Hi moms,
I just enrolled my 20 month old son in a mom's day out program & he starts on this Tuesday-halloween! The program told me I need to send a nap mat? So far, I have found one at Pottery barn kids but it is almost $100! Can anyone recommend a less expensive place to buy one? Also, I need to send him with lunch. Any ideas on what to pack? Also, any other advice/recommondations for us? I think he'll love it but (of course!) I'm worried!
Thank you so much!
Kristin
Thanks for all the great advice! We have had two wonderful days at mom's day out! My little boy seems to love it-just waves by to us when he is dropped off! No tears!
Thanks again!!
It is hard to find nap mats this time of year. They generally sell them at Wal-Mart for around $5-$10 when they are selling their Back-To-School stuff. But, DON'T spend $100!! I cut a piece of foam the same size as a regular nap mat and covered it with fleece for my son. He seems to find it very comfortable and it has held up well.
C.
The basic red and blue nap mat was selling for about $7 at Walmart during the back-to-school sales.
You can find them on ebay. I know some people take those basic red and blue ones and make covers and attached pillows and sell them online for about $25.
It's hard starting something like this in the middle of the year. My daughter started in January and we searched the world over for a lunch box!
As far as packing a lunch, you'll want things that can be eaten cold. Most programs will not microwave a meal. Mac n cheese is actually decent cold (for kids at least!), peanut butter and jelly (given there are no kids at school with a peanut allergy), yogurt, diced fruit, lunchables (or you could assemble your own lunchable with tupperware, pieces of cheese, lunch meat and crackers).
Good luck!
Hi Kristin,
Our Wal-mart on N. Beach has Nap Mats. They are in the bedding dept and cost $15. You can always find one on Ebay, but they are around $30+. Certainly cheaper than $100. Good luck!!
I saw them at the Owl's Nest in Southlake Towne Center the other day for $42. They had girl and boy patterns that roll up nicely. It has a soft blanket attached with a pillow. As far as lunch, my daughter loves those Smuckers Uncrustables with peanut butter and jelly. You can find them in the snack freezer aisle in grocery stores. I just pop it into her lunch bag with some fruit and crackers.
Kristin,
Just wanted to add a few more simple luch ideas. My day care kiddos all love anything rolled up in a tortilla, including some refried beans and cheese!! Also, just some cut up turkey and cheese, maybe some fruit. Right now there are great halloween sized bags of teddy grahams, granola bars, animal crackers, and ritz crackers. I plan to stock up right after halloween as they are just the right size for a little treat for my children. I would not send too much, as the kids are so caught up in conversation etc, that they dont eat as much. They are also usually given a decent morning snack, but be prepared for him to be hungry when he gets home. Maybe even a bag of dried cereal and a sippy of milk will help on the way home. Be somewhat prepared for some new melt downs after school as the stimulation he is getting is new, and although he may LOVE it, it is an adjustment to make. Again, make sure that he isnt hungry and waiting for food, as that seems to be a big source of tantrums many parents dont consider, since the child isnt saying they are hungry. I hope he will have a great time, and that you will enjoy some time for your self as well!! Let us know how it goes:)
