Choosing your child’s first “big kid” mattress is a milestone—and a decision that can quickly become overwhelming. Parents have to consider comfort, support, mattress height, materials, durability, certifications and, of course, whether their child will actually sleep well on it.
Forbes Vetted recently put many of those questions to the test. In its 2026 guide to the best mattresses for kids, Forbes named the Bear Cub Kids Mattress the “Best First Mattress For Kids.”
The recognition follows an extensive testing process in which Forbes Vetted evaluated 14 kids mattresses over the course of a year with six parent testers and their children ranging in age from 3 to 12. The team assessed factors including comfort, pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, edge support, odor and the unboxing experience.
Here’s why the Bear Cub stood out as a smart place to start.
Read the full Forbes article here: A Tired Parent’s Guide To Kids Mattresses: 9 Top Tested Picks For 2026.
What Did Forbes Say About the Bear Cub Kids Mattress?
Forbes Vetted selected the Bear Cub Kids Mattress as its Best First Mattress for Kids in its roundup of the best kids mattresses for 2026.
Its verdict gets right to the point:
“The Bear Cub is a solid choice for a child’s first bed.”
Forbes highlighted the Bear Cub’s hybrid construction, versatile feel, ideal height, warranty and relative affordability compared with higher-tier kids mattresses. The publication identified it as especially well suited to younger children and kids who sleep in multiple positions.
More Information for Parents on Bear's Award-Winning Kids Mattress
What Type of Mattress Is the Bear Cub?
The Bear Cub is a hybrid kids mattress, meaning it combines foam comfort layers with an individually encased coil support system. This 8.5-inch tall kids mattress features the following layers:
- A hypoallergenic cover made with moisture-wicking Tencel® fibers
- Cool and soothing gel memory foam
- Responsive foam
- 6" individually wrapped coils
How Firm Is the Bear Cub?
The Bear Cub has a medium-firm feel, giving kids a balance of cushioning and support rather than an overly soft, sinking sensation.
That balanced feel is especially useful for growing children and combination sleepers who may move between their back, side and stomach throughout the night. The foam comfort layers provide cushioning and pressure relief, while the individually encased coils add responsive support and help keep the body from sinking too deeply.
For many school-age children, a medium to medium-firm mattress can be a practical choice because it offers enough give for comfort while maintaining a stable, supportive sleep surface. The Bear Cub’s hybrid construction is designed to deliver that middle ground, making it a versatile option for a child’s first big-kid mattress.
What Certifications Does the Bear Cub Have?
The Bear Cub is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning the finished mattress has been independently tested to meet strict standards for low chemical emissions. GREENGUARD Gold uses especially stringent emissions criteria designed with sensitive indoor environments—including spaces used by children—in mind.
In addition, the Bear Cub is made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam. This certification means the polyurethane foams are tested to meet standards for content, emissions and durability, including limits on certain chemicals and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
A Better Bed for Their Next Big Step
Moving into a first big-kid bed is an exciting milestone—for kids and parents alike. And while they may be most excited about new bedding or extra room for their favorite stuffed animals, parents can feel good knowing what’s underneath it all.
The Bear Cub brings together comfortable, medium-firm support with a fiberglass-free design and trusted material certifications, so it checks the boxes that matter without overcomplicating the decision. It’s a mattress made for growing kids, changing sleep habits and plenty of nights ahead—which makes Forbes’ recognition of the Bear Cub as a top first mattress for kids even more meaningful.
Disclaimer: Bear does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Bear blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.
