It is important to set up your nursery space with your own comfort in mind, and not just your baby. Breastfeeding is hard enough at any time of the day, but those midnight feedings can be the toughest.
Just imagine walking around at 2am with your baby under your arm, you’re tired, frazzled, and then you sink into a super soft chair that feels like a cloud… Ahhhhhhhhhh! This is the feeling that the best nursing chairs can offer.
Pure relief!
Being able to immediately settle into a specialized nursing chair with a soft and comfortable reclining seat, with padded arms, and an extendable footrest can help add just enough luxury to keep you sane while operating on no sleep.
This is your little sanctuary for you and your baby to bond during feeding time. And you can eliminate unwanted distractions with one of these top-rated nursing chairs that we have reviewed in the article below.
Nursing Chair Designs
A nursing chair is characterized by the inclusion of small features that make the life of a nursing mom that little bit easier. Plus their comfort levels are off the charts!
Here is an overview of the most common styles of nursing chair available on the market.
- Nursery Gliders – Operates like a rocking chair except the movement comes from the gliding mechanism in the chair rather than the floor.
- Nursing Chair plus Ottoman – This is a package that includes a matching footrest that sits separately from your nursing chair.
- Rocking Nursing Chairs – More like your typical rocking chair, but with…
- Recliner – As you lean back the chair repositions and a built-in footrest swings out to support your legs.
- Nursing Armchair – Closest to your regular chair, but can include features like a moveable armrests or adjustable pillows.
All of these designs have features that make your breastfeeding journey easier for both you and your baby.
Nursing Chair Comparison
Table could not be displayed.We will also be reviewing the following nursery glider chairs that didn’t quite make the best in category as listed above:
- Stork Craft Nursery Glider
- Pulaski Sutton Swivel Glider Recliner
- Dutailier Grand Nursing Chair
- Naomi Home Brisbane Glider & Ottoman Set
- Status Veneto Nursing Chair & Ottoman
Best Nursing Chairs For Breastfeeding in 2024
The top of our list mostly features the best nursery gliders with an included ottoman. We found this design to be the most comfortable and some of the designs look amazing!
We have also included options for the best rocking chair, and armchair further down so there are some options if you need to fit your nursing chair in small spaces.
You cannot put your feet up while on a rocking chair and we think that this is an important option for new moms to improve their blood circulation. For that reason, the rocking chairs are lower on our list.
1. Graco Parker Glider and Nursing Ottoman
The Graco Parker Glider Chair is our top pick for the best nursing chair on the market. We think it offers the best combination of functionality, style, and cost.
It is a 2 piece nursing chair and ottoman set, and both glide in tandem and which makes the gentle gliding motion really smooth and soothing. Even with your feet up.
With ultra-plush microfibre cushions, the surface is very soft to touch and only adds to your comfort levels when you settle in with your baby. The padded seat is also easy to melt into when feeling tired.
We loved the beige-colored upholstery with the espresso frame. The appearance is sleek and will complement most nursery styles. You can also go for pebble gray but we didn’t think it looked as nice.
The ottoman also has a fold-out stool that can be used as a footrest. This slides easily back into the ottoman when no longer in use.
The price is reasonable and the best glider for the money in our opinion.
Pro
- Smoothest gliding mechanism
- Comfortable plush surface
- Beautiful design
- Padded armrests
- Well priced considering quality offered
Con
- No pockets built in
2. Stork Craft Nursery Glider and Ottoman + Lumbar Pillow
A very close second is the Stork Craft nursery glider. This sleek design with a metallic gray-looking upholstery will look great in a modern nursery without a huge price tag.
It is slightly heavier than the Graco – which was surprising given that you don’t have the extra footrest in the ottoman, and the back is not as high.
You have the convenience of storage pockets built into the armrest which is great for storing small, thin items like a cloth that might come in handy when nursing. Thicker items like a baby bottle won’t fit though.
A matching lumbar pillow is included with the Stork Craft to help support the lower back.
Pro
- Beautiful color and stylish glider design
- Solid wood frame
- Comfortable plush surface
- Storage pockets
- Included lumbar pillow
Con
- Unable to store most nursing essentials in the pockets
- Heavier overall
3. DaVinci Olive Swivel Glider and Ottoman
The DaVinci Olive Upholstered swivel glider just screams cozy! This two-piece set comes with a matching ottoman that is fully upholstered and allows you to put your feet up without needing to worry about latches or reclining the whole chair.
This makes things a little easier when balancing a baby, but also requires a bit more space in your nursery to setup.
The nursing chair also includes a lumbar pillow that you can nestle in place to support your lower back. The high back rest also allows you to lean right back and relax with your head & neck well supported.
You can select from a range of colors to compliment your nursery. We loved the navy design but were concerned that the inevitable spit up and milk stains could stand out too much. However, the polyester upholstery is easy to clean and any spills easily addressed.
The glider function allows for forwards, backward, and a 360 degree swivel motion. But the ottoman is motionless and is unable to match the gliding motion of the breastfeeding chair like the first two on our list. However, some moms may prefer the static footstool option.
The DaVinci Olive is also Greenguard Gold Certified which can give you peace of mind that the materials are safe for your baby.
Pro
- High back that is great for tall parents
- Removable lumbar pillow included
- Matching footstool
Con
- Static ottoman (but his may be a pro for some)
- No pockets built into the design
4. Baby Relax Double Rocker
Now it’s time to dive into a unique spin on the traditional rocking chair design. The Baby Relax has all the same characteristics you would expect but with an extra wide seat, thick padding, and a lower seat base.
The seat is about 30% wider than a normal rocking chair – a full 8″ wider than the next chair on our list! – and one and a half times wider than a standard rocking chair.
This gives you plenty of space for a wide nursing pillow and a thick blanket for those colder nights. You could even sit your baby upright next to you when you need a break.
You could probably fit multiple children if you wanted to – but this is your sanctuary so we don’t recommend it.
If you are the type to hug your legs up and sit in an awkward diagonal position then the space allows you to do this.
The feet of the rocking chair are made from solid wood and ensures a smooth rocking motion that is great for a sleeping baby.
For a dedicated nursing chair, this ticks a lot of boxes – as long as you don’t need a footrest, which you can buy separately.
The big drawback with this rocking chair is the extra space it requires and the extra weight. It is quite heavy at over 80 lbs!
Pro
- Extra wide seat
- Very sturdy material
Con
- More expensive despite simplicity of design
- Requires more space
- It is really heavy!
5. Baby Relax Wingback Convertible Rocker
Speaking of traditional rocking chairs, the Wingback convertible rocker is a bit closer to normal than the wide version above.
It is smaller, lighter, and much better for small spaces. But what surprised us most was that it is much more expensive!
I can only assume the extra cost is due to the adaptability in the design. You can change base of the chair to be flat on four legs like a regular armchair, or with curved bands for a rocking chair.
The wingback design of the chair back also allows gives you more shoulder space. But compared to the wide seat option above this may not be a major influence in your buying decision.
Pro
- Sturdy construction
- Converts from armchair to rocking chair
- Stain resistant linen look material
Con
- Even more expensive
- Style is a bit dull
6. Pulaski Sutton Swivel Glider Recliner
This breastfeeding chair does everything – it rocks, reclines, and swivels. But it is the simple design that really won us over.
The seats and arm rest are well padded and the back area also has supportive padding to help soothe low back pain.
The frame is sturdy and is made from steel and wood and has a built-in suspension system.
It has a metal latch that can help you recline the chair in any position that you want. You can go into a semi-recline position while nursing your baby, or a full reclined position when it’s time for a snooze.
The durable fabric of this chair has a modern contemporary design that can easily blend in with the rest of your furniture. There are lots of patterns available so you can select what will blend in well with your nursery decor.
Product Demo
Pro
- Easy to clean, durable, and soft
- Excellent balance of quality and value for money
- Very tasteful patterns that blend in easily
Con
- If you have timber floors best to place a rug between the legs and the flooring to protect the surface.
- It can start to squeak after a while.
7. Dutailier Grand Nursing Chair
For our second pick we are headed straight to the more luxurious end of the market. The Dutailier has a modern design and oozes class.
You will get a great feel in this chair with the super supportive cushions. The added convenience of built in nursing pillows allows you to get into a suitable position keeping this accessory at your fingertips, that also folds away seamlessly when not required.
The reclining feature will also make this a tempting option if you just want to have a nap next to your baby’s crib when time allows.
The only reason this is not our top pick is that the luxurious feel of this chair is not a necessity, and just a nice extra for those with the budget to go for it.
Pro
- Feature packed for convenience
- Luxurious feel with a sleek design
Con
- Matching ottoman is to be purchased separately
- Higher price point
8. Naomi Home Brisbane Glider & Ottoman Set
If you are looking for something a bit more modest, and great value for money the Brisbane Glider can provide a solid alternative.
The included ottoman allows you put your legs up in that comfortable elevated position while feeding, while taking advantage of the rocking motion to soothe and relax your baby all at the same time.
The fabric is made from 100% polyester and is soft and comfortable.
You can spot-clean it when the inevitable emergency clean ups come around. Or if you need a more comprehensive clean you can remove the entire cover and toss it in the washing machine.
Another great feature of this breastfeeding chair is the pockets that it has on the sides. It can help you store things that you’ll need while breastfeeding or bottle feeding your child.
Pro
- Great budget option
- Multiple color designs available allowing you to to match tto your existing living room or Nursery setup
Con
- Can be a bit squeaky
- May not stand the test of time as well as those chairs at a higher price point.
9. Status Veneto Nursing Chair & Ottoman
The frame of this nursing chair is made from high quality wood and will make a classy addition to any nursery or lounge room.
The fabric is 100% microfiber which makes it easy to clean and wipe for spot cleaning.
One unique feature of this breastfeeding chair is the retractable pull-out nursing stool in the ottoman. This will come in handy when you need to relax your feet while feeding, but don’t want the full elevated position…. Also useful if you are a bit shorter and cannot reach the ground when leaning into the back of the chair.
Both the chair and the ottoman have metal ball bearings to ensure smooth gliding for both. This is another great feature to help soothe your baby.
Pro
- Included foot stool
- Modern colors that will look great in any nursery or lounge room
Con
- Cushioning not as comfortable as others
What Is A Nursing Chair
You can breastfeed in any old chair right? So what makes these chairs so special?
Well, the bottom line is they offer convenience and comfort through built in features that are especially designed for the breastfeeding Mom.
If you think about the last time you sat on a regular couch to nurse your baby. What was that experience missing?
You probably had to bring a nursing pillow with you.
You probably couldn’t quite get your back into a supported position.
You also could have been a bit more comfortable if you could only recline that seat a little.
A good breastfeeding chair can solve all of these problems. Plus most come with a nice footrest to prop your legs on as well.
5 Benefits of Owning a Breastfeeding Chair
A well-built piece of furniture can be expensive, and no doubt your new baby has already been a drain on the hip pocket. But an investment in your comfort can also add up to an investment in your sanity.
You will be racking up many, many hours in your breastfeeding chair and it could end up your most used household item…. and that includes your bed.
The following benefits could be a lifesaver:
1. Easier Feeding
It doesn’t matter if your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed, a breastfeeding chair can help you get into a comfortable position while you are breastfeeding your child.
The design will provide you with the necessary support around your back, arms, and legs.
Imagine waking up at the wee hours of the morning to feed your child. Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a place where you can just sit down and feed your baby in a comfortable place that’s also safe for your baby?
Anything you can do to make those late-night feedings easier on yourself is a huge help.
2. Helps Soothe A Crying Baby
The gentle rocking motion of a nursing chair can do wonders for a fussy baby. Whether your child is sleepy or is just irritable that gentle movement can help soothe your baby instantly.
The glider mechanism in many nursing chairs provides a very smooth kind of movement. Rocking chairs are also equally as soothing and will help your baby relax.
3. Creates A Familiar Environment
Babies respond well to routine and familiarity. Your nursery space is their sanctuary where they should feel most at ease, and the breastfeeding chair is the hub where they will associate with peacefulness and rest.
The soothing motion as these chairs glide will also become a familiar feeling as they feed.
4. Comfortable
Nothing beats the comfort of a nursing glider in a full recline position!
The soft, wide base with cushy armrests and elevated feet. A happy and relaxed Mom is a caring and nurturing Mom.
If you suffer from back pain, the extra support can also help take the pressure off. A number of the nursing chairs on our list also have included pillows that match the upholstery and can help you get into unusual positions comfortably if you wanted to.
5. Helps Manage Edema
Most nursing gliders come with an ottoman where you can just put your legs up.
After a whole day of working or doing household chores and errands, it is a welcome relief to put your feet up. That elevated foot position can help with circulation and help prevent some postpartum conditions such as Edema setting in.
This is less of a benefit with the baby rocking chairs on our list. It is difficult to have your feet up while in that rocking motion. But most of the best nursery glider options have an ottoman or nursing stool for this purpose.
Final Word
We hope that you now understand all the nuances and design variations available amongst the best nursery recliners on the market.
It is a big purchase and an important one to get right.
The combination of a nursing chair and ottoman performed well under our ratings and dominated the recommendations for the best nursing chairs, and the Graco Parker Nursery Glider was number one in our opinion.
If you prefer a rocking chair then the Baby Relax Double Rocker is our top pick here. With a seated area one and a half times a regular rocking chair it just provides so much more freedom to move around.
While it is an expensive addition to the nursery it is a worthwhile investment considering the amount of time you will spend in this chair, and how testing some of that time is.
The comfort and familiarity that your baby will feel is an important part of your bonding time, and will also help you feel less guilty for splurging on something to provide some comfort for yourself.
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