The Best Toddler Nap Mats, According to Parents
In a nutshell:
We selected the Wildkin Original Nap Mat as the overall best option, as it’s thick, cushy and machine-washable and was recommended by multiple parents in The Bump community forum.
Any parent knows that a nap is a crucial part of a toddler’s day. Before the age of 5, children need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep per day, so it’s important they feel safe and comfortable falling asleep in a place outside of their own bed—especially when they’re at day care, on playdates, at Grandma’s house or even on family vacations. And let’s be honest: The last thing you need at preschool pick-up is a grouchy, sleep-deprived tot. That’s where a toddler nap mat comes in handy.
Kids’ nap mats are normally suitable for children ages 2 to 5. But before you buy one for your tired tyke, there are a few things to consider—including different types of sleeping mats, distinguishing features and frequency of use. Keep reading to browse nap mats recommended by our editorial team as well as parents—then check out a few important factors to consider when searching for the best nap mat.
As a parent, ensuring your toddler gets enough sleep can be one of the biggest challenges. Having a dedicated sleeping surface, like a nap mat, can help tots feel as safe and secure as they do when snuggled into their own bed. To help you on your search, we put in the research to help you find the best toddler nap mats on offer. This way, you don’t have to spend hours scrolling online. Here are the steps we took to create this article:
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We considered a list of characteristics like comfortability, hygiene and ease-of-cleaning and overall convenience alongside other considerations like types of toddler mats and modes of use.
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We researched what was being said about toddler nap mats in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked and disliked about specific brands and styles.
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Because everyone’s experience is different, we scoured external forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these nap mats for toddlers performed for families nationwide.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best toddler nap mat
- Name label pocket
- Extremely durable
- Rolls up and has a carry handle
- Material could be softer
- May pill after washing
A trusted brand when it comes to toddler nap mats (you can find these all-star nappers everywhere), Wildkin offers a roll-up option made from a soft blend of materials, plus an attached blanket lined with 100 percent cotton flannel for optimal coziness. This kids’ nap mat comes in countless colorful prints for boys and girls, has a nifty carry handle and, yes, it’s machine-washable. This nap mat is such a reliable choice that one member of The Bump forum said that “our daycare recommends the Wildkin Nap Mat.” High praise indeed!
Dimensions: 50" (L) x 20" (W); 30" (width of blanket) | Material: Polyester/cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, air dry
Our community says:
We bought this Wildkin one and love it. The pillow is thick and keeps its shape after being washed. The blanket is thick and soft, and the mat is also thick. My son's preschool teacher said it was the best one in the class. We spent more than $50 buying another one from a little local shop and it's awful compared to this one." - alicatt79, The Bump forum member
Most of the kids at the day care where I work have a nap roll. You can find really nice ones on Etsy, which is where I got my two, or the Wildkin ones are really nice too. - erika_sue, The Bump forum member
Best large toddler nap mat
- Straps for portability
- Room to grow into it
- Durable and machine-washable
- Expensive
- It doesn’t come with a pillow
- Better suited for older toddlers
Looking for a nap mat your kid can grow into? This Pottery Barn bestseller is 72 inches in length and 29 inches wide, meaning your little wiggle worm has plenty of space to roll over and stretch out. Not to mention the fact that they’ll be able to use it for sleepovers for years to come. Although this one is technically billed as a “sleeping bag,” the soft, shaggy puppy head and lofty batting (aka cushyness) means it is still deserving of a spot on our list of the best toddler nap mats. Parents also appreciate that the material is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s free from over 300 harmful substances. Plus, it can even be personalized with your kid’s name or monogram. How cute is that.
Dimensions: 72" (L) x 29" (W) | Material: Cotton (shell); 47% acrylic/31% mod-acrylic/22% polyester (fill) | Care instructions: Machine wash cold and gentle, tumble dry low
Our community says
Love love love the animal mats from PBK. Not cheap but very nice. [My son] has loved his for over a year now and it still looks like new. - marrymemylove, The Bump forum member
Best stackable toddler nap mat
- Stackable for easy storage
- CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Affordable
- No pillow
- Bundles with a sheet cost extra
KinderMats is a brand that’s made quite a name for itself in the toddler nap mat game over the last 50 years. Their stackable nap mats use tri-fold technology to keep the floor side separate from the resting side (for germ-anxious parents, like myself, this is huge). The mats also include dense foam with heat-sealed technology to keep liquids out and prevent the growth of bacteria. Plus, you can clean them with a gentle wipe or with warm water and soap. While most stackable mats come without bedding, this bundle includes a fitted sheet decorated with beloved characters from The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Dimensions: 45" (L) x 22" (W) x 1" (H) | Material: Foam/vinyl | Care instructions: Clean mat with warm water and soap; fitted sheet is machine-washable
Our community says:
I like the waterproof-ness of the KinderMat. - mrslaquinta, The Bump forum member
My kids' school always said they HAD to be the plastic ones. They wiped them down and sprayed them each day. So, we just got the KinderMat (yes the blue and red one) but we got the thick version. - Emjay221, The Bump forum member
Best roll-up toddler nap mat
- Soft material
- Washes well
- Option to personalize it for an additional fee
- Feels a little thin
- Pillow flattens out over time
Stephen Joseph makes kids’ nap mats with the most adorable prints (the brand has kid-friendly aesthetics covered). But the adjustability is what really sets this toddler nap mat apart from others in the space. With adjustable hook-and-loop straps, your child can easily secure the mat in a rolled-up position for effortless portability. Whether they’re carrying it to daycare, on a road trip or to a sleepover, the straps keep the mat neatly rolled and secure, making it a breeze to transport. The mat features a built-in pillow, a soft lining on the inside and a cushioned bottom for optimal support and a restful sleep every time. And practicality was obviously top of mind when the convenient front pocket was envisioned—perfect for storing small essentials like a comfort blanket.
Dimensions: 52" (L) x 20" (W); 28" (width of blanket) | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash gentle, dry flat
Our community says:
Stephen Joseph makes really cute ones and they're super soft, the boys love theirs. They're not the cheapest out there but I am obsessed with soft things and wanted to make sure they were comfy. - MrsDonnelly2, The Bump forum member
Best organic toddler nap mat
- Suitable for toddlers from 18 months
- Bright unisex print/pattern
- Made from high-quality cotton
- Expensive
- Some parents say it could be thicker
We’re big fans of this toddler sleeping mat by Lovevery. Made from 100 percent OEKO-TEX certified cotton, this pick is free from over 350 harmful substances. Plus, the organic cotton material is super-soft and breathable. The all-in-one design includes a mat, blanket and pillow with custom buckles designed to help little hands roll it, store it and carry it all on their own.
Dimensions: 55" (L) x 20.5" (W) | Material: 100% organic cotton (outer); polyester (filling) | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, air dry
Best affordable toddler nap mat
- Built-in name tag
- Velvety-soft lining
- Pillow folds down for smaller sleepers
- Some parents say regular length is short
- Fewer unisex prints
Naptime just got a whole lot cuter with this super-soft toddler nap mat. With its captivating and original designs, your little one's imagination and dreamscapes will be sparked. This all-in-one nap mat features a padded bottom, a soft blanket and a removable pillow insert, ensuring your love bug’s utmost comfort. You can even go with the extra-long version if your kiddo is taller. And, at under $35, this toddler nap mat won't break the bank.
Dimensions: 43" (L) x 21" (W); 33" (width of blanket) | Material: Cotton (outer); polyester (fill) | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best nap mat for daycare
- Washes well
- Can be embroidered with child’s name
- Elasticated corners designed for daycare cot beds
- Some parents say it’s too thin
This nap mat for pre-K is a real game-changer. It has a soft, fleece blanket, name tag and a machine-washable pillow. The best part? It’s the first nap mat to feature sewn-in elastic bands that pull over the corners of a vinyl mat or cot bed to ensure your toddler's bedding stays in place. Genius! Bonus: You can even have the blanket personalized with your kiddos name.
Dimensions: 52" (L) x 22" (W) | Material: 65% polyester/35% cotton (outer); 100% polyester (fill) | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
Best character nap mat
- Customizable name tag
- Built-in pillow
- Affordable
- May be too small for taller kids
- Padding could be thicker
Still searching for a super-cozy toddler sleeping mat? Check out this pick featuring a blue cape-wearing Daniel Tiger soaring in the sky. Parents rave about how well this mat fits into the cots their little ones use at daycare. And with its lightweight, breathable construction, naptime is never too restrictive or sweaty. Other features include an easy-fold design and a travel loop to make school days, sleepovers and even overnight stays a cinch to pack for. And if your tyke isn't the biggest Daniel Tiger fan, they can still find other friendly characters on offer, from Blaze and Bluey to Cookie Monster and the CoComelon crew.
Dimensions: 46" (L) x 20" (W); 34" (width of blanket) | Material: Microfiber | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best cotton toddler nap mat
- All natural materials
- Soft fabric and thick padding
- Velcro fastener makes it easy to roll up
- Expensive
- Fabric will shrink after the first wash
Most toddler nap mats are filled with polyester or other synthetic materials, but this hand-crafted bed roll is different. Everything, bar the removable pillow insert, is made from 100 percent GOTS-certified cotton. And while other brands use flat-weave fabric that is thin and stiff, Mamas Hugs LLC uses brushed cotton on both the exterior and lining for maximum comfort. Plus, the natural fabric is undyed resulting in the earthy beige color, which we love. One thing to note is that the fabric isn’t pre-washed, meaning it will shrink by 5 to 8 percent after the first wash. Despite this, parents rave about the comfort and quality of these toddler nap mats and we’re inclined to agree.
Dimensions: 50" (L) x 20" (W) | Material: Cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold
Best waterproof toddler nap mat
- Foldable for easy storage
- Waterproof coating
- Heat-sealed seams
- Expensive
- Doesn't come with a pillow or bedding
If your little one is still prone to accidents, a waterproof nap mat is key. This rest pad has a food-grade waterproof coating made from non-GMO sugarcane as well as heat-sealed seams that prevent moisture from seeping inside. But, unlike other wipe-clean nap mats, this pick has an organic cotton cover that’s soft and breathable, meaning your kiddo won’t overheat during naptime.
Dimensions: 48" (L) x 24" (W) x 1" (H) | Material: Cotton (outer); polyester (fill) | Care instructions: Wipe clean
There are several different types of toddler nap mats to choose from. You’ll want to find one that accommodates your child’s needs and preferences.
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Roll-up toddler nap mats. Roll-up nap mats tend to be the most popular; they’re portable and often feature nifty handles for carrying. Some options come with built-in covers and blankets, others are simply undressed mats you can roll.
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Stackable toddler nap mats. Stackable mats fold into three or four sections and can be stowed away, making them a good option for preschool. One possible downside is that they tend to be a little bulkier and may not be as travel-friendly as other options. This type of nap mat is typically made of vinyl and is easy to wipe clean, but may not come with bedding.
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Toddler nap cots. Nap cots usually have hard frames, a woven middle and legs that raise it up off the ground. Most options aren’t portable and don’t include bedding, although you can always buy a nap cot with a mat and bedding to create a cozier sleep spot for your little one.
If you know your kiddo’s school has cots on-site, try looking for varieties of toddler nap mats that sport elastic bands to secure the bedding to their respective cot.
In addition to paying attention to the different types of nap mats available, you’ll also want to consider a few other details before making a purchase:
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Comfort. Padding and thickness are key factors to consider when choosing a toddler nap mat. Ask yourself if your child will be comfortable using the nap mat on the floor, or if they may need additional bedding and padding. Kids that like to be extra-cozy may appreciate a memory-foam nap mat or one with a built-in pillow, whereas some tots will be happy to nod off on a simple vinyl mat.
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Cleanliness. Is your chosen nap mat waterproof and easy to clean? If your tot will be getting good use out of their nap mat, you’ll want to make sure it’s one you can clean without fuss. (Yep, accidents can happen even after initial potty training) While some toddler nap mats are machine washable, others should only be spot cleaned.
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Convenience. Pick a toddler nap mat that best suits your family’s needs. If you travel a lot, look for styles that are easy to roll-up and store with a handle for easy transportation. Alternatively, if the nap mat is going to stay in one place, you could also opt for a foldable style that’s less portable.
About the writer:
Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content for pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
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