The best nursing chairs for your nursery

A safe space for parent and baby.

best nursing chairs

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

During your baby’s first months, you’re likely to spend a lot of time feeding - and we mean a lot - both during the day and at night, but by having one of the best nursing chairs in your nursery or living room, the whole experience can be much more relaxing.

Nursing chairs have many benefits, including providing comfort and relaxation, reducing aches and pains and creating a safe space for parent and child to bond. Purpose-designed nursing chairs should be functional and supportive, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, but that doesn't mean they can't be stylish, too.

For feeding, a nursing chair should help you get in the best position to help your baby latch on or bottle-feed, minimising any discomfort. It should be easy to clean, with removable covers or easy-to-wipe-down materials being a great plus. As it will be used often, it needs to be durable and not fall apart within a few months—that's the last thing you need as a new parent.

Once your child is older, a nursing chair can provide a cosy spot for bedtime stories with your child, so it's important that your nursing chair is built to last and, therefore, value for money. And finally, it should reflect your sense of style and suit your home, as that'll make you much more likely to love it and the experience it brings you.

The best nursing chairs at a glance:

Best nursing chair overall

Obaby Madison Swivel Glider Recliner Chair

Best rocking nursing chair

Tutti Bambini Oscar Rocking Chair - Stone

Best affordable nursing chair

Dunelm Iris Sherpa Rocking Chair

Best nursing chair for twins

Gaia Baby Serena Nursing Chair

To help you find the best nursing chair for you and your little one, we've put together a full list of the best of the best, taking into account their cost, safety, size and style credentials, along with their quality and craftsmanship.

Best nursing chairs: Obaby Madison Swivel Glider nusing chair
©MOTHER&BABY

How Mother&Baby selected the best nursing chairs

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group#mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

For the essential products, our annualMother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Testing the best nursing chairs

When it comes to testing nursing chairs, we considered various aspects of each product including the different recline options of each chair, how comfy and supportive they were, the size and amount of space they took up in the nursery as well as rocking smoothness. For the best overall choice in terms of both style and comfort, the Obaby Madison Swivel Glider Recliner came out on top. The only downside testers found with this one was that it was tricky to get the foot rest back from the reclined position to the seated position, so some parents preferred a chair that came with a foot stool like the Kub Haywood Reclining Glider Nursing Chair and Footstool so you don’t have to worry about a recline button.

These however do tend to be on the larger side in terms of how much room they take up in a nursery, which is why a more compact design like the Tutti Bambini Noah Rocking Chair might be better suited to your space. This however isn’t the most plush or cushioned design, and for those looking for extra comfort, the Obaby Reclining Glider Nursing Chair or Dunelm Iris Sherpa Rocking Chair might be better suited.

Find out more about how we test products for Mother&Baby.

How to choose the best nursing chair for you

We spoke to Zoe Watson, Feeding Expert at The Baby Show, about what's important when choosing a nursing chair.

Zoe says, "When choosing the best nursing chair, consider factors such as comfort, size, durability, ease of cleaning, motion preferences, and budget. Test out chairs in person if possible and read reviews from other parents."

Here are our top considerations:

Fabric: Does it feel soft against your skin? Is it crafted from high-quality material? Most newborns bring up a little milk, and the odd bout of sickness is inevitable, so make sure the fabric is washable or can be wiped to prevent stains. Plush velour might be soft to the touch, but it can be a nightmare to clean unless treated with a stain guard.

Size: If space is limited, plan where to put the chair and take measurements. Go for a more compact option, perhaps without a separate footstool. If you have an older child who likes to cuddle with you for a story or wants to sit next to you while you feed your baby, go for a larger seat.

Headrests: A supportive headrest is a bonus. Pick one so that you can rest comfortably, and check it’s at the right level for you.

Armrests: Are these at the right height and width for you, and are they supportive?

Recline mechanism: Some nursing chairs are fixed in position, while others have adjustable backrests. A recline function will be useful, especially if you feel like resting during a feed. If your baby is asleep in your arms, you won’t want to disturb them when you reach for the recline mechanism, so make sure it’s in easy reach when you’re sitting down. You’ll probably only need three recline positions, but it should be quiet to operate.

Cushions and padding: If you can, try the chair out in the shop to make sure it offers good support for your back and that it’s cosy. If you are unable to try it out in person, leave any packaging intact just in case it isn't quite right and you need to send it back to the retailer.

Storage pocket: This is really useful when you don’t want to move and disturb your sleeping baby. Use it to keep spare muslins, wipes, a magazine, a book, and a bottle of water close to hand.

Rocking or gliding mechanism: Some babies find rocking or gliding movement comforting (which is why so many nursing chairs are also rocking chairs). If you like the idea of this, search for a chair that has either of these functions or both. Top tip: check that the movement isn’t noisy - a creak or squeak every time the chair rocks could be a big distraction in the middle of a quiet night feed.

Footstool: Check if there is a matching footstool and if it costs extra. Sit in the chair to test if the footstool is at the right height for you.

Look and feel: Nursing chairs can look a bit old-fashioned. Some wouldn’t look out of place in a care home! But, some brands realise being a parent doesn’t mean your sense of style goes out of the window. If the chair fits in with your style and décor, you’re more likely to want to keep it after you’ve stopped nursing.

Budget: It goes without saying that your budget will impact the nursing chair that you choose. Consider how much you realistically have to spend and try to stick to your planned budget.

The best nursing chairs 2024

Best nursing chair overall

Expert rating:
4.5
Obaby Madison Swivel Glider Recliner Chair©MOTHER&BABY

Designed for ultimate relaxation, this chair not only swivels and glides with a smooth, soothing motion but also reclines, providing parents with the perfect spot for feeding, storytime, or moments of quiet bonding. With its plush padding, durable upholstery, and ergonomic design, the Madison Swivel Glider Recliner Chair can do it all.

Our Features and Reviews editor, Emily, said, "Not only will it look great in any home, but the fact it can glide, spin, and recline makes it hugely valuable, especially when trying out different methods to soothe your baby. It's also a piece of furniture that will last, meaning you can make use of it once your little one no longer requires nursing."

Available in Oatmeal, Pebble and Boucle (which is currently on offer), the neutral shades will suit a variety of decor choices.

Read our full Obaby Madison Swivel Glider Recliner Chair review

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • High-quality build
  • Ultra comfortable
  • Comes in a variety of neutral colours
  • Can swivel, glide and recline
  • Easy to put together

Cons

  • Requires a good kick to close the recline position
  • Covers cannot be removed
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Style
    5.0
  • Worth the money
    4.5
Type:Three-in-one
Separate footstool included:No
Assembly required:Self-assembly
Care instructions:Use only a mild detergent and warm water. Do not use bleach. Do not use any abrasive substances.
Dimensions:97 cm x 75 cm x 100 cm
Weight:42 kg
Material:25% Polyester, 20% PU Foam, 20% Plywood, 20% Metal, 5% Plastic

Best rocking nursing chair

Tutti Bambini Oscar Rocking Chair - Stone©MOTHER&BABY
Price: £249 (was £329)

www.pramworld.co.uk

We love the Tutti Bambini Oscar rocking chair for its stylish design, high-quality construction and smooth rocking motion, which is ideal for a relaxing feeding session or to soothe baby to sleep.

It's a lightweight nursing chair at under 20kg and is really simple to put together, with just the legs to attach. Our parent tester, Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop, recommends building it in the room you plan to leave it in as it's quite wide. She struggled to fit it through a normal-sized doorway without turning it upside down and sideways - made even more difficult if the legs are attached. What's more, the box it was delivered in was huge and wouldn’t fit through the front door, meaning it had to be unboxed on the doorstep.

The seat base is very large and the backrest is high, making it suitable for a wide variety of people, and it is a sturdy chair that offers good support. The arms are at a great height and aren't too imposing, nor do they compress when leaned on. If you're looking for something really plush, it'd be worth investing in some extra cushions (it comes with one rectangle cushion) to pad it out.

While the rectangle cushion is lovely, it does put your back at an odd angle when used in a landscape configuration and when leaning all the way back. Our tester preferred the chair without the cushion, or with the cushion in a portrait configuration. When sat all the way back on the seat without the cushion, our 5'7 tester found that her feet don't touch the floor, making it difficult to rock the chair, so the addition of a footstool would be great here, or it's ideal for taller parents.

There are a lot of ways you could personalise this nursing chair to find your ideal comfort level and position, making it a versatile buy.

The stone colour is beautiful and will match an array of nurseries, but if it's not your vibe, it's also available in a gorgeous pebble colour. The fabric is stunning, as is the craftsmanship. It's clearly built to last.

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Two colours available
  • High-quality fabrics
  • Large seat area
  • Easy to assemble
  • Smooth rocking motion
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Very wide so you may struggle to fit it through some doorways
Type:Rocking chair
Separate footstool included:No
Assembly required:Self-assembly
Care instructions:Spot clean or professional clean only.
Dimensions:91 cm x 74 cm x 96 cm
Weight:19.7 kg
Material:Solid pine rockers, soft touch brushed fabrics

Best affordable nursing chair

Dunelm Iris sherpa nursery chairMother&Baby

If a cosy borg theme is what you’re going for in your baby’s nursery then this luxurious Dunelm Exclusive rocking chair could be the perfect addition. It’s super stylish and bang on trend thanks to its elegant Scandi inspired design. 

Our Products Editor, Lorna, found the process of building this chair pretty straight forward, although fitting the base of the seat to the chair part was a little challenging. “As with most furniture that’s on the more affordable side, there was an issue when it came to lining up the holes to screw the base into the chair which ended up taking four people to complete – we did get there in the end, but it may be worth asking for some help when building. It took around 30 minutes in total to build this with a bit of extra help for this tricky part but all in all, was very easy.” 

Another aspect our tester loved was how light it was to manoeuvre around the room, making it ideal for parents who have their hands full. “I could easily push this around a carpeted floor with my legs with ease.” 

We know that with anything cream, easy cleaning is a must, which is why we love that the seat cushion is fully removable and sticks on with velcro. And despite the affordable price, it really does have a luxurious feel when sitting in it, and the rocking function is very relaxing. The only downside of the design worth noting is the back height. “At 5ft 11in, I personally found the back a little too short for me, however, I did have some other shorter testers give this a try and they didn’t find the height an issue.”

Read our full Dunelm Iris Sherpa Rocking Chair review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Stylish Scandi design
  • Soft and cosy materials
  • Removable seat cushion for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Not as durable as others on the list
  • Smaller seat space than other options
  • A little fiddly to assemble
  • Size
    4.0
  • Budget
    5.0
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Support
    4.0
  • Durability
    4.0
  • Design
    4.5
Type:Rocking
Separate footstool included:No
Assembly required: Partial assembly required
Care instructions:Wipe clean with a soft cloth
Dimensions:53 cm x 72 cm x 66 cm
Material:Steel, beech wood, polyester, foam
Weight:Unlisted

Best nursing chair for twins

An in-demand chair amongst mums, the Gaia nursing chair is beautifully contoured with classic styling, adding a contemporary feeling to any nursery. Complete with padded armrests and a cushion to support your lower back during feeds, the generously sized seat means you can cuddle up with your little one (or two) as you feed. R

eviewers love how comfortable, stylish and sturdy the chair is, and that it is wide enough to feed twins. Some have noted that the chair can move when placed on carpet as the wood is so smooth, so it may be worth investing in some anti-slip tape.

If you'd prefer a footstool, you can purchase the Gaia Baby Serena Nursing Rocking Chair & Footstool bundle for £489.

Pros

  • Soft grey tones will look good in any nursery
  • Wide seat - enough space to feed twins
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Low arms for ease
  • Arm cushions feature handy storage pocket
  • High-quality construction
  • Matching footstool available

Cons

  • Chair can slide easily on carpet
  • Covers cannot be removed (but armrest covers can)
Type:Rocking
Separate footstool included:No, but can be purchased as a bundle
Assembly required:Partial assembly required
Care instructions:Spot clean. Removable arm covers.
Dimensions:81 cm x 94 cm x 78 cm
Material:Laminated birch wood veneer, polyester
Weight:21.3 kg

Best nursing chair for comfort

Mum tester Charlotte sitting in Obaby reclining and gliding chair and stool holding baby MargotMother&Baby/Charlotte Mapletoft

The gentle gliding motion of this nursing chair soothes your little one to sleep whilst helping you unwind at the same time. The backrest angle can be easily adjusted, and there are an impressive seven positions to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect seating position to suit you with this pick. "We found the gliding motion to be particularly soothing and relaxing for both us and baby." Said Mother&Baby tester Charlotte when trying this with her 6 month old baby, Margot. "The foot stool is a great addition to the chair, allowing us to have that all important time to put our feet up. The cushioning material was especially supportive around our backs where we had previously felt discomfort after a short while in alternative nursing chairs," she continued.

Featuring comfortable cushions and a handy side pocket to fit muslins, dummies or bottles, our tester liked how the fabric was practical and wipe clean. Our mum tester Charlotte found this chair didn't take up loads of space in her baby's room either, commenting, "the chair and stool would fit nicely into most reasonable sized nurseries, not taking up too much space for your other essentials."

Our tester did however find that it was tricky to assemble with unclear instructions. The visible mechanisms were also not popular with our tester as well as some issues with recline positions. Mum tester Charlotte commented, "we found the chair difficult to lock into your chosen reclined position and the arms felt flimsy and were very easily moved and manipulated out of position."

Read our full Obaby Reclining Glider Nursing Chair review here

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable chair and stool
  • Handy storage pockets
  • Wipeable material
  • Colours match well with most nurseries
  • Soothing rocking/gliding motion

Cons

  • Able to see the chair and stool mechanisms which do not make it the most aesthetically pleasing product.
  • Arm cushions difficult to attach and easily moved out of selected position
  • Assembly of the product not straight forward
Type:Glider
Separate footstool included: Yes
Assembly required: Partly assembled, some self-assembly needed
Care instructions:Wipe with mild detergent and warm water. Do not use bleach or other abrasive substances.
Dimensions: Chair -100 cm x 65.5 cm x 72 cm, Stool - 34 cm x 49 cm x 38.5 cm
Material:Wood, fabric unlisted
Weight:Chair - 15.1 kg, Stool - 5.95 kg

Best convertible rocking nursing chair

Tutti Bambini Noah Rocking ChairMother&Baby

If you want a nursing chair you'll use after the breastfeeding stages, this rocking chair from Tutti Bambini converts to a regular armchair thanks to its adaptable legs. This chair has been designed as a nursing chair, rocking chair and comfortable armchair for relaxing. A gorgeous padded seat means you'll be comfortable during feeds, and a smooth rocking motion means baby will be asleep before you know it.

Our mum tester Melissa loved this chair, commenting, "I found that as this chair is a rocker rather than a recliner, that when you’re sitting you’re able to gently rock back and forth, but when you have your feet up on the foot stool it allows for you to recline. You can’t really rock the chair when your feet are up, but this isn’t that important considering you’re in more control of the rocking when your feet are on the floor."

Affordable and stylish, mum Melissa didn't find the chair quite as soft as she was expecting. "It’s not as soft as I was expecting, but it’s a really practical material and I imagine it will be easy to clean as well. I feel safe when sat on the rocker, and there are no sharp bits on the chair, everything is smooth edged (including the wooden feet), so when my baby is eventually on the move she won’t be able to injure herself if she crawls near it."

To give you a better idea of size, Melissa is 5ft 10 and a size 16/18 and found the size of the chair perfect. "Overall I really loved this rocking chair. If fits perfectly with the theme of my baby’s nursery and I think it’s extremely good value for money considering how stylish and plush it looks."

It is worth mentioning that other reviewers felt they needed to add a pillow behind your back if you need extra support. It's on the larger size, so may not be suitable for very small rooms (and should definitely be built in the room you want it to stay in!), and will definitely need two people to carry it.

There's no matching footstool available, but you can purchase a matching pouffe for £54.95.

Read our full Tutti Bambini Noah Rocking Chair review

Pros

  • Available in several neutral colourways
  • Converts to a static armchair
  • Good back support
  • Wide seat
  • Scotchguard-protected fabric
  • High-quality build
  • Matching pouffe available

Cons

  • Not as plush as some options
  • Covers cannot be removed
Type:Rocking (but can be converted to static)
Separate footstool included:No, but matching pouffe is available to buy separately
Assembly required:Partial assembly required
Care instructions:Scotchguard has been used to help protect the fabrics. Spot clean or have professionally cleaned where necessary.
Dimensions: 87 cm x 79 cm x 100 cm
Material:Oak, soft-touch brushed fabric
Weight:22.6 kg

Easiest to build nursing chair

Expert rating:
5.0
©MOTHER&BABY

The CuddleCo Etta Boucle Nursing Chair not only looks the part, but our mum tester found it extremely easy to set up by herself. "Even just screwing the feet in was such a basic job and within five minutes I was settling in my new cosy chair!"

Although it doesn't come with an included footstool, it does rock just the right amount according to our tester. And although it is on the larger side compared to some of the other models in this round up, our tester found that it was actually a nice and cosy size for her to get comfortable in very easily.

Another added bonus is that its soft sides mean the risk of any head bumps is minimal, a win for parents with toddlers running around too. The main downside our tester found was that the chair isn't machine washable and you can't take the fabric off. However, spot cleaning seemed to do the trick.

Read our full CuddleCo Etta Rocker review

Pros

  • Very easy to assemble
  • There are no sharp edges, so no risk of bumps
  • Versatile which is great for longevity

Cons

  • Can't be removed for cleaning
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Support
    5.0
  • Durability
    4.0
  • Ease of cleaning
    3.5
  • Design
    5.0
  • Rocking smoothness
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
Dimensions:L 90 x W 70 x H 86 cm
  • Soft to the touch
  • Cushioned back
  • Rocking motion
  • Modern design

Best glider nursing chair

Expert rating:
4.0

This is a solid chair that "glides so effortlessly and smoothly", according to our parent testers, with one of them dubbing it their "favourite" of all the ones they tested. The build quality is great, and it’s easy to put in the recline positions. Plus, it has a spacious seat. It’s a good option if you have back problems, as it’s ergonomically designed to aid your posture – our testers found this particularly comfortable to feed in.

Read our full Kub Haywood Recliner and Footstool review

Pros

  • Neutral design looks good in lots of rooms
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Lots of padding for extra comfort
  • Side pockets
  • Easy to wipe down
  • High-quality build
  • Matching footstool included

Cons

  • The arms might be a little high for some
  • Covers cannot be removed
Type:Glider
Separate footstool:Yes
Assembly required: Self-assembly required
Care instructions: Use a cloth dampened with water and/or mild soap or a professional product. Allow upholstery to dry and brush lightly. Cushions are to be dry-cleaned only.
Dimensions: Glider: H101 x W59 x D72cm, Footstool: H37.5 x W50 x D39.5cm
Material:Rubberwood, microfibre fabric
Weight:21 kg

Best nursing chair for back pain

The Chatsworth glider chair in a white wood finish provides maximum comfort and support with soft corduroy cushions. The cushion pockets provide handy extra storage space and the unique seven-recline position design enables you to adjust to the positions best for feeding. The gentle rocking mechanism helps get your baby to sleep.

Reviewers love how supportive it is for their backs, but some have noted it can be noisy when the automatic lock kicks in and may need oiling regularly to stop it squeaking.

Pros

  • Available in four colourways
  • Seven reclining positions
  • Wide seat
  • Sleight back design to support posture
  • Locking mechanism on backrest for safety
  • Arm cushions feature handy storage pocket
  • Comes with matching footstool
  • Covers can be removed

Cons

  • Covers are hand-wash only
  • Can be noisy when locking
  • Needs regular oiling to stop squeaking
Type:Glider
Separate footstool included: Yes
Assembly required: Partial assembly required
Care instructions: Cushion covers are to be hand-washed only
Dimensions:67 cm x 67 cm x 102.5 cm
Material:Wood, foam
Weight:23 kg

Best nursing chair for post C-section

Expert rating:
4.0

Premium in look and feel, the Chelsea Recliner from iL TuTTo is a luxurious option which won gold in the Best New Mum / Postnatal Product category in the 2024 Mother&Baby awards. With the ability to recline, rock, and swivel, it's a versatile chair that can easily pass for a standard armchair once your child is older. It has a wide seat area to let you get extra cosy and a tall backrest and lumbar support for your back. The spring-loaded recline makes it ideal for parents recovering from a C-section, as you don't need to use your abdominal muscles to sit up.

Our mum tester, Drou, said that she wished she'd purchased it sooner and that this chair made her understand "the importance of a specific nursing chair that is built and designed for feeding needs" - a bold statement.

Read our full iL TuTTo Chelsea nursery glider chair review

Pros

  • Stylish, premium product
  • Available in three colourways
  • High-quality build
  • Excellent back support
  • Easy to put together
  • Spring-loaded recline
  • Smooth gliding function
  • STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified

Cons

  • Might be too tall for some users
  • Covers cannot be removed
Type:Glider
Separate footstool included:No
Assembly required:Partial assembly required
Care instructions:Spot clean using a dabbing motion; do not over-wet fabric, allow it to dry naturally, and do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals.
Dimensions:100 cm x 75 cm x 80 cm
Material:STANDARD 100 by Oeko-tex fabric
Weight:46 kg

Best Ikea nursing chair

Although it isn’t a purpose-designed nursing chair, this high-backed seat is a popular choice with many mums. The covers are removable and machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep clean, and a matching footstool is available separately. It doesn’t rock or recline, but it’s an ideal budget buy.

Reviewers noted that it's upright enough for comfortable feeding and that the open armrests are a plus, giving baby extra space.

Pros

  • 10-year guarantee
  • Affordable
  • Easy to assemble
  • Lightweight, can easily be moved from room to room

Cons

  • No recline feature
Footstool included: No
Assembly required: Self-assembly required
Care instructions: Washable cover
Dimensions: 82D x 68W x 100H centimetres

Nursing chair safety - what to look for:

Safety is paramount when choosing nursery furniture. Zoe suggests that the most important features to look for in a nursing chair include "robust construction, smooth edges, secure locking mechanisms (if applicable), and flame-retardant materials".

Children should always be supervised around furniture, especially pieces that are unsecured or have rocking, gliding, locking or moving parts. Tiny fingers and feet can become trapped or get pinched, so ensure your child is always supervised around your nursing chair.

Types of nursing chairs

There are several main types of nursing chairs available on the market currently.

Traditional rockers: These provide a gentle rocking motion.

Gliders: These offer a smoother gliding motion.

Recliners: These provide adjustable positions for added comfort.

The benefits of choosing a chair with movement, according to Zoe, include "a soothing motion for both parent and baby, ergonomic support for breastfeeding, and relaxation during feeding sessions."

You may also opt for a nursing chair that doesn't move but is lower to the ground and ergonomically designed for ease of use and comfort.

How to use a nursing chair

Once your new nursing chair has arrived, the most important factor is that you are comfortable. Zoe says, "To use a nursing chair, sit comfortably with good posture, ensure proper back support, and position your baby for breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Utilise the chair's motion or reclining features as desired for relaxation."

Do you need a nursing chair?

A nursing chair isn’t essential, and not everyone has the space for one. Many new mums carry out feeds perfectly well in a normal armchair, on the sofa, or sat up in bed, with nursing pillows or cushions for extra support. Doing this means you’re not tied to the room the chair is in. However, plenty of new mums like having a purpose-designed nursing chair and the benefits they offer.

Consider the space you have available and how much you’re willing to spend on a nursing chair—you might not want to keep it long-term. You can wait to see if you need one, but bear in mind the delivery time if you require it immediately.

Zoe agrees, noting, "While a nursing chair isn't a necessity, many parents find it beneficial for feeding, cuddling their baby, and providing a comfortable spot for nighttime feeds."

FAQs

We asked our expert, Zoe, to answer some of the most common questions about nursing chairs.

Do you need a footstool for a nursing chair?

Zoe says, "A footstool can enhance comfort by providing support for your feet and promoting good posture during feeding sessions, but it's not essential for everyone."

Should a nursing chair have arms?

"Nursing chairs with arms can provide additional support and comfort, especially for resting your arms while holding your baby, but it ultimately depends on personal preference."

Do nursing chairs need to rock?

"Nursing chairs don't necessarily need to rock, but the rocking or gliding motion can help soothe both parent and baby during feeding or calming sessions."

Mum feeding in nursing chair
©Getty Images

Are glider chairs worth it?

"Glider chairs can be worth it for their smooth gliding motion, which can help lull babies to sleep and provide relaxation for parents. However, they tend to be more expensive than traditional rockers."

What's the difference between a glider and a rocker chair?

"The main difference between a glider and a rocker chair is the type of motion they offer. Rockers move in a back-and-forth rocking motion, while gliders provide a smoother, horizontal gliding motion. Each type has its own benefits and preferences depending on individual needs."

Meet the expert

Zoe Watson is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with over ten years of experience working in the NHS caring for patients and their families. Zoe qualified as a Midwife in 2012 and has since worked in various settings, from a specialist homebirth team to a high-risk delivery suite, and most recently at a community birth centre. Zoe has two young daughters, Edith and Dorothy. As a Mum, she has direct experience of water birth, home birth, breastfeeding, breastfeeding through pregnancy, tandem nursing, and weaning.

Emily Gilbertis the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.