I am placing a wool area rug over a maple floor. The store recommended a synthetic rubber pad for the rug. I have also seen a jute pad recommended as an area rug for hardwood floors.

What are today's recommended products to use as carpet pads?

Thanks

Carpet pad. When it comes to choosing a carpet pad, I’d suggest going with at minimum the 8lb pad. Since you have kids under four years old in the house, you definitely need the pad with the moisture barrier.

Rugs are not like wall to wall carpet and rugs on hardwood floors need a thin dense cushion that breathes. I recommend a natural fiber one because I've seen synthetic rubber ones stick and they can trap incidental moisture under it as well.

The rubber ones can have issues as mentioned. But whatever you choose, make sure that it doesn't feel abrasive at al. It needs to be soft .I've seen nylon carpet backers literally sand through finish from the back and forth movement of people walking over the rug over time

I am a big fan of synthetic pads, in my experience they don't slide as much. Depending on how frequently you clean the floor you can keep your eye out for moisture so that wont be a problem. Really find one you like they all have their ups and downs.