of Paw Patrol designs to choose from, making it gender-neutral. Design aside, the nap mat is comfortable and well-made. The mat portion of the product is made with durable quilted polyester for support, and it comes with a fleece blanket and soft pillow.
The Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat is also easy to travel with. It features a roll-up design with velcro straps to keep it secure, and it can fit in cubbies, lockers, and closets without taking up a lot of space. It also comes with a name tag, so your child always knows which nap mat is theirs, even in crowded areas like daycares.
What Sets it Apart
The Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat is unique because of its quilted mat. It’s common to see polyester nap mats, but this nap mat offers an impressive amount of support. Regardless of the surface your child is sleeping on, they’ll be able to get a good nap using this mat.
Things to Consider
The Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat is a great product, but if your child isn’t familiar with Paw Patrol, you might want to consider a different nap mat. Most nap mats have a few different designs to choose from, but every available style has something to do with Paw Patrol. Luckily, any other nap mat on the list can be a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The Paw Patrol Team Paw Toddler Nap Mat is an excellent choice for parents that don’t have a lot of carpeting. The quilted mat provides enough support to remain comfortable on wood and tile floors. Plus, if your child is a fan of Paw Patrol, it’s even better.
Pros
- Fun Paw Patrol theme
- Secure velcro straps keep it from unrolling
- Portable
- Comes with a name tag
- Quilted mat offers excellent support on hard surfaces
Cons
- Only Paw Patrol designs
- Difficult to clean
10. Best for Classrooms: Kindermat
Quick Facts
- Ages: 2-10
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 45″ by 19″
The Kindermat is made well and easy to use. It’s made in the United States and uses the best materials available. The mat is made with a thick foam that’s comfortable to sit and nap on. While foam can be dangerous if damaged, the foam is heat-sealed to prevent rips and tears. Furthermore, the vinyl surface is easy to clean with a few wipes on the surface. There is no need to use a washer machine or dryer.
The Kindermat is also portable. It folds into a tri-fold that serves two purposes. Primarily, it makes the mat easy to carry, but it also keeps the resting side from touching the ground. This prevents harmful bacteria away from your child. This Kindermat also features a pillow.
What Sets it Apart
The Kindermat is unique because it’s been tested and quality-approved since 1951. That’s almost a century worth of success. It’s also unique because it can be used in a few different ways. While children can use it for napping, it’s also great for sitting down or activities.
The Kindermat is also unique because it can be used with other nap mats. For example, if your child will be napping on a wood or tile floor, placing a nap mat on the Kindermat can make it more comfortable.
Things to Consider
The Kindermat is excellent at what it does, but it’s limited. It doesn’t come with a blanket, which can make it difficult to nap with. You can use your blankets, but that can be a hassle. The vinyl and foam are also less comfortable than most polyester or cotton nap mats.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of alternatives if you like this design. Luckily, if you prefer a more traditional nap mat, any of the other products on our list can be a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The Kindermat is a great choice for parents with older toddlers. While it can be used as a nap mat, it’s better suited for daycare, summer camp, and elementary school. If you have a child that isn’t napping as frequently, this can be a great mat. Also, if your current nap mat is great but not thick enough for tile or wood flooring, the Kindermat can be a great support product.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Durable vinyl and foam
- Cleans in minutes
- Trifold design is great for travel, storage, and different sitting positions
Cons
- No blanket
- Not as comfortable as traditional nap mats
- Better suited for older children
Everything You Need to Know About Nap Mats for Babies and Toddlers
Shopping for a nap mat may seem easy when you have the products in front of you, but you still need to be careful. There are a lot of features and situations to consider. Plus, some nap mats are better suited than others for school, daycare, and home use. So, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about nap mats, this way you can narrow down your options.
How Location Plays a Role
Shopping for nap mats is a little less restrictive than other baby products. The age recommendations are looser than other products, and they share many of the same features. While most nap mats are very similar, some serve different purposes than others.
It’s all about where and how your child will be using a nap mat. For example, using a nap mat for a sleepover is different than using one at daycare or preschool.
Daycare
We’ll start with daycare. Children can start going to daycare at 12 months old. While you can wait until they’re older, immersing your child in daycare has social benefits for developing babies and toddlers. Plus, daycare can help both parents get back into their usual work routines before school starts.
If you are sending your child to daycare at a young age, you’re going to need a reliable nap mat. For daycare, we recommend choosing a product that’s easy to carry, comfortable on hard surfaces, and comes with a name tag.
An excellent nap mat for daycare is the Lambs and Ivy Nap Mat. It features a roll-up design and comes with a pillow, blanket, and name tag.
Preschool
Preschool is the next step in your child’s life. It’s the first time they’ll be introduced to a learning environment, but it’s similar to daycare. If or when you send your child to pre-k is up to you, but we recommend enrolling your child between ages 3-4.
If you’re sending your child to preschool, you’re going to need a high-quality nap mat that looks nice and feels comfortable. Unfortunately, kids can be competitive, so the theme of a nap mat is more important in preschool.
An excellent nap mat for preschool is the Wildkin Original Nap Mat and Pillow. We like this choice because it’s made well and can take a beating.
Sleepovers
Sleepovers are different than daycare or school situations. Sleepovers don’t require expensive nap mats or additional features. Still, they should be portable and represent your child’s interests. So, for sleepovers, consider a nap mat that comes with a theme that helps your child express themselves.
While there are a lot of great options, our favorite nap mat for sleepovers is the Disney Mickey Mouse Padded Toddler Easy Fold Nap Mat. We think it’s a great choice because it comes in many different gender-neutral styles. It’s also large enough to accommodate children up to five feet tall.
Nap Mats for Toddlers and Babies FAQ
When Should I Introduce a Nap Mat?
Nap mats come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can introduce one whenever you’re ready. Still, we recommend waiting until your child is at least one year old. If they’re too young, a nap mat can be dangerous and lead to accidents. If possible, hold off on introducing a nap mat until your child is between 1-5 years old.
Do Children Need a Nap Mat for School?
Nap mats are great for children in preschool and kindergarten. While a nap mat isn’t always a requirement, they can help make sure your child is resting well during designated times for naps during the day. If you want to make sure your child is safe and comfortable during naptime, you should send them to school with a quality mat.
Do Children Need a Nap Mat for Daycare?
Many daycares supply nap mats and comfortable areas for napping. Still, you’re taking a gamble by having your child use someone else’s nap mat. If the daycare hasn’t cleaned the nap mats, it can lead to illnesses. For this reason, we always recommend sending your child to daycare with a nap mat that has a name tag.
Can Two Children Use the Same Nap Mat?
You might be tempted to use one nap mat for more than one of your little ones, but we recommend against it. If one child becomes sick, bacteria and viruses can spread to your healthy child through the nap mat. That’s why we recommend that each child in your house has their own personal nap mat.
Wrapping Up
Giving your little one the sweet dreams they need is hassle-free if you have the right nap mat. While nap mats are similar products, you still need to choose carefully. Some nap mats are better in some situations than others, so always stop based on your needs.
There are also a lot of different styles to choose from, so it’s not hard to find one your child will fall in love with. Plus, since these products are affordable, feel free to experiment with a few until you find the best nap mat for your toddler.