Wildkin Nap Mat with Pillow for Toddler Boys and Girls, Perfect Size for Daycare and Preschool, Designed to Fit on a Standard Cot, Patterns Coordinate with Our Lunch Boxes and Backpacks, Robots
What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and relies on credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, highly respected health organizations and experts in various fields. All content is fact-checked by professional journalists prior to publishing. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies (/medical-review/) . What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback ; learn more about our review process . Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links. The best toddler nap mat is the Wildkin Original Nap Mat because it’s comfortable, easy to transport, and a breeze to keep clean, according to parents on the What to Expect staff and in the What to Expect community. As a mom of two children aged 4 and under, I know getting toddlers to nap somewhere that isn’t their usual bedroom spot can be tough. A great nap mat is one way to make them feel more comfortable cuddling up and getting some rest whether they’re at a daycare, preschool or a family member’s house. In fact, when enrolling your child into a daycare or preschool, you’ll often find that nap mats are a requirement. They can help create a familiar and cozy spot for your child to rest, even when they’re not at home, and they’re designed to be portable, with most folding or rolling up for easy carrying. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and styles so you and your little one can pick one that aligns with their preferences. The best toddler nap mats are a breeze to keep clean, comfortable enough to make it easy to fall asleep, and fairly compact. Keep in mind that nap mats are intended for toddlers and are not considered a safe sleep environment for babies, as per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep recommendations. How We Chose the Best Nap Mats Because toddler nap mats can appear identical at first glance, I began by turning to parents on the What to Expect staff to learn what toddler mats they recommend, having used them with their own children. Four staff members, who have eight children in total between them all, shared which nap mats they love and what makes them stand out. I also used feedback from parents in the What to Expect community who have bought and used nap mats. I considered both brands and specific products that they recommended. The information provided by these parents helped me narrow down the criteria for the best nap mats, to understand what makes one product worth buying over another and to help weed through the hundreds of different options on the internet. What I came up with was this list of seven nap mats, all of which received high marks for being: Comfortable: Nap mats should feel plush, but not bulky or heavy. Portable: Nap mats are designed to be used outside of your house, which means you want something compact enough to make for easy travel. They should be simple to roll up or fold, and may include easy-carrying features like slip-on straps or cases. Easy to clean: Kids are messy, even when they’re sleeping, so a nap mat should be simple to clean. These nap mats are all machine washable (except for one stackable mat that can be wiped down), and many feature other easy-clean aspects like removable pillows that can also be thrown in the wash, too. What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby. Dimensions: 50 x 20 x 1.5 inches Material: Cotton, down Care Instructions: Machine washable This Wildkin nap mat has thousands of positive reviews from parents who claim it is super comfortable, cozy and easy to use. It’s made of a soft cotton and polyester blend that is BPA- and phthalate-free, and has an attached blanket and removable pillow for extra comfort. It’s available in a wide variety of fun designs for kids to choose from, like this mat with cute zoo animals or other prints with dinosaurs or spaceships . The Wildkin nap mat is a favorite for Anne Mathews, Director of Engagement and Retention at What to Expect, who says she has used these mats on a daily basis at daycare for over three years. She loves the removable pillow, and notes that Wildkin also has items like bedding and backpacks in the same designs so, “if your kid loves the pattern or likes having the same pattern everywhere, this is a good option.” The mat is machine washable for easy cleaning, although you should remove the pillow before throwing it in the wash. With a hook and loop strap and attached carry handle, this one couldn’t be easier to get to and from wherever your little one is going. One thing to note is that some reviewers say these don’t hold up that well, finding that the patterns fade over time and the fabric starts to pill. “ We got this nap mat…they have all different colors for girls and boys.” Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 2 inches Material: Vinyl Care Instructions: Wipe clean A foldable and stackable nap mat like this ECR4Kids mat is great for easy and compact storage. Unlike some cushioned nap mats, this one is made of a sturdy vinyl material that feels really durable. The vinyl is waterproof, which is ideal for little ones who may experience accidents or spills, and cleaning it is as simple as wiping it down with some gentle soap and water. The overall feel of this one isn’t going to be as soft or as comforting as a cotton nap mat, but it still offers a comfy place for them to sleep. And, this product is Greenguard Gold Certified , meaning that it’s been rigorously tested for low VOCs and emitting unhealthy chemicals. Many parents note that this is their preferred option for daycare because it’s easy to keep clean, even if their child has a mess. Plus, some say that their kids prefer the firmness of this mat because it’s similar to a crib mattress . It also includes a spot for a nametag, which will also be a plus at daycare. “This is what our daycare gives out. They have us send a pillow case to put over the head part.” Dimensions: Standard: 50 x 20 inches; Extra-long: 60 x 20 inches Material: 100% microfiber Care Instructions: Machine wash in cold water on gentle, tumble dry low Made of super-soft 100% microfiber, this nap mat is padded enough to help your toddler feel right at home. And, it comes in an extra-long length of 60 inches, perfect for taller kids or for extended use. It has a removable pillow insert for extra comfort and comes with an attached blanket they can use to feel even more cozy. It rolls up for compact carrying with a hook and loop fastener, and it has an attached carry handle that even toddlers can navigate. A built-in name tag pocket also makes it easy to label for daycare or school. Melissa Bykofsky, What to Expect’s Executive Editor, says she loves using this nap mat because the pillow can come out so it doesn’t get clumpy in the wash. Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director of Editorial Strategy & Growth, says, “We don’t need one for daycare but it comes in handy for trips because it rolls up pretty small.” “Our daycare requires a nap mat. We like the Wake in cloud ones.” Dimensions: Standard: 43 x 21 inches; Extra-long: 53 x 21 inches Material: Cotton Care Instructions: Machine washable Padded cushioning, a removable pillow insert and a very soft blanket make this JumpOff Jo nap mat feel extra cozy. The cotton fabric wears pretty well after washing, according to parents, and the material is breathable enough for warmer days while remaining cool to the touch. A hook and loop fastener and attached carry handle make it ideal for taking back and forth to daycare or someone’s house, and it also has a built-in name tag pocket for labeling. There are a lot of different designs available for this one, and you can also choose between a regular length and an extra long length . A favorite feature among parents is the velvety-soft dotted lining on the inside of the blanket, which makes it feel even more snuggly for little ones. Just keep in mind that the regular length is a bit shorter than other nap mats, so if your child is on the taller side, you’ll want to either avoid this one or get the extra-long size. Dimensions: 20.5 x 55 inches Material: 100% organic cotton Care Instructions: Machine washable Those who place an emphasis on the quality of materials may want to opt for this nap mat from What to Expect parent-loved brand Lovevery. It’s made of 100% organic cotton and is OEKO-TEX certified , which means the product went through very rigorous testing for pesticides and other harmful substances. It’s also soft and cozy, with plenty of padding, along with an attached blanket and a removable pillow insert. Like other options, this nap mat rolls up to a compact size. Instead of a hook and loop fastener, it uses buckles made with little hands in mind so they can actually fold and wrap this mat up themselves. It’s also long enough that it can be used from 18 months through 5 years old, allowing it to grow with your child. All of that said, this one is one of the most expensive options out there. Dimensions: 46 x 20 inches Material: 100% polyester microfiber Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Putting your child’s favorite character on just about anything is one easy way to win them over on a new item like their toddler bed, a potty training seat or, of course, a nap mat. These Jay Franco nap mats are made in a wide variety of character designs, with options that include Bluey (pictured), Daniel Tiger and Spiderman . This one rolls up to a compact size with Velcro enclosures and a carry handle. And, like many of the other mats, it has a spot to customize with their name. It’s also easy to throw in the washing machine, and the pillow is removable. It’s made of polyester microfiber, so while it’s not quite as breathable as cotton, it does feel very soft and plush. As a bonus, the brand makes a lot of items in matching designs, like bedding and extra blankets , so you can match this with other items they might want. Dimensions: 52 x 22 inch Material: 35% cotton, 65% polyester Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry Some daycares and preschools use cots for nap time, which is great so that kids don’t have to sleep on the floor, but it also means you might need a specific cot-friendly nap mat. This Urban Infant cot nap mat is a great choice because it has elastic corner loops that attach to a cot, keeping the mat firmly in place even if your little one moves around a lot. Like other nap mats, this one rolls up to a compact size for portability, is machine washable and has a removable pillow. Unlike many other mats, the pillow is also machine washable, which is great for even easier cleaning. It also comes in a wide variety of designs, and some can be personalized with your child’s name. Just as a note, some reviewers say this one isn’t as soft and plush as other options. But Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director, Brand Solutions at What to Expect and mom of two found that the Urban Infant mat was plenty durable. “It held up after weekly washes,” she says. “It was easy to roll up and you could remove the pillow. And it has a little pocket for a stuffie.” If you plan on sending your child to full-time or all-day childcare where they’ll be napping, their daycare or preschool may require a nap mat. In that case, you do need to purchase one (and you should also check if they have certain requirements for that nap mat). Otherwise, if your child is sleeping at a family member’s home or staying home with you, a nap mat may not be a necessity. However, it may still come in handy for lounging, sleeping elsewhere or traveling. In general, nap mats are safe for toddlers to use. They do not align with the safe sleep recommendations outlined by the AAP for babies and should never be used for infants. Be sure to read the age limits on the brand you’re purchasing: Some nap mats are made for toddlers starting at age 2 or 3, while some are made for children as young as 18 months. Most nap mats are made for toddlers between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. However, some nap mats, like the Lovevery option, say they are suitable for toddlers as young as 18 months. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy . © 2005-2025 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. A property of Opens a new window When kids head to preschool or daycare for the first time, one item that you won’t want to forget is a nap mat. Sending in one of the best toddler nap mats is all part of creating that soothing, safe environment for successful sleeping on the go. They’re designed to make sleeping away from home comfortable—most of the cocoon-like mats have a blanket attached and sometimes even a pillow. Whether they're at preschool or the sitter's house, the best toddler nap mats provide a cozy ... [+] sleeping space for young kids. More importantly, the mat creates a sense of place and personal space for small children, who thrive on familiarity and routine. “As an early childhood educator and the mom of a preschooler, the most important factor when selecting a nap mat—or truly anything ( lunch box , shoes , jacket)—is independence,” says Mikaela Martinez, teacher and founder of Project Based Primary. With all this in mind, we’ve selected the best toddler nap mats to help make the move from napping at home to napping at school (or anywhere else, for that matter) as easy as possible. Amazon Dimensions: 50 x 20 inches| Material: Cotton and polyester| Machine washable: Yes | Special features: Removable pillow A trusted nap time companion, the Wildkin Original Nap Mat is one that parents have relied on for years. Made with a machine-washable blend of cotton and polyester, this nap mat gives kids a snuggly sleep experience, while also being easy to clean (a removable pillow slips out for laundering). Kid-friendly Velcro-like closure tabs keep the mat secure once it’s rolled up, and there’s a handle that’s short enough for kids to carry. The mat comes in a variety of fun designs, from playful dinosaurs to colorful construction vehicles, that makes choosing one a fun experience. Or if your kid already has a Wildkin backpack or lunchbox, they can get a nap mat to match it. Lovevery Dimensions: 55 x 20.5 inches | Material: Cotton | Machine washable: Yes | Special features: Removable pillow Lovevery is beloved for its award-winning play gym and stage-based subscription kits , so it’s no surprise the brand makes a parent-approved nap mat, too. Not only is it crafted from Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton, but the set is easy for kids to manage on their own. “We chose this because it is all one piece that can easily be unrolled and rolled up by a child. It has two child-friendly buckles to keep it together and save space,” says Martinez. “It also has a small handle with the buckles so she could carry it to and from her nap space without dragging it along the floor.” Amazon Dimensions: 53 x 20 inches| Material: Cotton, polyester and flannel | Machine washable: Yes | Special features: Removable pillow This super-cozy toddler nap mat from kids furniture maker Delta Children is perfect for little ones who love that tucked-in feeling. The exterior fabric is sturdy, which means it holds up well in the wash; plus, it comes with a plush, removable pillow insert. It boasts cushy, 1-inch thick padding to provide extra support, and the attached oversized blanket has a soft, plush interior. This might help kids, as one reviewer said, “sleep like a baby,” no matter where they are. It’s available in a handful of colors and prints and comes with a personalization option so you can get your kid’s name stitched right onto the cover. It’s also an affordable nap mat, at roughly the same price as our best value pick. Amazon Dimensions: 43 x 20 inches| Material: Cotton | Machine washable: Yes | Special features: Removable pillow Toddlers seem to quickly outgrow everything, including naps. If your little one’s starting to drop their midday snooze and you don’t want to spend a lot on a mat, consider this option from JumpOff Jo. It has many of the same great qualities as pricier nap mats—an attached blanket, removable pillow, machine-washable material—but at a more affordable price tag. However, at 43-inches long, it’s shorter than many others (the Wildkin, in comparison, measures 50 inches), so don’t be surprised if it's just a one-school-year kind of purchase. But if you have a shorter kid who's swimming in other nap mats, then definitely consider this one. Pottery Barn Kids Dimensions: 51 x 21 inches| Material: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes From Spider Man to Disney princesses, the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie nap mat truly delivers when it comes to setting up a fun theme for nap time. Besides licensed movie characters, kids can choose from among rainbows, florals, unicorns, dinosaurs and more designs, ensuring you can find something they’re proud to carry to school each week. A monogram can also be added for extra personalization (and also makes it less likely to get lost at preschool). The nap mat includes a built-in pillow and attached sleeping bag style blanket. The whole thing rolls up tight when it’s time to go home, too. It’s made from polyester microfiber, is machine washable and carries the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification that tests for unwanted chemicals. Fort Weekend Dimensions: 53 x 27 inches | Material: Cotton exterior, poly fleece interior | Machine Washable: Yes | Special features: Attached strap Fort Weekend is a woman-founded company that makes bedding and fabric goods for babies and children, often featuring signature watercolor designs. We love this adorable golden retriever print, but this nap mat also comes in dinosaur and safari animal prints as well. According to the brand, it’s ideal for children up to 54 inches tall. It’s a great option for both daycare or sleepovers, with attached straps that make it easier to roll up and carry. Plus, the super soft lining is extra cozy. Amazon Dimensions: 52 x 22 inches| Material: Cotton and polyester | Machine Washable: Yes | Special Features: Detachable pillow, corner straps If your preschooler sleeps on a cot at daycare like mine, you want bedding that actually stays in place. This Urban Infant nap mat solves the issue with elastic corner straps that loop around the cot’s edges to hold it in place. They’re straightforward enough to use that kids can handle the task independently. The quilted mat is thinner than other nap mats, making it far less bulky to tote between home and school. It contains a removable pillow and attached blanket made from no-pill fleece, and it’s also machine washable. Because it’s designed especially use with a cot or additional mat, it may work less well as a as sleeping bag that’s placed directly on the floor.