The word 'lap' can be replaced by several similar, suitable synonyms to give the context a different shade of meaning. For instance, a 'leg rest' is a piece of furniture on which one can prop their legs and rest them comfortably. One can snugly curl up on a 'blankey,' which means a soft blanket or a throw. The word 'knee' can signify the area on top of which a child can sit facing the direction opposite to the adult's. If one wants to describe a smooth and gentle wave, 'ripple' is the perfect fit. Finally, 'laps' can be replaced by the definition of a circuit or a 'round.' There are several synonyms of 'lap' that can be used to add variety and dimension to the text.