Sending your little one to preschool for the first time is stressful for parents, but that worry can be alleviated just a bit by ensuring your child has a nap mat that is comfortable, easy-to-clean, and portable.
Toddler mats can be surprisingly expensive, with some models topping $100. While most toddler mats are typically in the $40-$75 range, there are a few high-quality options for less than that.
After examining several expert reviews, Dealspotr concludes that the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat is the best preschool nap mat under $30. The nap mat can be purchased from Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99.
Despite retailing for half or even a third the cost of most preschool nap mats, the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat consistently appears on “Best Nap Mats” lists. In a video review by BabyGizmo.com’s Hollie Shultz, the mat’s attached blanket is described as being “super, super soft.” Shultz also notes that there is a built-in pillow and that the mat is very lightweight.
Two pieces of Velcro make it easy to keep the nap mat folded up. The mat measures 21” by 45” and according to LambsIvy.com it is intended for children between the ages of two and five. There are different styles and prints that suit many children’s interests.
Perhaps the most appealing quality of the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat is the fact that it is easy to wash. Kids are notorious for making a mess, so parents simply need to wash the mat separately on cold and tumble dry on low.
While comparaboo.com lists the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat as one of its “Best Nap Mats,” it does fall a bit lower than many of its competitors, managing a 7.1 overall rating. While that is good enough for a sixth place ranking, there is a steep score drop-off after No. 4.
Where the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat falls short is on its quality rating. While a 7.0 rating does not sound bad, only one product above it falls below a 9.0 score (with a rating of 8.9).
Despite a slightly lower quality rating, the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat is significantly less expensive than the five products ahead of it. Essentially, the consumer sacrifices some of the brand-name quality and materials when purchasing a nap mat for under $30.
A few other preschool nap mats that retail for under $30 caught our eye. One is the Kindermat by Peerless Plastics. NapMat.com calls it their favorite nap mat and lists a variety of reasons for this statement.
Some of the reasons include its allowance for use in all 50 states, its supportive foam construction, its excellent durability, and that it is appropriate for older kids. The Kindermat is available from Amazon for $23.26 and gets a 4.3 overall user rating from that site’s buyers.
Another option for parents is the Baby Boom series of toddler nap mats. While some styles are over $30, several can be purchased for less. Amazon sells a Woodland Baby Boom Nap Mat for $17.98 while BuyBuyBaby.com sells the Owl Fun Baby Boom Nap Mat for $19.99. The latter Baby Boom Nap Mat receives a 7.0 overall score from comparaboo.com.
Whether you choose the Lambs & Ivy Nap Mat, Kindermat, or a Baby Boom Nap Mat, there are many great options under $30.00. Paying more for a nap mat seems to be worth it, especially for nitpicky sleepers, but for parents on a budget all three of these nap mats get the job done.
