After a long day outside or even an afternoon snack, children will undoubtedly retreat to our most natural of habits, sleeping. Nap time, while only fifteen to twenty minutes long, can affect a child well into the night. It is important to support this habit rather than fighting against it. During quiet time, rest mats can give kids a couple of options. First, the obvious use is for a nap. But, by providing a rest mat, those who choose not to sleep now have a confined area to sit/lay rather than resorting to roaming around the room. Something often usually neglected, a personal rest mat will instill a sense of ownership in children. This supports proper growing behavior. There are a number of ways you can go when choosing the mat for your daycare, but keep these elements in mind. Look for polyurethane foam to support little bodies with comfort and if wanting to spring for a little color, bright blues, yellows, and reds are very common. Be sure to check the surface coating, accidents do happen and a PVC surface makes clean up and sanitization virtually effortless.