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Best nursing chairs: comfortable and stylish seats for breastfeeding and bottle feeding
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding (or a mixture of both), you need a comfortable place to do it. Our handy guide to the best nursing chairs will help you choose the right one for you and your newborn.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Apr 5, 2023
Prices and availability checked and updated by MNHQ on 3 April, 2023.
Newborn babies need a lot of stuff, and sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly which stuff will prove essential and which stuff you could probably do without. There’s some debate over whether a nursing chair counts as a newborn essential, but Mumsnetters who’ve been there and got the milk-stained T-shirt say that investing in the best feeding chair they could find was a wise decision.
At Mumsnet, we know how much difference the right baby products can make to feeding your baby. Whether you're looking for the best steriliser to keep bottles hygienic, a nappy rash cream that'll soothe your baby's sore bottom or the best nipple cream Mumsnetters swear by, we've got you covered.
The best nursing chairs are kind on your back and help to create a calm, peaceful space where you can feed and enjoy some quality snuggling time with your newborn. As your baby grows and you come to the end of your feeding journey, a good chair comes in handy for bedtime stories or staying at the bedside of a poorly toddler.
To take the legwork out of finding a comfy chair to feed your baby in, we’ve spent hours researching honest, authentic recommendations from the real parents on the Mumsnet forums to discover which nursing chairs our users really rate.
For more buying advice, check out our guides to the best changing mats, the best nappy bins, the best potties and the best baby wipes, all featuring product recommendations from Mumsnetters.
Best nursing chairs: Editor's picks
1. Best overall nursing chair: Ickle Bubba Dursley Nursing Rocking Chair and Stool
Price: RRP £239 | Latest deals from Dunelm
Key specs
Material: Wooden frame and suedette fabric | Size: 64.5cm (W) x 84cm (D) x 98cm (H) | Weight: 11.6kg | Colours: Pearl grey, Blush Pink, Sunshine Yellow
What we love
- Generous padding on back and armrests
- Comes with removable side pockets for storage
- Compact size
What to know
- Cushions are dry-clean only and can’t go in the washing machine
What our Mumsnet users say
“I have an Ickle Bubba Dursley and my size 22 a**e fits just fine.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter thecapitalsunited)
Our verdict
This beautiful rocking chair from well-known baby brand Ickle Bubba would make a great addition to any nursery, big or small. The Ickle Bubba Dursley Nursing Rocking Chair with its padded suedette cushions is blissfully comfortable and, unlike the POÄNG Armchair, the Dursley has ample padding on the armrests, meaning it’s kind on the forearms during a feed.
And the best bit is there are two generous side pockets to keep all your essentials in, so no more getting caught short without your tablet, book or breastfeeding snacks.
Read next: The best baby changing mats to buy, as rated by parents
2. Best budget nursing chair: IKEA POÄNG Armchair
Price: RRP £80 | Latest deals from IKEA
Key specs
Material: Wood veneer frame; fabric 55% cotton, 12% viscose/rayon, 8% linen and 25% polyester | Size: 68cm (W) x 82cm (D) x 100cm (H) | Weight: Not stated | Colours: Beige, black, dark blue, anthracite, dark grey, light beige and yellow
What we love
- Removable covers for easy cleaning
- Range of colour choices to fit in with any nursery decor
- Small, so ideal for rooms where space is limited
What to know
- Some find the hard armrests uncomfortable and restrictive
- No storage pockets
What our Mumsnet users say
“I got the IKEA POÄNG chair - I bought the one which doesn’t rock but still bounces gently. I got one in dark grey with thicker padding for £85 which is very comfy and supports up to my head, and goes nicely in the nursery.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter SundayChilling)
“I also used a regular POÄNG chair and footstool. Really comfy and much more versatile than a nursing chair.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MaryShelley1818)
“IKEA POÄNG chair here too and couldn’t have been without it. Not necessarily just for bedtime/night feeds, but for sleepless nights due to teething or illness or all the vaccinations. Without a comfy chair to cuddle them in and then for me to sleep in next to their cot I would have been lying on the floor many nights.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter twinkie100)
Our verdict
When it comes to Mumsnetters’ nursing chair of choice, there is one hands-down winner: the IKEA POÄNG. It may not be the most luxurious-looking chair around, but despite its no-frills appearance, it’s great for feeding and comfortable enough for a doze when your baby inevitably tries to pull an all-nighter.
The POÄNG doesn’t rock or glide, but can be gently bounced to help soothe your baby to sleep. We like that the covers are removable and can be popped straight into the washing machine in the event of a post-feed reflux. It’s the best nursing chair for small spaces and, best of all, doesn’t cost a fortune, so you’ll have a few pennies left over to spend on some of the (many) other newborn essentials on your list.
Read next: The best nappy bins to buy, as recommended by Mumsnetters
3. Best comfortable nursing chair: IKEA STRANDOM Armchair
Price: RRP £229 | Latest deals from IKEA
Key specs
Material: Wood, polyester, modacrylic and cotton | Size: 82cm (W) x 96cm (D) x 101cm (H) | Weight: unknown | Colours: Beige, dark grey, yellow, blue, dark green and black/beige
What we love
- High back wing chair for comfortable feeding
- Can be used later when for story time
- Option of adding a foot stool for added comfort
What to know
- Doesn't rock or recline
- Assembly can be tricky
- Covers can't be removed for cleaning
What our Mumsnet users say
"We use the Ikea Strandom leather look one. It’s comfy for feeding and huge seat so fits larger Toddler on lap to read at bedtime later on. It’s around £200-250 mark." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Caspianberg)
Our verdict
Another popular suggestion on our Mumsnet forums is the STRANDOM armchair from IKEA. Although it's not been designed as a nursing chair, it's high back winged arms make it a great place to nurse a baby and also sit comfortably when they're sleeping. The design and six different colourways means you could easily move it from the nursery to your lounge when your baby grows up.
Mumsnet users also say it's roomy enough to sit a toddler on your knee for story time so it should get plenty of use even after your feeding days are over. There's the option of a foot stool to buy to add even more comfort, and although the covers can't be removed for washing, the material can be wiped clean. For the price, you'll get a comfortable feeding chair that can be adapted as your baby grows.
Read next: The best maternity bras, as rated by mums
4. Best nursing armchair: M&S Elliot Armchair
Price: RRP £199 | Latest deals from M&S
Key specs
Material: Fabric or velvet | Size: 67cm (W) x 72cm (D) x 77cm (H) | Weight: Not specified | Colours: Ochre, pearl grey, ash grey (velvet), dark teal (velvet), midnight navy (velvet) and pink (velvet)
What we love
- Great colour choice
- Padded arms
What to know
- No movement
- Covers can’t be removed for washing
- No storage pockets
What our Mumsnet users say
“I don't know how people do a chill bedtime without a chair once [your child moves] into their own room [...] We have the Elliot armchair from Marksies with an old feeding pillow. I looked at the POÄNG but her original room was the box room and I wanted something a bit smaller.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TheCraicDealer)
Our verdict
While your nursing chair needs to be practical, you shouldn't have to compromise on style. Mumsnetters love M&S’s Elliot Armchair, rating it highly for comfort with its high back providing much-needed support during feeds. It’s also available in an array of vibrant colours, making it one of the most stylish-looking chairs on our list.
There's one big downside to using the Elliot as a feeding chair and that’s that the covers cannot be removed for washing or dry cleaning, which isn’t ideal if your baby is sick or feeding time gets particularly messy. Unlike the Ickle Bubba Dursley, it also doesn’t rock or glide, so if you’re after a nursing chair with a bit of movement you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
Read next: The best baby wipes to buy, as rated by Mumsnetters
5. Best rocking chair for nursing mothers: Tutti Bambini Oscar Rocking Chair
Price: RRP £349 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Brushed fabric | Size: 91cm (L) x 74cm (W) x 96cm (H) | Weight: 19.7kg | Colours: Stone and pebble
What we love
- Wide seat allows you to really get comfy
- Comes with supportive back cushion
- Decent-sized knitted pouffe included
What to know
- No pockets
- Cushions can’t be put in washing machine
- Limited colour choice
What our Mumsnet users say
“I loved mine. I found myself falling asleep in bed whilst feeding but taking myself out of the bed to the chair (with a blanket for my legs) was great as I stayed awake and comfortable but being upright I didn’t doze off. The chair moved into the nursery with the baby eventually and we’d sit and snuggle in it whilst having a bedtime bottle or reading books. I got mine secondhand though - there are lots out there. It was as good as new. It’s a Tutti Bambini.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Hunkydory99)
“I got Tutti Bambini Oscar - baby not here yet but I love it! So comfy and has a [small] pouffe with it too.” (Rated by Mumsnetter HungryHippo20)
Our verdict
Comfort is key with this gorgeous rocking chair, which boasts generous padding and a wide seat, meaning you have plenty of room to snuggle down and settle in for a long feed.
The Oscar Rocking Chair comes with an extra cushion to support your back and a matching pouffe to rest your aching feet. The footstool doesn’t move, so you don’t have to worry about it disappearing across the room mid-feed. Although the chair has been treated with fabric protector, the manufacturer recommends spot-cleaning or professional cleaning only.
6. Best nursing chair for pregnant women: Sereno Nursing Glider
Price: RRP £230 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Corduroy | Size: 72cm (D) x 68cm (W) x 103cm (H) | Weight: 25kg | Colours: White and natural
What we love
- Storage pockets
- Padded armrests
- Comes with footstool included
What to know
- Cushions are sponge-clean only
- Limited colour choice
What our Mumsnet users say
“This chair is ridiculous! I am already planning on moving it down stairs when baby is done breastfeeding!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter MrsRose2018)
Our verdict
If you’re nursing and pregnant at the same time, you don’t need us to tell you that your body is going through a lot right now, and chances are you’re experiencing aches, pains and ailments pretty much everywhere.
The Sereno Nursing Glider can help to relieve some of the associated discomforts of pregnancy and breastfeeding with a reclining backrest and a footstool for elevating sore and swollen ankles. The gentle gliding motion is perfect for relaxing both mum and baby, and there’s ample padding on the seat which you will be very grateful for post-birth.
Read next: The best potties to buy, as recommended by families
7. Best postpartum nursing chair: Kub Haywood Nursing Glider and Footstool
Price: RRP £240 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Microfibre fabric with a suede touch | Size: 65.65cm (W) x 69cm (D) x 103.5cm (H) | Weight: 21kg | Colours: Natural beige or white wood finish
What we love
- Loads of padding in all the right places
- Footstool suitable for carpeted and wooden floors (no travelling!)
- Can recline if required
What to know
- Can’t machine wash the cushions
What our Mumsnet users say
“POÄNG is comfy but can be tricky immediately postpartum to get into. Especially if you have sore back or hips after birth. I found the glider more comfortable and got mine from John Lewis - the Kub Haywood chair. My bum fit in it when I was size 20!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Lacedwithgrace)
“I bought this one recently and it’s amazing!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user etaketak1991)
Our verdict
Whether you’ve given birth vaginally or by C-section, you’re likely to be left pretty bruised and sore after the experience. The Kub Haywood Nursing Glider, similar in design to the Sereno Nursing Glider, benefits from substantial padding on the seat and bow-shaped back, meaning this chair scores highly when it comes to comfort while providing gentle support to sore backs.
Unlike the POÄNG, the Kub Haywood also has padded arms, making nursing after birth as comfortable as possible. The gliding motion of the chair and footstool combined is super relaxing. And bonus points for the handy storage pockets too.
8. Best nursing chair and footstool: Obaby Reclining Glider Nursing Chair & Stool
Price: £195| Latest deals from Wayfair
Key specs
Material: Not specified | Size: 99.6cm (H) x 65.3cm (W) x 71.9cm (D) | Weight: 15.1kg | Colours: Grey
What we love
- Stylish-looking chair
- Multiple reclining options
- Comfortable footstool included
What to know
- No information about how to wash or care for cushions
- Limited colour choice
What our Mumsnet users say
“We have this - baby isn't here yet, but I often find DH sat in the nursery on it during the day as he's WFH and apparently it's the comfiest seat in the house..” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Babyshine2020)
Our verdict
With its soft grey cushions and seductive padding, the Obaby Reclining Glider Nursing Chair would be a beautiful addition to any nursery. Although stylish, the Obaby doesn’t compromise on functionality, with its smooth gliding function, seven-position reclining system, comfortable footstool and useful armrest pockets making this chair the perfect nursing and bedtime companion.
However, unlike the popular IKEA POÄNG (and indeed most of the other chairs on our recommendations list), there’s absolutely no information about how to care for the cushions, which doesn’t bode well for those of us who are fans of chucking it all in the wash.
Read next: The best breast pumps, as reviewed by mums
9. Best glider nursing chair: Kub Chatsworth Glider Nursing Chair and Foot Stool
Price: RRP £279 | Latest deals from John Lewis & Partners
Key specs
Material: Corduroy | Size: 102.5cm (H) x 67cm (W) x 83cm (L) | Weight: 23kg | Colours: Grey
What we love
- Substantial padded back
- Comfortable stool included
What to know
- Pricey
- Cushion covers are handwash-only
What our Mumsnet users say
“I went with this one. I love it and have been using it for 16 months.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter MichelleOR84)
Our verdict
We swear we feel more comfortable just looking at the glorious Kub Chatsworth Glider Nursing Chair. The padded sleigh back reclines into seven different positions and the seat is extra roomy so you can snuggle down and easily find your best position for feeding. The gentle gliding motion is smooth and silent to help settle baby quickly.
The material is soft to the touch and the armrest pockets are great for stashing everything you need for a feed, so there’s no excuse for getting caught out without your reading materials ever again. It’s slightly more pricey than similar chairs on our list, such as the Obaby Reclining Glider Nursing Chair and Stool, but in terms of comfort and sheer luxury, the Kub Chatsworth is worth every penny - if you can overlook that the cushion covers are handwash-only, that is.
10. Best luxury nursing chair: Mamas & Papas Hilston Nursing Chair
Price: RRP £699 | Latest deals from Mamas & Papas
Key specs
Material: Velvet | Size: 73cm (W) x 81cm (H) x 79.5cm (D) | Weight: 24.5kg | Colours: Silver, duck egg, sand, grey, navy, rose
What we love
- Great colour choice
- Seat cushion is reversible and can be removed for cleaning
What to know
- Expensive
- Footstool not included
- No storage pockets
What our Mumsnet users say
“I've ordered this exact nursing chair OP. I've sat in multiple and can say that this one is really really comfortable and seems lovely quality.” (Recommended my Mumsnet user thosethreewords)
“I have this and love it.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Abi58)
Our verdict
If you’ve got the cash to splash and are looking for a solid, high-quality piece of nursery furniture, then the Hilston Nursing Chair is the one for you. With its solid oak rocking legs, this chair will serve you well way beyond the baby years. The ergonomic shape supports you as you nurse and the chair arms are in the best place to ensure feeding is as comfortable as possible.
Unlike other nursing chairs, such as the Obaby and the Kub, the Hilston doesn't come with a footstool as standard. If you want to buy the matching stool, it will set you back an extra £100. But the plush velvet fabric looks lovely, and the reversible cushion can be removed for easy cleaning. However, the brand doesn’t elaborate on exactly what ‘easy cleaning’ actually entails.
Do I really need a nursing chair?
In the strictest terms, you don’t need a nursing chair but, as many Mumsnet parents will tell you, there are huge benefits to buying one. A good nursing chair will support your back for long periods of feeding and will be much better for your posture rather than feeding on the sofa (however comfy it may be). A chair that rocks or glides is also a great labour-saving device for helping to get your baby to sleep.
Read next: The best nipple creams to buy
What kinds of nursing chairs are there?
Nursing chairs generally fall into two types - gliders and rockers. A glider chair itself doesn’t move but it travels smoothly forwards and backwards on a fixed track, while arched legs move the whole of a rocker chair back and forth in one big movement.
What is better - a glider or a rocker?
This boils down to personal preference, but Mumsnetters tend to plump for gliders over rockers. This is because a glider offers a smoother, quieter motion, and often comes with handy storage pockets for all your feeding essentials.
However if you would rather your chair stay in one place, you can always go for a static option, such as M&S’s Elliot Armchair.
How do I choose the best nursing chair?
There are a number of things you should consider before purchasing your nursing chair.
- Comfort: Comfort is key! Try before you buy if you can, but consider whether the chair has an appropriate amount of padding on the back, seat and armrests. Some nursing chairs have a larger seat size to allow you to shift around and find your optimum feeding position. Other questions you should ask yourself are ‘does it recline?’ and ‘is the back high enough?’ Some chairs come with a footstool, which can prove useful for tired feet and swollen ankles.
- Size: Does it fit in your nursery? Make sure you measure the space and check the measurements of the chair before ordering. The last thing you want is to have to return the nursing chair of your dreams because it won't fit into your box room. And don’t forget to factor in the footstool too.
- Cleaning instructions: You may have noticed that we bang on about this quite a bit, but feeding a baby can be a messy, messy business. Some chairs have removable cushions which can be put in the washing machine, others are dry clean only while other chairs have non-removable cushions. Check the care instructions before committing to a purchase, particularly if the chair is made out of a special material like velvet.
- Storage: Some chairs come with deep pockets on the armrests to store everything you need for feeding, such as muslins, baby wipes and breastfeeding snacks. And don’t forget your tablet, book or TV remote. Not all chairs come with this storage.
- Motion: Do you want your chair to rock, glide, bounce or just stay still?
- Budget: Always set a budget. Nursing chairs can cost hundreds of pounds and it is very easy to get carried away when buying baby gear. But many Mumsnetters have found that the cheaper options have served them just as well. Set yourself a firm budget - and stick to it.
How much do nursing chairs cost?
The cost of nursing chairs varies wildly. You can pick up a no-frills nursing chair, such as the IKEA POÄNG Armchair, for under £100 but, as a rule, you should expect to pay over £100 for a new chair. A designer nursing chair can cost several hundred pounds, especially if a footstool is included.
What is the best nursing chair?
Mumsnetters can’t get enough of the Ickle Bubba Dursley thanks to its comfortable armrests, handy pockets and gentle rocking action. Available in three colours, there's a Dursley to suit every nursery.
How we chose our recommendations
Our expert writers and journalists spend hours researching the very best quality products for our Swears By articles.
All the nursing chairs on this list have been tried and tested by Mumsnet users who have recommended their favourite based on factors including comfort, motion and ease of cleaning. We include these so you know that real people are behind these recommendations.
Finally, we collated all that information and then looked at other online reviews to see which nursing chairs have received the best recommendations.
This article is not intended as a countdown of the ‘top 10’ best products, but rather a list of recommendations so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are getting honest and reliable advice on choosing an appropriate nursing chair to meet your needs.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Main image credit: Obaby