The Bear Cub Kids Mattress is Bear’s dedicated sleep solution for children ages 3 to 12, designed to support growing bodies with orthopedic precision, breathable comfort, and eco-conscious materials. As a hybrid mattress, it combines gentle contouring with responsive support, making it ideal for toddlers transitioning out of cribs, energetic school-age kids, and even picky tweens. With a medium-firm feel and a safe, non-toxic build, the Bear Cub is engineered to promote healthy sleep posture and long-term durability.
In this comprehensive 2026 review, we’ll explore the Bear Cub’s construction, firmness, cooling performance, motion isolation, durability, and value. Whether you’re a parent shopping for your child’s first big-kid bed or upgrading for a growing sleeper, the Bear Cub might be the perfect fit.
Construction and Materials
The Bear Cub is an 8.5-inch hybrid mattress built with five layers that combine eco-friendly foam and zoned coils.
Organic Cotton Cover
The mattress is wrapped in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, which is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It’s designed to wick moisture and promote airflow.
Comfort Layer – Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Beneath the cover is a layer of gel-infused memory foam, which contours to the body while helping regulate temperature. It provides pressure relief around the shoulders and hips without excessive sinkage.
Transition Layer – Responsive Foam
This layer adds bounce and prevents bottoming out. It helps ease the body into the support system below and enhances spinal alignment.
Support Layer – Zoned Pocketed Coils
The core features individually wrapped coils, zoned for targeted support in the lumbar region and enhanced edge stability. These coils are designed to support growing bodies and reduce motion transfer.
Base Layer – High-Density Foam
A durable base layer reinforces the coil system and adds structural integrity.
This construction delivers a breathable, supportive, and safe sleep surface for children.
Firmness and Feel
The Bear Cub is rated as a medium-firm mattress, and most testers place it around a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It offers a balanced feel—responsive and supportive with gentle contouring.
Younger Children (3–7 years) – The mattress provides a stable surface that supports spinal alignment and prevents excessive sinkage. It’s ideal for toddlers and young kids transitioning from cribs.
Older Children (8–12 years) – The zoned coils and responsive foam layers offer enough support for heavier kids and growing tweens. It’s suitable for all sleep positions.
Sleep Positions – The Bear Cub supports side, back, and stomach sleeping thanks to its hybrid design and medium-firm feel.
Cooling and Temperature Regulation
Kids tend to sleep hot, especially during growth spurts. The Bear Cub addresses this with:
- Gel-infused memory foam that dissipates heat
- Breathable organic cotton cover
- Zoned coils that enhance airflow
In testing, the mattress maintained a cool sleep surface throughout the night. Parents report fewer complaints about overheating, even during warmer months.
Motion Isolation and Edge Support
Motion Isolation
The Bear Cub performs well in motion isolation. The foam and coil layers absorb movement, which is helpful if your child tosses and turns or shares the bed during story time.
Edge Support
Reinforced coils around the perimeter provide solid edge support. Kids can sit or roll near the edge without feeling unstable—a key safety feature for younger sleepers.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is crucial for kids’ mattresses, which often endure jumping, spills, and general wear and tear. The Bear Cub is built to last:
- Reinforced coils and high-density foam ensure structural integrity
- Water-resistant cover protects against accidents
- Eco-friendly materials keep the mattress fresh and safe
It’s expected to last 8–10 years, covering the full span of childhood from toddler to preteen. The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, reflecting Bear’s confidence in its longevity.
Pricing and Value
As of 2026, the Bear Cub is priced competitively for a premium kids’ mattress:
| Size | Price (Before Discounts) |
| Twin | $695 |
| Full | $845 |
Bear frequently offers discounts up to 35%, along with free pillows and sheets. The mattress also includes:
- 120-night sleep trial
- Free shipping and returns
- Lifetime warranty
These features make the Bear Cub a strong value for families seeking a long-term sleep solution.
Who Is It Best For?
Ideal For:
- Children ages 3–12
- Parents seeking a long-lasting mattress
- Kids who sleep hot
- Families needing orthopedic support and durability
- Eco-conscious shoppers
Not Ideal For:
- Teens or adults (mattress is sized and designed for children)
- Families seeking ultra-plush or memory foam feel
- Those needing larger sizes (only Twin and Full available)
Comparison to Other Bear Models
| Model | Type | Firmness | Height | Price (Twin) | Best For |
| Bear Original | All-Foam | Medium-Firm | 10″ | $748 | Budget shoppers, back sleepers |
| Bear Pro Hybrid | Hybrid | Medium-Firm | 10″ | $998 | Side/back sleepers, hot sleepers |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Hybrid | Medium-Firm | 13″ | $1,049 | Combo sleepers, couples |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Hybrid | Soft, Medium, Firm | 14″ | $1,298 | Athletes, hot sleepers, luxury shoppers |
| Bear Natural | Latex Hybrid | Medium-Firm | 13″ | $1,614 | Eco-conscious sleepers |
| Bear Cub Kids | Hybrid | Medium-Firm | 8.5″ | $695 | Children ages 3–12 |
The Bear Cub is Bear’s only mattress designed specifically for children, with orthopedic support and safety features tailored to growing bodies.
Final Verdict
The Bear Cub Kids Mattress is a thoughtfully designed hybrid bed that supports your child’s growth and sleep needs. With orthopedic support, breathable materials, and a safe, non-toxic build, it’s one of the best mattresses available for children ages 3 to 12. Backed by a generous trial and lifetime warranty, it offers peace of mind and long-term value for families.
Verdict: A safe, supportive, and breathable mattress perfect for growing kids. If you’re looking for a mattress that supports your child’s development and keeps bedtime stress-free, the Bear Cub is a smart choice.