Children's nap mats - so many options!

With all the nap mat brands out there, how can you pick what is right for your child? This quick primer will cover school requirements, size, thickness, durability and personalization options by brand. 

Out of concerns for cleanliness and organization, most preschool, kindergarten and daycare organizations require nap mat blankets and pillows to be attached so only meeting this will be considered.

Mint Sweet Little Things

Mint is probably the most popular nap mat manufacturer on the market today because of popular styles, features, and value.  Mint has an entire line of children’s products including toddler and medium-sized children’s backpacks, lunch totes, and duffle bags so from a coordinating set standpoint this is a great brand.

From a size standpoint (18.5” x 46”), Mint nap mats are best from toddler to about age 5.  With nylon and cotton padding construction they will last for many years.  There is nothing substantially thicker on the market.

There is one other distinguishing feature – the outside pocket is unique to Mint.   Preschool and kindergarten teachers prefer personalization to be on the outside so they can identify nap mats when they are rolled up.  Mint make this easy.

Stephen Joseph

Stephen Joseph recently re-designed their nap mats so if you had avoided them for not having a blanket, you might take another look.  Like Mint, Stephen Joseph has many matching children’s products like quilted toddler backpacks, lunch totes, duffle bags, and more.  Measuring 52” x 25” they are a little bigger than Mints.

My Nap Pak

My Nap Pak nap mats at 24” x 55” are slightly larger than Mints and are slightly thicker.  It’s perhaps a bit of more firmness than actually being thicker. My Nap Pak does not have matching children’s products but the designs are cute and the nap mats are a good value for the money.

Cavichi

Cavichi is the Cadillac in the nap mat world.  They are big at 26” x 54”, are made of luxurious fabrics, have fine detailing, and are the only nap mat with a carry strap.  Because the manufacture went out of business, the nap mats that remain can be had on sale. Plus Cavichi is the only other brand that can be embroidered on the outside.