Photography: Marnie Hawson
There’s no doubt about it, preparing a nursery for a newborn is an exciting yet expensive task. Once you’ve purchased all of the nursery essentials like a cot, linen, and a changing table, it may feel like too much of an indulgence to purchase a nursing chair solely for the purpose of being comfortable while you feed your little one.
But the truth is, even a small baby can quickly become heavy if you’re relying on your arm strength for long periods. Pair this with feelings of fatigue from late-night feeds, and you’ll quickly be wishing you had a comfy, supportive place to sit (and perhaps recline) to endure it all!
Here, we run through some key features to look for when shopping for a nursery chair and some of the best nursing chairs (from recliners to rocking chairs, gliders, and more) you can buy right now.
What type of chair is best for breastfeeding?
While some retailers specialise in products marketed specifically as ‘breastfeeding’ or ‘nursing chairs’, the truth is, any chair with the following features could be perfect:
- Padded armrest
- Lower back support
- Easy to get in and out of while carrying baby
- Easy-care fabric that will resist stains
- Safety lock mechanism (for recliners and gliders)
In terms of aesthetics, the current trend is towards fabrics in white or warm neutrals. It’s no secret that babies are messy, so if you’re concerned about keeping your nursery chair looking clean and pristine, consider purchasing an upholstery cleaner such as the Bissell Spot Clean, opt for a faux leather design that can be wiped clean, or choose an armchair with removable covers.
2024’s top nursing chairs
- Dean Performance fabric recliner armchair, $1199, Castlery (here’s why)
- Il Tutto reclining ‘Chelsea’ chair in Grey Frost, $799, Baby Bunting (here’s why)
- MIST corduroy occasional armchair, $1199, Freedom (here’s why)
The best nursing chairs to buy in 2024
01
Dean Performance fabric recliner armchair
$1199, Castlery
Inviting mid-century modern style, this fabric recliner armchair from Castlery is perfect for lounging in for long periods. With three adjustable angles to choose from, you can find the perfect position for you (and your bub). Plus, it’s finished in a spill-resistant fabric so that messes can be cleaned up without stress.
Reviewers love that it’s comfy and can recline without looking over the top. “They were all too large for my living area and looked so old fashioned…..the Dean is perfect,” wrote one. Overall, the Dean recliner is rated 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Key features:
- Upholstered seating
- 3 adjustable angles
- Spill-resistant fabric
02
Il Tutto reclining ‘Chelsea’ chair in Grey Frost
$799, Baby Bunting
Australian-owned company Il Tutto are becoming one of the leading manufacturers of nursery chairs in the country. The ‘Chelsea’ is their signature chair, boasting a 360-swivel motion, smooth glide experience, and easy-to-reach recline mechanism. It has been designed in Melbourne and is available in various colours.
The Chelsea reclining chair is rated 4.6 out of 5 by customers, who say it is “extremely comfortable” and “a lifesaver on my back”.
Key features:
- 360-degree swivel base
- Reclining feature
- Glider base for smooth gliding motion
03
MIST corduroy occasional armchair in Sage
$1199, Freedom
If you’re looking for something comfy that won’t stand in the way of your home’s aesthetic, look no further than this chunky, forest green corduroy armchair from Freedom. While its velvety texture may not initially appear ‘low maintenance’, rest assured: the slipcover is removable and can be dry cleaned if (God forbid) any mishaps occur.
“Looks great, easy to put covers on, comfy and cosy!” says a verified buyer, who rated the armchair 5 out of 5 stars.
Colours: Sage, Almond, Mist Grey
Key features:
- Removable slipcovers
- 100% feather filling
- Easy to assemble
- Also available as an ottoman
04
Cushy sofa bed in Gum Leaf
$1390, Koala
This is the nursing chair for nights when you just can’t make it back into your own bed. From a squishy, comfy armchair (or should we say, ‘cushy’), to single bed, this is the ultimate investment piece and the gift that keeps on giving even once your baby has grown up.
The Cushy sofa bed was rated ‘Product of the Year’ and winner of the 2024 Product Review award in the sofa bed category. I also has 1.3k 5-star reviews to prove it – “Our guests have raved about how well they slept on it, and it’s been just as cozy for us at home,” writes one customer. “Totally worth every penny!”
Colours: Gum Leaf, Fig Tree, Ink, Vanilla, Tinny, Penguin Parade, Paperbark
Key features:
- A fast and easy fold out with no springs or mechanisms for tiny fingers
- Includes pillows perfect for sitting and sleeping
- Mattress is fitted with an integrated Kloudcell® topper
05
Asta recline in Cream
$129 (usually $199), Mocka
A chair that reclines and rocks is a chair that has it all. A tall back and headrest offer support while an easy push-to-recline mechanism means no feeling around in the dark for levers or pullies. Plus, its Scandi-inspired design is unobtrusive and chic, and also comes available in a light grey tone.
1017 customers have collectively rated the Asta 4.5 out of 5, calling out its looks, quality and price as some of the main reasons for their satisfaction. “Chair was easy to put together, is sturdy and looks amazing,” wrote one customer.
Colours: Cream, Light Grey
Key features:
- High back support with headrest
- Steel and plywood frame
- Padded seat
06
Dalya velvet accent chair with cushion in Dark Forest Green
$309 (usually $799), Luxo Living
Sitting in a velvet armchair can feel like a big hug, which is what you need when you’re waking in the middle of the night to attend to your little one. While this armchair isn’t specifically designed for feeding, it is compact enough for a small space and features a luxe padded construction complete with durable finishes and anti-slip feet. And, at well under $500, it’s an affordable and stylish option for parents on a budget.
In 2024, one customer wrote, “I love the dalya chair! Beautiful colour and style!”, rating the Dayla chair 5 out of 5.
Materials: solid wood frame, solid timber feet, high-density foam, velvet upholstery
Key features:
- Sturdy, solid wooden frame
- Soft velvet upholstery
- Anti-slip feet
Do you need a special chair for nursing?
While some mums make do with their bed or existing sofa, there are some (very) legitimate reasons to invest in a nursing chair, including the ease of not having to leave the room for night feeds, getting the right kind of support, and to create a special space for bonding. Plus, as we noted, you don’t need to buy a “specialised” nursing chair, as long as it meets the needs of your baby – and your back!
