10 Best Nap Mats for Kids & Toddlers Reviewed in 2024
Nap mats are a new type of sleeping system that can help take a lot of the guesswork (and lost items) out of nap time. Some nap mats use attached blankets and pillows to keep everything together, others provide a more stable surface for sleeping. These mats are ideal for preschool and daycare situations but are just useful for those family vacations that also tend to crop up at this time of year. Whatever your child’s individual needs, we hope that one of our Top 10 Best Nap Mats for Kids & Toddlers will give your little one that extra comfort they need to help make their sleeping away from home transition easier.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Includes removable pillow and an attached blanket
Rolls up for easy storage and transportation
Sewn-on elastic bands allow the mat to attach to cots
Fully machine-washable (with pillow removed)
10 Best Nap Mats for Kids & Toddlers Reviewed
1. My First Mattress Memory Foam
The vibrant is perfect for girls or boys
Is portable and compact
The pillow is removable
A blank name tag is attached to the mat
Some said the stitching comes apart easily
The edges may fray after a few washings
Made of high-quality certified CertiPUR-US flexible polyurethane foam, this nap mat is a great size for preschoolers, toddlers, and kindergarteners.
Read moreEffectiveness
It is offered in blue or pink models and is portable and compact. The foam has a cooling gel in it, which will absorb pressure and channel heat away from the body. It will also prevent heat build-up that can disturb sound sleep. children as young as one-year-old can safely and comfortably use this nap mat. The hypoallergenic material deters allergens on the surface. This mat is easy to transport with the Velcro strap to secure the rolled mat and a carry handle to tote it. A blank name tag is attached to the mat, so it can be personalized with the child’s name, plus the pillow is removable. This way the cover can be washed without it.
Ease of Use
When this mat is used mainly for away from home, the attached name tag will be of great use to your child. You can put their name on it when they are at school, nursery, or daycare and not lose it among the mats of other kids.
Value
This is the only nap mat we highlight that is made of memory foam. This material will allow your child to sleep comfortably and on a mat that is easy to transport and roll up.
2. Urban Infant Tot Cot All-In-One
Includes removable pillow and an attached blanket
Rolls up for easy storage and transportation
Sewn-on elastic bands allow the mat to attach to cots
Fully machine-washable (with pillow removed)
Sizing can run short and may not be long enough for older or taller children to fit comfortably
A thinner cushion may make this mat uncomfortable if used without another form of support (ie: cot)
Making the transition to daycare or preschool for the first time can be a daunting task for both parents and kids alike. As mom and dad, you suddenly have a hundred new things to remember from parent-teacher conference dates to who’s turn it is to bring the snack this week. Your little one is also likely experiencing their first bouts with true separation anxiety as they prepare to be without you for an extending period for what may be the first time in their life.
Read moreEffectiveness
While some kiddos can skip through those doors at preschool with nary a wave goodbye, it is more likely that you will experience some tearful and guilt-ridden goodbyes for the first week or so. Whether your child is going into daycare or preschool, public or private or even Montessori, one thing that they all have in common is nap time. The Urban Infant Toy Cot All-In-One can help ease this transition for everyone involved. For caregivers, the attached blanket and pillow, as well as the ability to roll it up for easy transport, can take one more thing off your checklist in the morning. Your kiddo will have a blast picking their own design from the dozens of options available and can even personalize their own name tag to help make it their own. While nothing can eliminate those first day jitters, this nap mat can give your child their own voice and give you some peace of mind.
Ease of Use
Gentle and durable, this nap mat has been designed to withstand the rigors of child use. It can be fully machine-washed, minus the pillow, and will not split or fade from weekly washings and daily use. The soft fleece over blanket is attached to the mat itself to prevent it from being lost and it provides a comfortable layer of warmth. Elastic bands have been sewn onto each of the corners which allows this nap mat to quickly and easily attach to sleeping cots for extra support. The entire mat with pillow included rolls up for easy transportation and even includes a convenient cubby hook for hanging at school and at home.
Value
This nap mat has been designed to help your little preschooler transition more easily away from home for the first time by providing customization options such as multiple pattern choices and a personalized name tag, and even includes a special inside pocket just for their favorite stuffy!
3. Disney Mickey's Rolled
Has an easy-to-carry strap for toting
Has an attached pillow and blanket
Made of 100% polyester material
Can be machine washed and tumbled dry
Is durable and long-lasting
Is thinner than some buyers expected
The pillow came apart on a few people
For toddlers, Disney has endorsed this charming nap mat with a wonderful, colorful image of Mickey Mouse as a pilot and airplanes on the blanket and pillow.
Read moreEffectiveness
This mat has an attached plush pillow and a soft fleece blanket to provide children with the necessities for a fantastic nap or sleep. It is perfect for kids two-years-old and older, plus it does not have zippers to hinder them from getting in and out of the item. This mat is durable and long-lasting and has an easy-to-carry strap for toting. The whole product is made of 100% polyester material that can be machine washed and tumbled dry. It should not be dry-cleaned or ironed.
Ease of Use
Because this nap mat does not have any zippers on it to close it, kids can get in and out easily. It works pretty much like a miniature sleeping bag otherwise because it is simple and convenient.
Value
Anything with Mickey Mouse on it will get kids excited in an instant. This nap mat will appeal to both boys and girls, even though it has airplanes on it. girls like airplanes too and the colors are bold and gorgeous.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Includes a pillow, blanket, and mat
Sized just right for a toddler
Colorful bright graphic images
Is machine-washable
Has a Velcro strip to secure it
May not be tall enough for some kids
Comments on it being thin and flimsy
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nap Mat features the exciting Turtle Team with a colorful, bright image of each one on the blanket and the pillow. This soft, quilted mat is made of 100% warm polyester and comes with a plush pillow and comfy fleece blanket.
Read moreEffectiveness
It is perfect for school, daycare, sleepovers, travel, and home, plus it is sized just right for a toddler. Because of the easy-to-use Velcro strip to hold the rolled-up mat tight and the wonderful carry handle, children can manipulate this item themselves simply. Parents will not have to worry when they are away from home and need to take a nap or lay down.
Ease of Use
The included Velcro strip to hold the rolled mat and the carry handle are the finishing touches on this fabulous product. It is so simple to roll this nap mat up, secure it, and then carry it that kids can do it themselves.
Value
Ninja Turtle fans will go crazy for this adorable nap mat of the popular group of heroes. They are each depicted in a wonderful portrait on the soft pillow and the warm fleece blanket.
5. KinderMat 1 Inch
Use for daycare, school, home, or travel
Provides a high quality designed sleeping system for little ones
Features built in mat, blanket, and pillow
Blanket is super soft and has mink-dot inside
Sleeping mat is extra thick for extra comfort and support
Machine washable and tumble low dry for easy care
Blanket sack is not very long in length
Outside fabric can fade in the wash
The little one is off to their first day of school and with all the things to worry about the last thing that you want to be concerned about is how comfortable they are during nap time. As the little ones grow up way too fast as it is, making sure that they get a restful nap can impact the rest of their day. This is a top-quality sleep nap that provides a soothing place for your little one to rest during the day. The comfortable mat will be something that they look to each day to rest.
Read moreEffectiveness
Nap mats can be hard and cold, but not this one. It features a great built-in mat that supports comfortable and soft, then attached to the mat is a warm and soft blanket plus pillow. This makes getting comfortable easy plus prevents the little one from miss placing their blanket or pillow at school. The design also has been constructed from lightweight materials making it easy for the little one to get transport.
Ease of Use
With the lightweight design and everything that the little one needs right there attached to the mat nap time prep will be easy for all. The bonus of the mat is the comfort that they will receive from the setup. It is also easy to take care of. Washing is simple. The entire mat, blanket, and pillow cover can be washed. Just simply remove the inside of the pillow and toss right into the washer. Then tumble dry on low and they are fresh, ready, and on their way back to school.
Value
This is the perfect all in one nap mat system on the market. The price is very reasonable for the value. It is a high-quality sleeping system that has everything included that your little one needs for a nap at school. It is also offered in many designs and patterns to ensure that your little one can show off some of their personality too.
6. Baby Boom Pillow & Fleece Blanket
Available in cute sports or pink princess design
Comes with an attached fleece blanket and pillow
Just right for travel, daycare, and sleepovers
Has an attached handle and Velcro strips
Is machine-washable
Some thought the mat was too thin
May be short for older kids
With its attached warm fleece blanket and a soft pillow, this nap mat is great for toddlers and little kids in both sexes.
Read moreEffectiveness
It is just right for travel, daycare, and sleepovers, plus this mat comes in two colorful, cute designs of sports and a pink princess. The mat is quilted and made of soft fleece material, in addition to being machine-washable. it has an attached handle for easy portability and simple Velcro strips to secure the mat when it is rolled up. Children can tote this mat themselves wherever they go because it is so lightweight and compact. Several purchasers commented on how much their kids loved this mat and would not even sleep at home without it on their beds.
Ease of Use
Versatility is the best thing about these nap mats for toddlers and little kids. They can be used almost anywhere the child needs to take a nap or sleep, especially when away from home.
Value
Both boys and girls will want this nap mat because there is a colorful cute design for each sex. Boys will go crazy for the sports-themed mat with the different sports balls on it, and girls will like the pretty little princess on the pink one.
7. Ellie and Luke SoHo
Designed by parents for toddlers that nap away from home
Quality tested by toddlers and approved by parents every day
Perfect sized mat with built in pillow and blanket
Oversized blanket constructed from cotton blended fabrics for superior comfort
Easy travel design with roll up and Velcro fastening system
Velcro fastening system is low quality and stops sticking over time
Design does not support machine crying, hang dry only
When parents have a little one that naps outside of the home they often think about things that others may not think of when designing a nap mat for toddlers. This toddler napping mat has been designed by parents to ensure that their little ones are able to get a restful and comfortable nap during the day when they are not home.
Read moreEffectiveness
The design of this nap mat has been tested to make sure that it meets the demands of a napping toddler and provides the comfort and design that the parents are looking for. The mat has been created from high-quality materials that make both toddler and parents happy. Each of the mats come in 45 inches by 18 inches and measures 1 ½ inch thick. It is the perfect size for keeping your little one comfortable all nap long.
Ease of Use
The design is great for travel and napping at school. It is a napping mat that can really be taken anywhere. It features a design that allows the mat to be rolled up. This comes complete with a set of Velcro straps that fasten the mat in a complete roll. The rolled design makes it easy to transport and the carrying handle makes it fun to carry around. From sleepovers to nap time at school that nap mat is simple to transport, setup and cleanup.
Value
Easy to transport, easy to secure when rolled up with the fastening system, and it is also easy to clean. The nap mat can be placed right in the washer on the gentle cycle after the inside of the pillow has been removed. Then just hang to dry. It is that simple. The parent designed nap mat is a great value for the high quality and easy to clean napping system.
8. Paw Patrol We're A Team
Colors are bright and gorgeous
Made of 100% warm soft polyester
Includes a mat, pillow, and blanket
Use for daycare, sleepovers, camping, home, or travel
Rolls up quickly and easily
Pillow may bunch up after washing a few times
Buyers said it sheds lint after washing
Kids can take a nap with their favorite Paw Patrol pals of Chase, Marshall, and Rubble with this lovely nap mat. It is available in four other patterns that will appeal to children.
Read moreEffectiveness
They can choose from Disney Cars, Frozen, Ninja Turtles, or Doc McStuffins in addition to the Paw Patrol design. The colors are bright and gorgeous on all of the quilted comfortable mats, and they include an attached plush pillow and a warm fleece blanket. This mat can be used for daycare, sleepovers, camping, home, or travel. It is made just for toddlers with the compact size and characters they know and like. This mat rolls up quickly and easily and secures well with the attached Velcro strip. Even kids can tote the nap mat simply with the connected carry handle. This item is machine-washable and is easy to care for.
Ease of Use
Everything is included for a dreamy comfortable nap for your little one with this soft nap mat. Kids have a wonderful blanket and pillow attached to the mat in the favorite graphic design of their choice.
Value
The available characters for this nap mat are quite popular with toddlers because they are in shows this age watches frequently. Their favorites can be with them during nap and sleep time wherever they go.
9. Butterfly Craze Fold Out
Is thick like an air mattress or inflatable bed
Great for vacation, camping, travel, or visiting relatives
Can be folded into a lounge seat
Comfortable for watching TV, reading, and playtime
Takes five pillows you buy separately
Zippers may cause some troubles
Some buyers did not like the sewing quality
Made of super-soft, high-quality fabric that will not bother sensitive skin, this terrific nap mat is thick enough to rival an air mattress or inflatable bed.
Read moreEffectiveness
Choose queen- or king-sized in the wonderful patterns available of transportation, navy with stars, camo, and galaxy. This thick nap mat is great for toddlers, little kids, older kids, and even teens. It is extra comfortable and soft because it is made of your own pillows that you purchase separately. Five pillows in either corresponding size are needed to put in the five zippered pillow pockets of the soft cover. It can be folded into a lounge seat for the floor or used as a nap mat. Kids will be so comfortable on this mat watching TV, reading, and for playtime. This mat is warm and cuddly, plus fade resistant and can be machine washed and tumble dried. Try this fantastic nap mat for vacations, camping, travel, and visiting relatives.
Ease of Use
This mat has the same wonderful qualities as an air mattress without the hassle and fuss of inflating it. The pillows make it thick and so comfortable that kids will think they are on a real mattress on the floor or cot.
Value
Parents can control the thickness and softness of this nap mat because the stuffing is king or queen-sized pillows purchased separately. Choose the firmness that suits your child the best and the size desired.
10. Wildkin Big Dots Aqua
Has a built-in blanket, pillowcase, and pillow insert
Rolls up easily and has Velcro straps
Will coordinate greatly with other Wildkin products
Free of BPA, PVC, and Phthalates
Thirty-five fabulous, fun designs in all
Outer fabric is thick and may be itchy for some kids
A few say that it is not as thick as described
This nap mat is by far the hottest item of this category online for kids! It has a built-in blanket, pillowcase, and pillow insert and is comprised of microfiber and cotton materials.
Read moreEffectiveness
This mat set will keep children content and warm for everyday naps, slumber parties, or daycare. It is a durable, top-quality mat that is breathable, cushiony, and roomy. The mat is best for kids aged three- to seven-years-old, plus it does not have zippers. The elimination of zippers for closures allows kids more legroom and extra air circulation. Each pattern is wonderful to show off because of the individual bold patterns and colors. There are thirty-five designs in all, such as Aztec, Big Dots, Birdie, Bright Stripes, Superman, Mermaids, Pinwheel, Wild Animals, Under Construction, Blue Camo, Paisley, Watercolor Ponies, Big Fish, and Batman. It rolls up easily and has Velcro straps to hold the mat closed. There is a carrying strap, and this product is machine-washable. it will coordinate greatly with other Wildkin products to create a theme. This mat is free from BPA, PVC, and Phthalates.
Ease of Use
This nap mat can be personalized either by you or at a place in your area. It is not offered by the company, but there is a perfect place on the outside of the mat for the child’s name in embroidery.
Value
It will be almost impossible for kids to choose which pattern they want with the huge selection of designs offered. The company has thirty-five wonderful designs that will make kids so excited to have one.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
These nap mats are constructed of mostly polyester fleece, but some of them are made of vinyl, such as the Trifold Folding Mat and the Kindermat Rest Mat. All of these items can be used for several years and will withstand many washings and extended use. The nap mats with the attached blankets come without zippers to make them easier for kids to use.
Ease of Use
All of the mats are comfortable, warm and soft because of the fabulous materials they are made of and the wonderful design of the products. Most of the mats are at least 1 inch thick to provide children with a cushion while napping either on the floor or on a cot. A huge number of them come with soft fleece blankets and plush pillows attached. These make napping so enjoyable for kids.
Value
Each product on this list has been specifically chosen to feature because it has received rave reviews from buyers and parents who loved them. These are also the most-bought items in this category online. We choose only the best to highlight for your review and buying pleasure to save you time in searching for the perfect nap mat for your child. The value of these products is more than just the price.
Portability is a key important factor for foldable mats, the very concept and design for this product means that they must be portable. It means that the mats can be easily moved from room to room, carried in a car and also easily stored away when not in use.
Research and learn about materials, especially when your child will be sleeping on these mats. Cheap imported products might contain chemicals in the materials which are a result of dye and graphics, in such situations, you will want to air the nap-pad so that these chemicals can disperse. Natural fibers are the best though a blend of natural and synthetic will also work well and prolong durability with comfort.
Other Factors to Consider
Age Range
We feature nap mats that will best fit and appeal to kids aged 1 to 13 years old. Because of the wide stretch of ages, the products listed are hugely varied in their features. Children should love the colors, designs, and popular character on the mats, as well as the relaxed sleep they will get from these great mats.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are these mat specific for boys or girls? Can either use them in public?
All of the mat designs have choices for boys and girls. Some of them have character selections that would be more appealing to one or the other gender but there are some gender-neutral options as well.
q: What is the best way to clean and care for these mats?
Most of the fabric mats can simply be washed in the machine and tumble dried. The ones made out of vinyl can be wiped clean with a moist towel and some mild detergent.
q: Are these mats mostly for toddlers or can older kids use them too?
The mats that have the attached pillows and blankets are for toddlers and little kids only because of the small size. The vinyl mats and the Floor Pillow Cover item can be used by older kids and even teenagers because they are longer.
q: Can any of these mats be used on top of a cot, in a crib, or on an existing child’s bed?
Yes, in all of these areas nap mats can be used to make the child more comfortable. They will want to use these mats because of their high comfort level.
q: Do the mats come with anything to carry them in?
One mat comes with a carrying bag, but the majority of the others have Velcro strips to secure them in a rolled form and carry handles to tote them.
q: For the mats that come with matching pillows, do any of them come off or out of the fabric so the mat can be washed without the pillow?
The pillows on one of these mats can be removed before washing. It is the My First Nap Mat made of memory foam.
Sources
- How to Get Kids to Nap on Mats, Informative Guide ,
- How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need?, Informative Guide ,
- CHILDREN AND SLEEP, Study on Sleep ,
- 5 Benefits of Having Your Baby Sleep on the Floor, Informative Guide ,
- Why Will My Child Sleep Fine On A Mat At Daycare, But Not In Bed At Home?, Discussion on Sleep ,