How to Choose the Best Nursery Chair for Breastfeeding

The Sleepy Cub Blog
5 min readJul 1, 2020

Do you want to get the best nursery chair for breastfeeding that will last you a lifetime? Not sure what to look for?

Getting a top-notch nursing chair is smart, considering you’ll spend a lot of time on it, rocking and nursing your baby.

If you’re in doubt, here are a few things to consider when choosing the best nursery chair for breastfeeding.

What is the difference between a glider and a rocking chair?

Before you start scouting for the best nursery chair for breastfeeding, it’s good to know that there are two major types: gliding chairs and rocking chairs. Although similar, they do have a few differences.

The main difference is in the way they move. Rockers feature two curved bands at the base, providing a stronger movement. Gliders move on a stationary frame base, providing a more smooth movement. Some gliders can swivel and feature a lock feature, so curious baby fingers don’t get caught.

If you don’t know which type you would prefer, consider going into a physical store and testing out both models to check which one you are most comfortable in.

Factors to consider before making a purchase

Your home space

Some nursing chairs feature a larger design, while others are more compact. It’s the same with nursery rooms. Your room may be spacious, or you may work with limited footage.

Before deciding on a chair, make sure you check the dimensions and double-check to see if it’ll fit into your room. Even if it fits nicely, you still want to have enough room to move around and add other baby nursery items, such as a baby crib and a dresser.

Your budget

Do you have the budget to spend on a more luxurious nursing chair, or do you have a limited budget?

Even if you’re working with a limited budget, rest easy because you can find chairs that range from $100 to $2,000.

To be on the safe side and choose wisely, I’d recommend making a list of all the features you want from a nursing chair. Depending on the list, you can start scouting for the best nursery chair for breastfeeding that will fit your needs and budget.

Your style

Are you more into modern-looking items or vintage? Or have you always had a love of provincial style decor?

How about the style of the nursery? What type of nursing chair do you think will complement the look of the room?

Your style and the décor of the nursery will significantly influence your choice. Luckily, there’s an endless number of nursing chair styles that come in a wide range of colors.

Regardless of your style, there’s a chair waiting for you to take it home.

Top features to look for

Does it recline?

The nursing chair will be the place where you’ll read and sing and bond with your baby. But sometimes, it’ll be the place where you’ll be pulling an all-nighter. And for that reason, it’s a good idea to get a reclining chair. A reclining glider will make sleeping by the crib more comfortable and help you get a good night’s sleep.

Can you easily stand up and sit down?

One of the primary purposes of a nursing chair is to breastfeed your baby and put him down to sleep. That’s why you’ll need the chair to offer enough support to let you stand up easily without disturbing your child.

A chair that makes it easy to stand up and sit down is also convenient during pregnancy.

You want to look for chairs that aren’t too soft, or too big, as these qualities make it difficult to get up without waking the baby.

Does it have a locking mechanism?

Gliders may be an excellent addition to any nursery, but they pose a risk for little baby fingers. When looking for a glider, preferably choose one that comes with a locking mechanism that prevents the chair from gliding when not in use.

Is it squeaky?

Let’s imagine the following scenario: you sit down in your chair and struggle for an hour to put your baby to sleep. Soon, you notice that your child is getting drowsy and start gliding forward and backward to put him to sleep completely. But then there’s a loud squeaking sound from the gliding base, and your baby is up again.

One hour just went down the drain.

If you want to avoid this scenario, make sure you read the online reviews and get a nursing chair that users say is soundless and poses no risk of waking up your little one. Pair a soundless chair with blackout curtains and a sound machine, and a good night’s sleep will be guaranteed.

Is it comfortable?

There’s nothing worse than breastfeeding a baby in an uncomfortable chair. Your neck, back, and feet are the ones that will suffer the most.

Although many nursing chairs come in very appealing designs and colors, try holding off making a purchase before reading the online reviews. What are users saying? Do they complain about feeling uncomfortable? Or do they say it’s the best thing that happened to them?

If you can, you can also go into a store and test their best nursery chairs for breastfeeding on-the-spot.

Be as detailed in your research as possible. Only by doing so will you find the most comfortable, convenient, and stylish chair possible.

Is it padded?

Padded armrests might sound excessive, but when it comes to nursing chairs, it’s critical. Holding a baby is not the easiest thing, and padded armrests can do wonders in preventing any pain. Padded armrests are so vital because they allow for better positioning while nursing, ensuring a successful and sustainable latch.

Does it feature footrest?

In addition to padded armrests, a footrest is another critical aspect of a comfortable and high-quality nursing chair. Footrests or ottomans are a practical feature, especially if you’re shorter. Putting your feet up can relieve pressure and discomfort off your lower back and can help you settle more deeply into the chair.

Is it easy to clean?

Babies are adorable but they’re also messy. With this in mind, you’ll want to get stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabrics. You can look for nursing chairs that come with machine-washable covers, making it easy to clean up spills.

To sum up

If you follow the tips and guidelines I mentioned above, you’ll buy the best nursery chair for breastfeeding that will make you and your baby happy. It’ll undoubtedly become your most favorite place for bedtime stories, late-night feedings, and endless snuggles.

Originally published at https://thesleepycub.us on July 1, 2020.

--

--

The Sleepy Cub Blog

Getting your child on a healthy sleep schedule. Personalized sleep training for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.