What are the pros of a breastfeeding chair? What are the cons? What are the alternatives? A breastfeeding chair is designed to provide a comfortable place to feed your baby. Most recline into different positions to support your back, and some have a rocking feature to help soothe your baby. However, they can be expensive, and not all mums find them comfortable. Could a breastfeeding chair make life easier? Or will it just sit unused in your baby's nursery? Read what worked for BabyCentre mums. "I really love my nursing chair. It’s fantastic not just for breastfeeding but for feeding in general and comforting a baby. I didn't get it until my son was two months old. My only regret is not having it sooner. He associates it with his quiet, cuddly time and it calms and settles him as part of his bedtime routine. I would definitely recommend one." "I think it’s the comfiest chair in the world! I slept in it at end of my pregnancy as I couldn't get comfortable in bed and it really helps with backache too.
I used it for all feeds at first because I had a caesarean and couldn't get comfortable on our sofa. I use it for bedtime and night feeds only. I think my baby knows the chair means bedtime." "We used my Gran's old rocking chair. However, in retrospect I would have bought a proper nursing chair. The rocker was difficult to get out of with a sleeping baby. If you have the room in your baby’s nursery, I would definitely get one. It was much easier to settle my little one in his room at night than on the sofa in a busy house.” "I didn’t have one for my first, but was given one for my second. I’ve never fed in it as the arms are too high and I can’t get my daughter into a comfortable feeding position. Instead I do most of my feeding in our recliner downstairs or lying down in bed during the night." "I didn't feel the need for one for either of mine. Night feeds were done in bed and day feeds wherever I was at the time. However, I did buy a nursing pillow second time round and wish I had had one all along."
"I used one for night feeds with my bottle fed baby. It’s important to be comfortable whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Now that my second baby shares a bedroom with her sister, I don’t want to disturb my sleeping tot. So, I feed my baby in bed and feel a lot less sleep deprived that way." "Breastfeeding chairs are completely unnecessary in my opinion and just another expense you can do without. Yes, comfort and position are really important, especially at first. But we managed by experimenting with different cushions and pillows that we already owned." "A chair in the nursery is invaluable. It doesn't have to be a proper breastfeeding chair. We bought a second-hand one from an auction site." "I’d recommend getting a chair, but it doesn't have to be one marketed specifically for breastfeeding. I used a comfortable reclining chair. It was a lot cheaper than the breastfeeding chairs I saw but it was perfect for feeding my baby in peace. I found the recline function very useful for comfort, but even that isn't a necessity.
Any comfortable chair will do, just add a cushion!" "When I was pregnant I spent ages researching whether to get a breastfeeding chair or not. In the end we got an armchair. It's much prettier than a breastfeeding chair and doesn't take up half as much room. We use it for story time now and I'm glad we didn't spend the extra money." "I already had a rocking chair and just put that in the baby's nursery. It was a nightmare to sit in at first as I tore badly and couldn't get out of it. However, since my little one started sleeping in the nursery I’ve used it every night. It gently bounces and when I don't need it any more I plan to put it back in our living room." "We have a nice low and wide armchair which I sit cross-legged in with a feeding cushion on my lap. I used to sit up in bed or feed lying down but I always woke my other half up when I sat up to put the cushions into position. I do think it's important to be able to adapt to feeding in different types of chair.
Otherwise you get stuck when out and about." Track your baby’s development Join now to receive free weekly newsletters tracking your baby’s development and yours throughout your pregnancy. Enter your due date or child's birthday Enter your email address Privacy policy & terms Support for your parenting journey. Delivered to your inbox. My Baby This Week Newsletter Keep up with your baby’s development with personalised weekly newsletters. Get the latest parenting news, plus expert advice and real-world wisdom. Special Offers from Our Partners Receive discounts, deals and parenting information from BabyCentre’s partners. Log in or sign up to post a comment! Infant Car SeatsTravel System Car SeatsConvertible Car SeatsBooster Car SeatsCar Seat AccessoriesPremium Car SeatsCar Seat BasesStroller & Car Seat Toys car seat finder finding the perfect car seat has never been easierRocking chairs have been a nursery essential for generations because babies find the back-and-forth motion soothing and sleep-inducing.
They’re also a comfortable place to cuddle, feed, and read to a child.Today’s rockers have plenty of padding and often come with an ottoman for resting your feet. Some super-stylish versions look more like a cushy living-room chair.Gliders come in a variety of styles, from traditional to sleek and modern. Instead of rocking, they slide back and forth on a fixed track. The motion requires almost no effort, which is particularly nice when you’re too tired to rock.Rockers and gliders are often pricey, but will be part of your house for many years.fort: Your rocker should offer plenty of back and head support, give you room to change position easily, and be the right size for your body. You'll want your feet to reach the floor at an angle that feels good. Pockets to hold baby gear like burp cloths are in handy, and can hold your phone, TV remote, or magazines down the road.Wide padded armrests: Your arms will need plenty of support as you hold your child or it will get uncomfortable.
If you'll be using a nursing pillow, check that it comfortably fits over or next to the armrests (consider bringing yours to the store for a test-drive).Sturdy frame: Since a glider or rocker is an investment, be sure that the frame is solid. Check for sharp edges, exposed moving parts that could pinch fingers, or gaps in the framework that could trap a child.Easy to clean: Drool, spit-up, and diaper overflow are common in your baby's early months, and kids of all ages can be messy, so a removable, washable seat cover is a plus.Versatility: Consider how you might use your rocker or glider after your child has outgrown it, and choose the fabric and style accordingly. Some rockers can be converted to stationary chairs with the purchase of separate feet. Or, consider a different kind of comfortable chair that’s not explicitly made for nursery furniture.Locking mechanism: Some gliders have built-in locks to keep them from moving back and forth; this makes it easier to stand up with a baby in your arms.
It also avoids hurt fingers and toes once your little one becomes an active, curious toddler.Recline: Some gliders recline for greater comfort, which can come in particularly handy when you’re comforting a sick child.Swivel: Rockers can easily move to face whatever direction you prefer, while gliders are heavier and harder to adjust. If you want a glider but think you'll want to change its positioning, consider a model with a 360-degree swivel.Matching ottoman: It may come with your rocker or glider, or be sold separately. Using an ottoman made just for your glider works well because it moves with the same motion.You'll pay anywhere from $100 to $800 or more for a glider or rocker. Some high-end models cost up to $2,000. Expect to pay more for better types of wood (oak and maple, for instance) and finishes, fancy fabrics, and modern styling. Ottomans sold separately range in price from $50 to $350.Some companies sell the frame for the glider or rocker separately from the chair's cushions, and the ottoman frame separately from its cushion.