apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

the ones pictured are adorable.

I've seen some on etsy that were pretty farkin cute

As a preschool teacher (you can find my blog at http://www.globalmama.com/), my only recommendation is that you put your son's name on it - first name last initial is best, since there are often several children with the same first name in a school. And as for price...would you be devastated if the school somehow *lost* the expensive nap mat? If so, then don't buy it! Happy hunting :)

I bought two of the JC Penny nap mats for $20. They are lightweight but held up fine. The pillow seemed to need more stuffing and I thought about stuffing it myself, but the girls said they liked it as it was. The nap mat was too small for them by the time they were about four. Now we just use a toddler pillow and they take a blanket. In fact, I'm sure the daycare will let you bring a pillow and blanket for your son, and you can send a crib sheet to cover the nap mat. I would do separate pieces like that if I had to do it all over again in order to get better quality and longevity. Good luck!

My daughter is going on year two with the horse nap mat pictured above. It is still well stuffed, comfortable, and looks almost new -- and it has been washed once a week (sometimes more with potty accidents). I hate to say it, but it was well worth the not-on-sale 69.99 we spent over 20 months ago. One of the best quality purchases we have made. And it rolls up with velcro straps, so she carries it into school at the beginning of the week and out the door at the end of the week.

I should mention she LOVES it, too. Makes nap time lots easier for her, and her teachers, I assume.

I love those little ones in the photo - perfect for preschoolers - even "camping out" in the house!

What a coincidence - I just started a search for one of these yesterday, for our baby to sleep on at my in-laws when we're there for a couple months next summer.

I like the Natural Mat organic travel mat, but the price makes the Pottery Barn one look like a bargain, after factoring in the exchange rate!

http://www.naturalmat.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=104&CAT_ID=109&P_ID=698

Anybody else seen one specific for travel like this, that folds up really small for a suitcase?

Thanks to everybody for their comments and suggestions. I ended up ordering the cow mat from Pottery Barn at the reduced price. I saved further by not having it monogramed, as in the picture. Now perhaps a little brother or sister can use it later? That's probably hoping for too much, I know.
It is as cute as in the picture. The length is generous, as well, which is an important consideration since my son is on the tall side. Thanks jenwingard, for letting me know how well your daughter's mat has held up.

We love this one, made in Maine:

http://www.bodemi.com/product.asp?catid=33