5 Best Rest Mats for Kids - Feb. 2023

Updated October 2020

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Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Urban Infant

All-In-One Day Care Nap Mat

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Easiest to Use

Bottom Line

A mat so easy to use, your child will have no problem rolling it up.

Pros

Comfortable mat includes removable pillow, attached fleece blanket, name tag holder, and secret pocket. Rolls up for convenient storage and travel. Multiple fun patterns to choose from. Machine wash safe. Elastic corner bands keep mat securely attached to a cot.

Cons

Mat is designed for cots, it's not very thick when used on it's own.

Best Bang for the Buck

An affordable rest mat that doesn't compromise on quality or functionality.

Pros

Vinyl 1-inch-thick mat is comfortable and resistant to spills. Wipes clean easily. Durable grey binding keeps the seams from ripping. Sits at a quality price point, perfect if you have multiple kids in daycare. 4-section mat folds up for convenient storage.

Cons

Space between each of the 4 sections is about 2 to 3 inches, and there is no foam in this area.

This popular nap mat is cozy, comfortable, and comes with everything you need for nap time in a single, easy-to-transport package.

Pros

Well-padded base for superior comfort. Soft materials and fleece-lined blanket keep little ones cozy. Comes with a removable pillow. Rolls up and fastens with a Velcro strap, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Handle allows for hassle-free carrying. Machine-washable. Available in a wide variety of fun colors and prints.

Cons

Colors have a tendency to fade after a few washes.

ECR4Kids

3-Fold Daycare Rest Mat

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Simple Yet Solid

Bottom Line

A thick, firm mat that gets the job done.

Pros

Available in 1- or 2-inch thickness. Name tag holder allows you to personalize each mat. Dual colored mats wipe clean with soap and water. 3-fold or 4-fold options available. Thick, firm, and comfortable.

Cons

Heat seal will wear out over time, eventually exposing the interior foam.

Lambs & Ivy

Little Explorer Nap Mat

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Stylish & Functional

Bottom Line

An aesthetically pleasing rest mat, perfect for placing on daycare cots.

Pros

Adorable fox and bear pattern. Included pillow is firm and comfortable. Soft cotton materials. Attached fleece blanket is large and warm. Rolls up tightly. Safe for light machine wash in cold water. Roughly 42 inches long.

Cons

Pillow is not removable.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Daycare’s typically require a 1” or thicker mat for nap time. Basic rest mats are usually made from foam and vinyl. However, you can find fancier cotton mats with attached pillows and blankets. Thicker mats can be placed directly on the floor, while thinner ones are intended to be placed on top of a cot. If you’re opting for a simple vinyl mat, try to find a dual colored one. This helps keep track of which side is touching the floor and which side is touching your child. Other features to consider are name tags, portability, and additional storage pockets.

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