As a parent, you want to make sure that your toddler is comfortable and safe when they take a nap, whether at home or away. A nap mat can provide just that. These mats are typically made of soft materials and often come in fun designs that children love.
Moreover, nap mats can help your toddler establish a healthy sleep routine and get the recommended amount of 11-14 hours of sleep each day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (1). To help you out, we have compiled a list of the 8 best toddler nap mats currently on the market, taking into account factors such as size, portability, and cleaning requirements.
Our Top Picks
- Best Toddler Nap Mat Overall: Wildkin Original Nap Mat
- Best Toddler Nap Mat For Daycare: My First Nap Mat Premium Memory Foam Nap Mat
- Best Toddler Nap Mat With Carry Bag: NEDVI Toddler Nap Mat with Carry Bag
- Best Toddler Nap Mat For Preschool: Stephen Joseph All Over Print Nap Mat
- Thickest Toddler Nap Mat: Milliard Toddler Nap Mat
- Easy Fold Toddler Nap Mat: Everything Kids Dino Deluxe Easy Fold Nap Mat
- Best Waterproof Nap Mat: KinderMat Daydreamer Rest Mat
- Most Versatile Nap Mat: Urban Infant Tot Cot Kids Nap Mat
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Toddler Nap Mats Picks
Wildkin Original Nap Mat – Best Toddler Nap Mat Overall
- Fabric quality is very good
- Warm and snuggly with no pilling
- The trolley sleeve is a pretty thoughtful feature that allows you to attach the rolled-up mat to a suitcase
- They roll up nicely and velcro shut
- The pillow is small and bulky so it is not very ergonomic
This roll-up style mat is easy to clean and comes equipped with elastic hook and loop fastening straps and a convenient carrying handle for on-the-go naps. Accidents happen, but don’t worry – the included pillow is designed to be easy to clean. Simply toss the thin sleeping bag and pillow in the washing machine on a moderate cycle with cold water, then hang them up to dry.
The vibrant colors on this soft mat are long-lasting and won’t fade after multiple washes, ensuring your child’s nap time is always a bright and cheerful experience!
My First Nap Mat Premium Memory Foam Nap Mat – Best Toddler Nap Mat For Daycare
- They’re very soft and comfy to lie on
- The foam inside is just the right thickness to make it comfortable but not too bulky
- You can roll it up easily
- You can remove the foam headpiece to wash the rest of the nap mat in the washing machine for easy cleaning
- The padding is not the thickest
Designed with your child’s comfort in mind, this mat is perfect for daycare. It is crafted from a combination of cooling gel foam and 100% CertiPUR-US memory foam, making it incredibly cushy and comfortable on hard floors. The gel memory foam is designed to relieve pressure and disperse heat, preventing any discomfort or overheating that could disturb your child’s sleep.
This amazing nap mat is also equipped with a carry handle and velcro closures, making it easy to roll up and transport wherever your little one goes. And the blank name tag is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to personalize the mat with your child’s name.
NEDVI Toddler Nap Mat with Carry Bag – Best Toddler Nap Mat With Carry Bag
- Super cute pattern
- Good material
- Easy to wash, dry and fold
- Very comfortable
- Narrow sized
Made with soft and gentle materials that are kind to delicate skin, this nap mat offers extra thick cushioning and a snuggly soft blanket that will keep your child cozy and comfy throughout their nap time.
With its plush cotton, polyester, and padding, you can be sure that your baby is resting on nothing but the best. Plus, the mat is designed without zippers, providing more legroom and increased airflow to keep your little one comfortable and fresh.
This nap mat rolls up quickly and easily, secured with velcro straps and a handle for convenient carrying. And, if you’re hitting the road, you’ll love the included carry bag that makes transporting this nap mat a breeze.
Stephen Joseph All Over Print Nap Mat – Best Toddler Nap Mat For Preschool
- Vibrant colors
- Great quality
- Larger than normal-sized mats
- Fluffs up nicely after washing
- More pricey than other brands
With fun and colorful printed designs that will ignite your little one’s imagination, this all-in-one nap mat is the perfect addition to your child’s bedtime routine. Made from soft and cozy materials, your toddler will be eager to curl up and drift off to sleep.
This nap mat is super convenient to transport with an easy-to-carry shoulder strap and a helpful front pocket, making it ideal for sleepovers and camping trips. The durable polyester exterior makes it easy to clean, and the mat comes complete with a cushion and a luxurious Velboa blanket.
Milliard Toddler Nap Mat – Thickest Toddler Nap Mat
- Small and portable
- Seems firm and comfy enough to sleep on
- Comes with a cover
- Price seems fair
- No waterproof cover
The super-soft bamboo cover is machine-washable, making it a breeze to keep clean. Plus, the foam used in the mattress is CertiPur certified and metal-free, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals and won’t flatten over time.
This nap mat is made to last, constructed of sturdy, long-lasting materials that provide unparalleled comfort. And with its quick assembly, your little one will be snoozing in no time!
Everything Kids Dino Deluxe Easy Fold Nap Mat – Easy Fold Toddler Nap Mat
- The blanket is very soft
- It is a decent size
- The print is cute
- Great size for school
- Pad is thin
This adorable nap mat features fun and playful dinosaurs on a camouflage backdrop, available in navy, royal blue, and grey. The quilted construction of the mat provides extra comfort, and it can be easily rolled up and taken with you wherever you go, thanks to the built-in outside handles.
Cleanup is a breeze, as the mat is machine washable. It’s perfect for bringing to grandma’s house, preschool, or childcare, providing your child with a cozy and familiar spot to rest and recharge.
KinderMat Daydreamer Rest Mat – Best Waterproof Nap Mat
- Very good size
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Durable vinyl material
- It can be very bulky
You’ll be happy to know that the Original KinderMat is made of top-notch, robust foam that has been radio-frequency sealed to block fluids and prevent the growth of harmful germs. You can easily clean it with warm water, soap, or a gentle cleaning wipe.
But wait, there’s more! The Original KinderMat is KINDERGREEN CERTIFIED, which means it meets the highest safety regulations globally for ethical supplier practices, environmental protection, and worker rights.
Urban Infant Tot Cot Kids Nap Mat – Most Versatile Nap Mat
- The nap mat is made well with clean seams and seam protection
- The elastics fit a typical kindergarten cot well
- It is very soft to the touch
- Good cover for daycare
- The mat and the attached blanket are thin
This mat comes with a handle that makes it easy to carry around, and the removable toddler cushion is machine-washable for quick and easy cleaning. The mat also features a thin quilted lining, a name tag to personalize it, and an attached no-pill fleece blanket for added warmth and coziness.
One of the best things about this nap mat is that it replaces the need for bulky pillows and blankets, making it a convenient all-in-one solution. It’s also compatible with various types of cots, including floor mats and portable cots.
This nap mat is designed to withstand years of use and weekly washings, with a lightweight and stylish design that makes it a favorite among parents and kids alike. Simply toss it in the washing machine and tumble dry for hassle-free maintenance.
How To Choose A Nap Mat?
- Comfort: When selecting a toddler sleep mat, padding, and thickness are important considerations. Do you think your child will feel comfortable using the nap mat on the floor, or do you think they would require more cushioning and bedding?
- Cleaning: The type of toddler sleep mat you select for your child will depend on your cleaning preferences. Usually, machine washing is an option for mats made of cotton and polyester. Sanitizing spray or wipes are suitable for cleaning vinyl mats. Typically, foam nap mats include a machine-washable cover that is detachable.
- Portable: A nap mat should be lightweight and convenient to keep. Avoid institutional mats unless you want your nap mat to be a semi-permanent feature in your house. They are more resilient, but they have a tendency to be inflexible and difficult to collapse.
- Size: One thing is for sure, the mat needs to accommodate your toddler. Select a size that will fit them well and that they won’t outgrow too quickly.
- Safety: Purchase nap mats made without polyurethane foam. Options that are not usually treated with flame retardants are polyester fiberfill, cotton, and wool (2).
- Extra Features: A cushion and a blanket are the two items that you may occasionally receive with a nap mat. Usually, they are fastened to the mat. They are not included with the vinyl mats, but a cushion is occasionally included with the foam mats. That will enable you to focus on the options that will serve you best, should any of them be required.
What Is A Nap Mat?
A nap mat is a small, portable bed that is designed for toddlers to sleep on during naps or at bedtime. These mats are typically made from soft, comfortable materials like fabric or foam, and they usually have built-in blankets and pillows for added warmth and comfort. Toddler nap mats are a great way to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep, even when they’re away from home.
Nap mats, as opposed to a mattress or carpet, are readily washed, hence they are frequently used in childcare facilities to give children a comfortable but sanitary place to sleep and to stop the transmission of infections.
Types of Toddler Nap Mats
- Roll-up Toddler Nap Mats: The most common nap mats are those that roll up. They are lightweight and frequently include convenient handles for transportation. Some alternatives are just naked mats you can roll, while others include built-in coverings and blankets.
- Stackable Toddler Nap Mats: Stackable mats are a fantastic alternative for preschoolers since they fold into three or four halves and can be stored away. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable, safe surface for kids to play on.
- Toddler Nap Cots: Most nap cots feature a sturdy frame, a woven center, and legs that elevate it off the ground. Although you can always purchase a nap cot with a mat and bedding to create a cozier sleep area for your child, the majority of alternatives aren’t portable and don’t include bedding.
Are Nap Mats Necessary?
Most childcare centers and preschools require that children bring their own nap mats. A nap mat is a padded mat with a built-in blanket and pillow that can be rolled up for easy transport and storage. While not absolutely necessary, nap mats provide a comfortable and familiar sleeping surface for young children who may not be used to sleeping on a hard floor or in a strange bed.
What Age Do Toddlers Use Nap Mats?
Most kids use nap mats from around the age of two until they start school. Some kids may use them for a few years after starting school, depending on their need for naps. Nap mats shouldn’t be used on babies under a year old. Because babies are most secure in cribs, pack n’ plays, or bassinets. Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving loose blankets to babies due to the high risk of suffocation (3).
How Thick Should A Nap Mat Be?
It’s crucial to utilize mats that are waterproof and simple to clean and disinfect if you want to make sure that kids can sleep comfortably. To give appropriate padding and to ensure the child’s comfort, sleeping mats should be at least 2 inches thick. Waterproofing is important to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health problems for toddlers. Easy-to-clean materials are important for sanitation purposes.
How Do I Keep A Nap Mat Clean?
Waterproof mats are typically made of silicon, polyurethane, or vinyl, which can be easily wiped off and sterilized. Non-waterproof mats may be spot cleaned with natural agents like vinegar and baking soda, but they must be periodically washed to prevent bacteria and dust from settling into the textiles. To maximize longevity, look for a nap mat with a detachable cushion that can be machine washed and dried.
How Do I Get My Child To Sleep In A Nap Mat?
If you want your child to sleep on a nap mat, there are a few things you can do to make it more likely to happen. First, put the mat in a comfortable location, such as their bedroom or a quiet corner of the house. Second, let them know that it’s time to sleep by dimming the lights or playing calm music. Finally, stay nearby for a few minutes to make sure they’re settling in okay, and then you can leave them to sleep.
