Thanks to their smaller stature, growing bodies, and evolving sleep patterns, kids have different mattress needs than adults. That’s why a mattress specifically designed for children is usually a better choice than just downsizing an adult mattress to a twin. But a quick search for the best mattress for kids brings up a lot of options, so where do you begin? One model worth considering is from one of the most recognizable names in the sleep space—Nectar. The Mattress Clarity team of experts evaluated the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress at our sleep studio to see how it performs in the areas that matter most in a child’s mattress.
Collectively, our team has tested more than 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories. In 2024 alone, we helped close to 6,000 people buy a new bed. We used that expertise to carefully assess the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress so we can make useful recommendations about its value and performance. Kids grow quickly, and this flippable model is designed to serve as a “big kid” bed for children between the ages of 3 and 12.
During testing, we found the dual-sided design delivered on varying firmness levels to accommodate different body sizes. The 8-inch Nectar mattress offered impressive edge support given its all-foam construction, and it likewise performed well for pressure relief. Read on for more about what we thought in this Nectar mattress review.
Nectar has applied all the generous policies that come with its adult beds to its kids’ model, so you still get a full year to try and out and a lifetime warranty. This all-foam mattress is flippable to suit different age ranges, and has some of the contouring, comforting feel the brand is known for. However, because it’s designed for kids, it will feel quite firm to adults (and anyone over 12 shouldn’t use it as their primary bed!).
Nectar Kids Mattress Performance: My Overall Rating
We conducted a thorough series of tests on the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress in our studio based on our own methodology, which has been medically reviewed by our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. We also had a 10-year-old honorary mattress tester lie on this bed to make sure it felt comfortable to a real-life kid.
After considering both firmness levels, the materials and construction, and performance metrics including pressure relief and edge support, we gave it an overall score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The dual firmness stood out to us in particular, making the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress a foam bed that really can grow with a child.
For more information on individual testing categories, hover your cursor over the category below.
I Recommend the Nectar Kids for…
- Kids ages 3-7 should benefit from the firmer support side, which offers a little more stability and ensures a neutral spine.
- Kids ages 8-12 should be comfortable on the slightly softer support side, which offers better pressure relief as kids grow.
- Kids who may have nighttime accidents can sleep easy thanks to the removable, washable cover.
I Don’t Recommend the Nectar Kids For…
- Hot sleepers may find the memory foam layers trap too much heat, which could lead to overheating and disrupted sleep.
- Larger children with bigger frames and higher body weights may find they sink too far into the softer side, particularly given the 8-inch height.
How Firm Is the Nectar Kids Mattress?
The best part of the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress is that it’s not limited to a single firmness. It’s designed as a flippable foam model, with two different firmness options that accommodate the needs of both younger and older children. In younger children, bones and joints are still developing, so a firmer surface does a better job of keeping the spine aligned and supporting better posture. For very small children moving from a crib to a bed, a firmer mattress offers a little more stability and makes it easier for them to move around safely. Little to no contouring here is another safety precaution for kids who may flip to their stomachs in the night.
As children grow, their body weight increases. That puts more pressure on a mattress. A slightly softer surface delivers more pressure relief. Plus, older kids tend to become more aware of comfort, and a mattress that feels too firm could make it harder for them to fall asleep.
Certified Sleep Science Coach Riley Otis and another in-house tester assessed firmness in the Nectar Kids Memory Foam mattress. While neither is a child, Riley falls into the lightweight sleeper category (under 130 pounds), and she tested the firmer side, while our other tester evaluated the softer side as an average-weight sleeper (but at 140 pounds, she’s on the lower end of this group).
Mattress firmness is one of the most subjective features in a bed, because it’s so heavily dependent on individual body type, sleep style, and personal preferences, so their assessments factored for what children are likely to experience. Learn more about mattress firmness with our Mattress Clarity firmness guide.
Mattress firmness is typically ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating extreme softness and 10 indicating extreme firmness. A score of 6.5/10 is considered a true medium-firm feel, the most common firmness.
On its firmer side, we found the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress felt quite firm. Riley, our lighter sleeper, gave it an 8/10 when she assessed it on her back, side, and stomach. She found it surprisingly comfortable on her back. “Since it’s a super firm mattress, it prevents my spine from bending out of alignment,” she said. “There’s not a lot of sinkage or contouring, but younger children shouldn’t need too much of that from their bed.”
When she tested it on her side, it was clear to her that this mattress is designed for kids. “Since I’m an adult, I felt a ton of pressure building at my joints. It’s entirely too firm for side-sleeping adults,” she said. “However, younger children will appreciate the firm support that helps keep the spine super straight and potentially prevents back pain.” Riley also pointed out that kids who sleep on their sides will likely want to switch to the softer side sooner than kids who sleep on their backs.
When she flipped to her stomach, she found the Nectar kids mattress too firm, which led to pressure buildup in her chest. But kids with less weight are unlikely to experience that, because they won’t apply as much pressure to the bed. It’ll feel supportive instead of hard. “Stomach sleeping kids should be fine, but just make sure they’re safe in this position and aren’t sleeping with their face pressed into the bed,” Riley cautioned.
For our average-weight tester, the softer side of the Nectar kids mattress still veered firm. She scored it 7.5/10 after testing it on her back, side, and stomach. On her back, she noticed a bit of sinkage and contouring at her hips, but found that her spine still felt mostly straight. “Older kids will appreciate the bed if they sleep on their back because it provides enough lift to keep the hips aligned with the shoulders, but isn’t too firm to be uncomfortable,” she said.
Moving to her side, she found better-than-expected pressure relief. “The foam is pretty slow moving, so it really conformed to my body as I lay there,” she said. “It’s not very responsive, so it molded to my curves and held its shape. While it’s firmer than I’d recommend for side sleeping adults, I think side sleeping kids will find this bed comfortable.The spinal alignment was also there.”
Surprisingly, the mattress performed quite well when she switched to her stomach. “I like this on my stomach,” she said. “It’s pretty firm, so it’s lifting my hips and ensuring my spine is straight. I really like the way it feels on my legs and knees in this position.”
How Well Did the Nectar Kids Perform?
The chart below is a quick comparison between the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress and the average mattress we test.
| Test | Performance | Average |
| Firmness | 7.5/10 (Side 1) – Firm 8/10 (Side 2) – Very firm | 6.7/10 – Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Good | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.1/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4.6/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 4.8/5 | 3.8 |
| Noise | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Trial Period | 5/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 5/5 | 4.6 |
How Does the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress Feel for Different Body Types and Sleeping Positions?
Body weight plays a big role in mattress performance. That’s why the same mattress can feel firmer to a lightweight sleeper and softer to a heavy sleeper. It has to do with the amount of weight that sinks into the bed’s layers. That said, growing children need a firm mattress that provides plenty of support and spinal alignment for bone and joint development. That’s why children benefit from a mattress designed to support their needs.
| Sleeper Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Light (under 130 lbs) | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | Unpleasant | Unpleasant | Unpleasant |
Average-weight Tester – 130 to 230 lbs
“Older kids will appreciate the bed if they sleep on their back because it provides enough lift to keep the hips aligned with the shoulders, but isn’t too firm to be uncomfortable or cause back pain,” said our average-weight tester.
Lightweight Tester – Under 130 lbs
“Younger children will appreciate the firm support that helps keep the spine super straight,” said mattress tester Riley Otis.
Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress In-Depth Test Results
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief describes how well a mattress cushions the parts of the bodies that press into the surface the most, like the shoulders, hips, and knees. Depending on how you sleep, these pressure points often bear more weight, so they’re more likely to become sore or uncomfortable if a mattress is too firm or doesn’t contour well.
While kids aren’t necessarily heavier than adults, their bodies are actively growing and developing. That makes pressure relief an important consideration, and finding a mattress that’s up to the job often means considering both age and body weight.
Kids between 2 and 7 usually sleep better on a firm mattress with more support to keep the spine aligned during these early growth years. After about age 8, children start to get bigger and heavier, so a softer mattress offers a better balance of support and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. It’s a common sleep position in children.
Our average-weight in-house tester graded pressure relief on the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress. On the softer side, which Nectar recommends for kids ages 8 to 12, she gave the mattress a score of 4/ 5. “There’s a bit of contouring at my joints, but I can feel a tiny bit of pressure building at my shoulder,” she said. “I don’t think a kid would sink as much as I am, so they should find better pressure relief than I did. My spine feels pretty neutral in this position.”
She upped her score to 5/5 when she moved to her back on this side of the mattress. “I feel better on my back than my side,” she said. “It’s definitely firmer than average, but it’s great at keeping the spine lifted. There’s some light cushioning at the lower back that feels really nice.”
Then she flipped the mattress over to the firmer side, which Nectar advises for kids ages 3 to 7. As expected, it didn’t offer as much pressure relief, but keep in mind that this tester weighs 140 pounds. “Kids likely won’t sink through the top layer of foam to the support foam, so they’ll find better pressure relief than we adults did,” she said. She gave the mattress 3.5/5 stars.
This side was a little better when she tested it on her back. “There was really good spinal alignment in this position, I just wish there was more pressure-relieving cushioning,” she said, noting that a smaller child likely won’t care. She gave the mattress 4/5 in this position.
Edge Support
The Nectar kids mattress is sized for a child’s bedroom, so it’s limited to twin and full sizes. That means there’s not a lot of room to spread out. It makes edge support an important consideration, ensuring that little ones can sleep all the way on the side without feeling like they might roll off. When a mattress has good edge support, the sides are just as supportive as the center of the bed.
All-foam mattresses don’t usually score as well as hybrid mattresses because they lack the stability of coils or innersprings. But the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress surprised us, scoring an overall 4.6/5 in this category.
On the firmer side intended for younger children, Riley assessed edge support by sitting along the edge of the bed with her feet planted on the floor. She considered how stable she felt and how easy it was to rise to a standing position. “The comfort layer on this side is thinner than the other side, so there’s less compression when I sit down,” she said. “Like the firm side, I feel like I’m pretty much just sitting on the base layer of support foam. Again, there’s no bounce, so while standing up it is pretty easy, it doesn’t necessarily assist me.”
Our average-weight tester tested the softer side of the Nectar kids mattress, and predictably, her experience was a little different. She said it was fairly supportive, but she noticed a decent amount of sink through the comfort layer and onto the thicker base. “I felt pretty secure, and it was easy to stand up,” she added. “But the bed didn’t provide any bounce to help me.”
Both testers tested edge support in a second test that involved lying on the side of the bed. For Riley on the firmer side, the edge support was first rate. “I feel super supported near the edge of the bed,” she shared. “It feels exactly as supportive as the center of the bed, and I don’t feel like I’m about to slide off. I think kids could sleep right up next to the edge without being scared they’ll roll off.” That earned the Nectar kids mattress a full 5 stars.
Our average-weight tester found the softer side performed about the same in this test as it did during the seated test. “The edges felt pretty secure, but I noticed myself gravitating more towards the center of the bed,” she said. “The comfort layer compressed whenever weight was applied, so I felt like the base layer was providing most of the support.”
Cooling
Memory foam isn’t usually known for its cooling properties, so we were surprised to discover that the Nectar kids mattress performed exceedingly well in our cooling tests. Our tester Riley thought the firmer side of the mattress didn’t feel cool-to-the-touch when she put her hand on it, but more temperature neutral. However, when she tested it with a thermal gun, the results were beyond impressive.
To perform this test, Riley measured the resting surface temperature of the mattress before and after lying on it for seven minutes and then compared the two numbers to see how much body heat the bed stored. The mattress only increased by fewer than four degrees over this period, which is exceptional cooling. Typically we see mattresses increase in temperature by around six degrees during this test, which is still considered decent cooling.
Our average-weight tester performed the same tests on the softer side and found similar positive results, with an increase of about five degrees. “The bed didn’t feel cooling when I lay down, but the cooling cover felt pretty breathable, and I didn’t notice it heating up too much,” she said. “It only increased by 5.4 degrees, which is pretty good. It’s warm where my body was, but not excessively, and I didn’t have any problems with airflow on it.”
Riley and our other tester gave the bed a 5/5 and 4.5/5 for cooling, respectively. Based on these results, we don’t think kids who sleep hot will have any trouble on this Nectar mattress.
Noise
All-foam mattresses often perform better than hybrid mattresses in this test, because there are no coils that might squeak when they’re pressed just right. The Nectar kids mattress stayed silent, no matter how much pressing, rolling, and even jumping we did. If your child is a light sleeper, this mattress shouldn’t make any noises that might wake them.
Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress Customer Experience Scores
There are other things to consider when you’re buying a new mattress. Here’s what to know about Nectar’s mattress policies and the general buying experience.
Trial Period
Nectar has one of the best sleep trials in the industry, and it applies to the kids mattress as well. With its 365-night sleep trial, your child gets a full year to sleep on the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress to see if it meets their needs. That should be plenty of time to make a decision about its suitability. Note that if you decide the mattress isn’t a good fit, it must be in a sanitary condition with no rips, stains, or signs of wear and tear.
Warranty
It’s reasonable to expect a new mattress to hold up without issues, and kids’ mattresses are no exception. Fortunately, all Nectar mattresses come with a Forever Warranty. It protects against defects in materials or workmanship, including visible indentations over 1.5 inches that aren’t related to an improper base (which actually voids the lifetime warranty), physical flaws that cause the foam to crack or split, and any defects in the cover.
Unboxing and Moving
The Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress ships in a box to your front door. Since it only comes in two sizes and weighs 62 pounds at its heaviest, it’s easy to move and unbox on your own. That said, if you don’t want to set it up yourself, Nectar offers white glove delivery. For an additional $199, the brand will set up your new Nectar for you and haul off your old mattress.
Readiness After Unboxing
Like most foam mattresses, the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress begins inflating as soon as its plastic exterior is punctured. You can expect it to rise completely within minutes, and it’ll be fully decompressed and ready in about 24 hours. In our testing, we didn’t notice much off-gassing from the mattress.
Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress Construction
Mattress Height & Weight
The Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress is 8 inches tall. A twin weighs 45 pounds, and a full size weighs 62 pounds. It’s not available in any other sizes.
Materials
This mattress for kids is made with three foam layers. Parents will be pleased to know the foams are CertiPUR-US certified and the fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which speaks to its quality materials. Plus, the Nectar Kids mattress is fiberglass-free.
Layers
It’s only 8 inches tall, so this mattress has a simple construction. The stain-resistant, moisture-repellant cover is certified non-toxic. It’s soft and lightweight, but the best part is that it can be zipped off and thrown in the washing machine. That’s a plus for kids who are prone to accidents at night.
On the softer side meant for older kids, there’s a two-inch comfort layer made of gel-infused memory foam. This offers a touch of contouring for more pressure relief. The support layer is three inches of high-density foam that ensures proper spinal alignment for growing bodies. The firmer side, intended for younger children, has a thin comfort foam layer that veers firm for more support and stability.
How to Try and Buy The Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress
All of Nectar’s mattresses are available online at nectarsleep.com, and the Nectar Kids mattress is also available at Amazon. Free shipping is available to the 48 contiguous states, but there’s a $350 fee applied to deliveries in Alaska and Hawaii.
If you prefer to see the brand’s mattresses in person first, Nectar partners with thousands of retailers across the U.S. Check the store locator on the Nectar mattress for a retailer near you. Just keep in mind they may not have the kids mattress in stock, so it’s best to call ahead.
Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress Prices & Sizes
The Nectar kids mattress is only available in twin and full sizes.
| Size | Price |
| Twin | $299.00 |
| Full | $399.00 |
How the Nectar Kids Mattress Compares
Comparing mattresses can be a useful way to decide what features matter most, and Nectar isn’t the only brand with a mattress that works for kids. Here’s how the Nectar Kids mattress compares to three other popular models.
- Nectar Mattress – More layers and sizes
- BB Kids – Firmer for back and stomach sleeper
- Saatva Youth Mattress – Hybrid mattress construction
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Nectar Kids Mattress |
Nectar Mattress |
BB Kids |
Saatva Youth Mattress |
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| Rating | ||||
| Firmness | Firm: 8/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Foam | Innerspring |
| Cooling | — | — | — | |
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Kids |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Kids
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
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Nectar Kids vs. Nectar Classic
The Nectar Classic is an adult’s mattress, but it comes in kid-friendly sizes like twin and twin XL. It has a balanced foam feel that works well for back sleepers. While we don’t recommend it for adult side sleepers because it can lead to pressure in the hips and shoulders, kids aren’t likely to experience that issue.
The Nectar Classic has a firmer feel, a 7/10 on the firmness scale, that’s likely to feel even firmer to kids because they lack the weight to sink in. Unlike the Nectar Kids mattress, the cover on the Classic can’t be removed. And while the Classic is the brand’s entry-level model, it still carries a higher price point than the kids mattress. A twin is priced at $349, compared to $299 for the kids model in the same size.
Read more in our Nectar Classic review.
Nectar Kids vs. Brooklyn Bedding Kids
Both the Nectar Kids and the Brooklyn Bedding Kids are specifically designed for kids. When we tested the BB Kids Mattress, we found it to be very firm and ranked it as an 8/10. That makes it a better fit for kids who sleep on their backs and stomachs. It isn’t dual-sided like the Nectar kids, and its cover isn’t removable. But it does have a special finish that protects the layers inside against spills.The BB Kids Mattress is shorter at 6 inches, but it’s available in twin, twin XL, and full sizes.
Read more in our Brooklyn Bedding Kids review.
Nectar Kids vs. Saatva Youth
The Saatva Youth mattress is a flippable hybrid mattress that scored incredibly well during testing. In fact, it actually outperformed many adult mattresses, with high marks in edge support, pressure relief, and cooling ability. The mattress offers zoned lumbar support, efficient cooling upgrades, and it’s hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. But these premium features aren’t cheap, and a twin-size Saatva Youth is priced at $799. The Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress offers similar benefits without the hefty price tag.
Read more in our Saatva Youth review.
Nectar Kids Mattress FAQs
Are Nectar beds good for kids?
Nectar beds can be good for kids, especially the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress. It’s a dual-sided mattress designed to accommodate kids as they grow.
What are the downsides of a Nectar mattress?
Half of Nectar’s mattresses have an all-foam construction, which can retain heat and lacks the springiness that contributes to ease of movement. All of the models in the collection come with a single firmness option as well.
What is the best mattress for kids?
The best mattress for kids depends on their age and body weight. The Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress is worth considering, because it has a dual-sided design that meets changing sleep needs as kids grow.
What is the difference between Nectar Kids and Nectar Classic?
The Nectar Kids mattress is specifically designed for kids. It has fewer layers, a shorter stature, and it only comes in twin and full sizes. The Nectar Classic is built for adults, so it has more layers and durability, and it comes in standard adult sizes.