Nap mats for kids: Why buy when you can DIY?

By A'Dell

Like most of the internet, I'm spending a lot of time over at Pinterest these days. I have loads of fun DIY projects stacked up in my queue but I think I'm going to tackle this one next:

Source: gltc.co.uk via A'Dell on Pinterest

 

It's a kid's nap mat of sorts -- perfect for watching movies on long afternoons hiding under a dining room table fort. This version is sold by a UK retailer for more than $100 (!) but I'm pretty sure I can make it for less than $30.

I figure it would go like this:

1. Buy 5 pillows and 5 pillow cases. (I have a 2-year-old so I might only buy 3. She's short.) Pillows and cases are super cheap at Homegoods. Fun, kid-friendly pillowcases are also often cheap to pick up at Pottery Barn Kids and Land of Nod, when on sale.

2. Sew the pillow cases together, tops to bottoms. (Very simple, just straight lines.)

3. Stuff with pillows.

4. Close the open ends of the pillow cases. (Or, you might be able to just leave them open.) Could sew a zipper on each one (sounds tricky, I've never been able to figure out zippers so they turn out nicely) but I think I'd just get some ribbon and do tie-closures to keep it simple.

Aaaaand, that's about it, as far as I can tell. I particularly like this because you can take the pillows out and wash the linked pillow cases, without the insides getting mushed around and turning out lumpy. You could even have one of the cases embroidered with a name if you wanted to get fancy. When not in use, simply roll up and stow in a closet.

Comments

[Lisa]

I'm doing these for christmas gifts this year. I read a suggestion on another blog to use these for travel. They take almost no room in a carry on, just request extra pillows at the hotel front desk.

[Maura]

Brilliant! I love this idea!

[Janet]

Great idea!

[Jessica Smith]

Genius suggestion for traveling! Thanks for sharing.

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