If your child will be in a situation where they will have to sleep somewhere away from home, you might be wondering how best to ensure they have a great, comfortable sleep. Whether it’s for a sleepover, a vacation, or for use at daycare, there are many reasons why a child might need to sleep somewhere other than their own bed.
A toddler nap mat is the ideal solution in these situations. They are comfortable and practical and ensure your child has their own, clean place to rest. They’ll also feel comforted if they have their own mat featuring their favorite characters or designs rather than using something unfamiliar, so this can help ensure they have a restful night’s sleep. The original Kinder Mat might be the first thing that comes to mind, but as we will find out below, there are many other great alternatives out there. Let’s take a look at 15 of the best on offer.
Considerations When Choosing a Nap Mat
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a Kindermat or similar product. First, the size of the child who will be using it. Make sure the mat is big enough to comfortably accommodate your child, preferably with enough growing room that it will last for more than just a few months, too. Also, check the materials used in making the sleep mat. It should be durable, comfortable, and lightweight and easy to pack for traveling to daycare or when visiting friends and family. You might also like to consider the design of the mat – does it come with a pillow, and which characters or designs are on it? Kids will love something bearing their favorite characters!
Top 15 Nap Mats
If you’re looking to buy a floor sleeping mat for your child, take a look at our top 15 picks below. There is sure to be something here to suit your family’s needs.
1. TMNT Mat with Pillow
Our first kids nap mat is this cool Ninja Turtles one, complete with a pillow and a fleece blanket for maximum comfort. The mat is quilted so it is comfortable to lie on and everything is attached together in one piece. It’s made from polyester so it is warm, soft, and durable, as well as easy to care for – it is machine washable. This one is the perfect size for toddlers at 46 inches long and 21 inches wide. It’s perfect for using at daycare or on sleepovers and they will love the TMNT comic book design!
2. Wildkin Paisley Mat
The next kindergarten mat we have chosen is this stylish paisley print on from Wildkin. It even has a matching backpack and lunchbox if your child needs these items too – they will look great with a whole matching set! The mat rolls up for easy travel and it measures 50 inches long and 20 inches wide. The blanket is slightly wider, at 30 inches, because it doesn’t have a zipper fastening. The mat is made from a blend of polyester and cotton, which is really soft and comfortable. The lining of the blanket is flannel for added warmth. A pillow is built into the blanket and this is also removable if your child prefers to sleep without one.
3. Memory Foam First Nap Mat
The next childrens sleep mat we recommend is this super-comfortable memory foam one. It has a built-in, removable pillow, and comes in a choice of blue, purple, and gray. The polyurethane foam the mat is made from is half an inch thick and the mat is ideal for kids aged 1 year old and above. The mat is hypoallergenic and comes with a carry handle and a Velcro closure so it can be rolled up and carried easily. The cover on the mat is machine washable and the mat has a name label so kids won’t get mixed up at daycare.
4. Wildkin Unicorn Daycare Mat
The next nap blanket is perfect for little girls who love unicorns! It is a lovely pastel purple color and is covered in beautiful unicorns! The mat is 50 inches long and 20 inches wide and comes with a flannel-lined blanket for maximum comfort and warmth. The blanket is made from a polyester and cotton blend and has a removable pillow and a Velcro closure.
5. Wildkin Emergency Vehicles Mat
If you’re looking for toddler napping mats for little boys, this one covered in emergency vehicles is sure to appeal – this is a theme many young boys love! The mat has the same dimensions as the previous pick, and is made from the same materials, too. It doesn’t have a zipper, instead, the blanket is 10 inches wider than the mat so it can be snuggled into! The mat can be rolled up and closed with Velcro for easy transport, and it has a handle for carrying, too. A matching backpack and lunchbox is available for kids who need a whole set of gear for school!
6. Homezy Unicorn Sleeping Mat
This Homezy girls nap mat has an adorable unicorn design on the built-in pillow and the blanket has lovely pastel-colored stripes. It is 50 inches long and has a width of 21 inches, although the blanket is wider so there is room for kids to move around and get tucked in! There is a Velcro fastening for when transporting the blanket, and the pillow can be removed for washing. The materials are durable and flame-retardant so you can be sure this is a practical and safe choice.
7. Wildkin Original Nap Mat
We’ve already seen some excellent child nap mats from Wildkin, but few are as stylish as this! It has the same features as the other picks from this brand, but in a different pattern. The size is the same 50″ x 20″, and it is easy to transport. Kids will love the purple and blue pony paisley print design – they definitely won’t get it mixed up with anyone else’s mat!
8. Wildkin Jungle Mat
Here we have another of Wildkin’s excellent children’s sleeping mats, this time it’s one with a cool jungle animal print all over! It has a lovely bright green color on the inside and outside and kids are sure to love all the cute animals. The mat is similar in features to the previous Wildkin mats, and it is perfect for daycare, relaxing in a den at home, or traveling to visit family and friends.
9. Mermaid Mat
If any of the previous designs of Wildkin’s kids sleeping bags with pillows don’t appeal to your child, perhaps this one will. It has an adorable mermaid print all over, so it’s perfect for little girls who love mermaids! The baby blue background and bright colors of the mermaids are sure to appeal. Again, it has the same features as the previous picks from this brand, and matching lunch boxes and backpacks are available to get your child all kitted out!
10. Sesame Street Toddler Mat
Kindergarten sleeping mats are more appealing when they have kids’ favorite characters on them, which is why we have picked this Sesame Street mat! It has four of the most popular characters from the show in lovely, bright colors, so it’s sure to make kids keen to take a nap! It’s made from machine-washable quilted material, has a name label, and is easy to fold up for taking out and about. The mat is 46 inches long and is ideal for kids aged 2 years and over.
11. Urban Infant All-in-One Mat
This mat can be used on any mattress as it has elasticated loops to keep it securely in place. It comes with a removable pillow and is available in a choice of designs so you can find one to best appeal to your child. The blanket is made from non-pilling fleece on both sides and everything is machine washable. Kids can write their name on the label and pop their favorite plush toy in the pocket so they can have a companion for their nap!
12. Milliard Memory Foam Mat
This memory foam mat is extremely comfortable and is sure to give kids a great sleep! It is made from cozy and soft material and the gray and white star design is sure to appeal to both boys and girls equally. The bottom of the mat has anti-slip material to keep it in place on the sleeping surface. The memory foam base means kids will always be comfortable when they are sleeping and the mat can easily be rolled up and fastened for traveling. The mat is 23 inches wide and 45 inches long, with the blanket measuring 37 inches wide.
13. Hi Sprout Lightweight Mat
This mat is made from cotton so it’s soft and comfortable against the skin, and it comes in a choice of different designs so there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone. It has a sleeping mat, a pillow, and a blanket, so there’s everything your child needs for a comfortable nap. When it’s time to pack the mat up, it can easily be rolled up and held in place using the plastic buckles.
14. SoHo Extra Roomy Mat
If you’re buying for older or taller kids, this is the mat you are looking for. It’s ideal for kids up to the age of around 7 years old at 50″ long and 28″ wide. The covers are made from 100% cotton whilst the filling is a blend of polyester and cotton. The product is washable and comes in a choice of great designs to appeal to boys and girls alike. When the mat is rolled up, it is a compact size that can fit in most preschool cubbies.
15. Baby Boom Sports MVP Mat
Our final pick is this sports-themed mat that comes with a pillow and a fleece blanket. It’s made from polyester and has a quilted mat for comfort. It measures 46″ long and 21″ wide so it is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. There’s a name tag so kids won’t get it mixed up with anyone else’s, and it has a handle and Velcro straps for easy rolling up and carrying. This is the perfect pick for young sports fans!
Best Buy
Our favorite of all the mats we have reviewed above is the Wildkin jungle mat, although any from this brand is a great buy, depending on the design your child likes best. These mats are a great size, are made from durable and comfortable materials, and can easily be rolled up and carried. We love how matching gear is available so your child will look great going back to school!
Best Budget Pick
If you’re looking for a cheaper mat, consider the TMNT sleeping bag instead. It has a comfortable fleece blanket and a quilted comfortable mat to lie on. The mat can easily be machine washed if it gets dirty and it’s a great size, measuring 46″ x 21″ – perfect for toddlers.
Where to Buy Nap Mats?
For convenience, all of these mats we have reviewed above can be purchased at Amazon, simply by clicking the buttons below the image of each product. If you prefer to view the products before buying, there are a few good retailers where they can be found. Stores such as Walmart and Target have a good selection to choose from.
How Often are you Supposed to Replace Daycare Nap Mats?
If you buy a good-quality mat, it should last your child many years, until they no longer need to take a nap at daycare. They are generally machine washable, so they can easily be cleaned regularly to keep them in good condition. If the mat starts to wear thin, gets too small for your child, or the pillow becomes uncomfortable, it may be time to think about a replacement.
