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20% off + 2 free pillows at Birch
Price Range: $899 – $1,099
Mattress Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
5.5/10
Edge Support
7/10
Temperature Control
8/10
Ease of Movement
8/10
Off Gassing
8/10
Pressure Relief
5/10
Pros & Cons:
In 2019, the direct-to-consumer mattress company Helix Sleep launched Birch as its eco-conscious sleep product brand. Birch makes bedding, bed bases, pillows, and three mattress models using natural materials like cotton, wool, cashmere, and latex.
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress is designed specifically for growing children ages 3 to 12. This flippable hybrid mattress includes firm (7) and medium firm (6) sides to better meet their evolving needs, and the natural materials might also appeal to parents concerned with exposure to chemicals.
While the Birch Kids Natural Mattress is the brand’s only mattress for kids, the company also produces the Birch Natural Mattress and the Birch Luxe Natural. Both are medium firm (6) hybrids that use cotton, wool, latex, and pocketed coils. However, the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress includes an upgraded comfort system and zoned lumbar support.
We’ll explain what makes the Birch Kids Natural Mattress unique and who might benefit from this flippable children’s model. We’ll also summarize company policies that might affect the overall value and convenience of your purchase.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
20% off + 2 free pillows at Birch
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress is a flippable hybrid model with a firmer side intended for ages 3 to 7 and a softer side designed for 8- to 12-year-olds. Since crib mattresses should be firm for safety reasons, the firmer of the two sides can provide a transitional sleep surface for kids adjusting to their first bed.
We found that the firmer side equates to firm (7) on our 10-point firmness scale, while the softer side is medium firm (6). This model measures 8 inches thick, which is considered low-profile.
The company suggests flipping the mattress when your child turns 8 to provide a plusher and more contouring sleep surface. Of course, children develop at different rates, and body weight and your child’s sleep preferences should guide your decisions. Consult your child’s pediatrician if you have questions about their sleep needs.
Both sides of the Birch Kids Natural Mattress use the same basic construction, which includes organic wool and natural latex. The wool is multipurpose, adding cushioning and temperature regulation while acting as a natural fire barrier. Birch uses different latex formulations on each side, which accounts for the differing firmness levels.
Sandwiched between the comfort layers is a 6-inch pocketed coil core that supports both sleep surfaces while providing bounce. An organic cotton cover encases the mattress without significantly restricting airflow.
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress’ materials hold an array of certifications, meaning they meet a number of third-party content, sourcing, and safety standards. These include Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, eco-INSTITUT, and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
|
Firmness |
Reversible: Medium Firm – 6, Firm – 7 |
|---|---|
|
Mattress Type |
Latex Hybrid |
|
Construction |
Cover Material:Organic Cotton Comfort Layer:
Organic Wool Support Core:6″ Pocketed Coils |
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress comes with a higher price tag than many of the best mattresses for kids because of its hybrid design and natural materials. In general, hybrid or latex mattresses tend to have a higher average price than foam or innerspring models.
That said, the Birch Kids Natural Mattress may be a good value for some families since its flippable design may extend the usable lifespan. Additionally, the natural materials may appeal to eco-conscious parents.
Because this model is intended for children, it does not come in all six standard sizes and is just available in twin and full. Unlike some competing models, it is not sold in twin XL size.
At 8 inches thick, the mattress is designed with bunk beds in mind, though you should check bunk bed guidelines and the specifics of your model to ensure the mattress is compatible and safe, as some bunk beds require thinner mattress models for safety reasons.
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
20% off + 2 free pillows at Birch
Birch mattresses are available through the Birch website, select third-party retailers, and brick-and-mortar partner showrooms across the United States. Note that different policies may apply to mattresses not purchased directly from Birch.
Orders through the Birch website ship for free to all 50 U.S. states. Birch also ships to Canada, though shipping charges apply. Mattresses ship via FedEx, typically within 3 to 10 business days. The mattress arrives compressed, sealed in plastic, and encased in a box.
Birch offers White Glove delivery to select zip codes through a third-party vendor. This service carries an additional fee and includes new mattress setup and old mattress removal. Alternatively, separate options are available for customers exclusively seeking in-home setup or old mattress removal.
Shoppers who purchase the Birch Kids Natural Mattress directly through Birch can try it at home with the brand’s 100-night sleep trial. After 30 nights, it becomes eligible for return for the remainder of the trial window. A $99 removal fee applies.
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress comes with a partially prorated 25-year limited warranty. For the first 10 years, Birch repairs or replaces mattresses with qualifying defects at no cost to the owner. From years 11 through 25, Birch replaces eligible mattresses at a prorated charge in addition to applicable shipping fees.
Covered defects include deterioration that leads to a visible indentation greater than 1 inch, physical flaws that cause the latex or coils to split or crack, and manufacturing defects in the cover.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.