Kids' nap mats and children’s rest mats populate many back-to-school and back-to-daycare lists. Daycare providers and schools prefer parents to provide individual nap mats or pillows and blankets to prevent the spread of germs and to give children the comfort of a familiar soft item during nap or rest time. These rest mats also help kids when napping at Grandma’s or while traveling.
While a small blanket and pillow may suffice, children’s all-in-one nap mats (with a pillow, blanket and mat) are easy to transport and come in fun designs. Following are some of the kids’ nap mats and rest mats found at online stores.
Preschool Animal Nap Mat from Pottery Barn Kids
Big, bright appliqués stand out on the Preschool Animal Nap Mats from Pottery Barn Kids, which also feature optional monogramming. The 24” by 54” nap pad has an internal pillow and a padded mat. A soft polyester microfleece blanket attaches to the mat, which is machine washable. Available in red with a monkey appliqué and in pink with a butterfly. Price: $59 (personalization is $6.50). Shipping is $11.
Handmade Nap Mat in Vintage Cowgirl Fabric from Etsy
Super cute and totally original, the handmade Kinder Nap Mat from the anniespinkingshear shop at Etsy.com features a vintage-style print of a cherub faced cowgirl with a coordinating fabric of red stripes. A cushioned mat and pillow are included and the fabric mat and pillow cover are removable for machine washing. The mat measures 19” wide by 45” long. Price: $50. Shipping is $10.95.
Girls’ Ladybug Nap-N-Go Nap Mat
An attached carrying strap lets youngsters tote their Nap-N-Go nap mat from home to school or daycare. The mat, which measures 21” wide by 52” long, has a padded base and an attached fleece blanket and pillow. The mat rolls up neatly and stays put with Velcro straps. Boys’ and girls’ styles are available. Price: $26.88. Shipping varies.
Happi-Nappi Nap Bag
The Happi-Nappi Nap Bag is made of soft quilted material that makes the one-piece nap sack a comfy choice for school or home. There are no hook-and-loop closures or zippers on these bags, which are designed for easy use by small children. The nap bags measure 30” wide by 50” long and come with an oversize name tag. Fabric choices: green frogs, blue turtles, and pink flowers. Folds snug to fit in a cubby or backpack. Price: $29.95. Shipping varies.
Wildkin Penguins Sleep Mat from eBags
Wildkin nap mats are known for their bright, fun colors and fabrics, as seen on the Wildkins Penguin Sleep Mat, available from eBags.com. Polyester batting provides soft filling for the top and bottom of the mat as well as the attached, removable, pillow. The 20"-by-50" mat rolls up tight and is secured with a hook-and-loop closure. A carrying strap helps kids carry the mat from home to daycare or Grandma’s house. Price: $54.99. Free shipping.
Before buying a nap mat for daycare or kindergarten check with the provider or school to make sure the mat meets all requirements. Some schools prefer plain vinyl pads and blankets as rest mats.
Judith Zwolak - Judy is a mother of two and a freelance writer living in South Dakota. Raised by notoriously frugal parents, she comes by her family ...
