When I went to buy a nursing chair, I was pregnant with my first child and picturing a place to cuddle my hypothetical newborn: tiny, light, helpless, cute. I wasn’t really considering how my kids would grow and change, and how this chair would hold us through hundreds of feeds, sickness cuddles, nudie rudie chases, bedtime stories and pillow fort projects.
The furniture you buy for their space becomes the background of their childhood, and you live with it for years. Which means you want to choose one that works how you need it to, looks great, and will support you through the long nights. Because a good nursing chair is one of the only things that can make a marathon night of wakes, feeds and resettles feel, even if just slightly, luxurious.
So, do you really need a nursing chair?
Technically, no. You could feed in bed or on the couch or the floor. But here’s the thing: you’ll be feeding your baby around the clock, for weeks and months (and for some of us, years). You’ll be resettling and rocking and cuddling and calming. And doing it all in a space designed for comfort and support — not to mention style — can make all the difference.
A dedicated nursing chair can also become your place. A spot that feels like yours in the blur of early parenthood. Somewhere you can sit with a hot tea and a book during nap time (okay, more likely your phone and a cold coffee, but you get the idea).
What to look for in a nursing chair to support feeding
“Comfort and practicality make all the difference in those early feeding days (and nights),” says Megan Hangan, Midwife and Lactation Consultant from Learn Latch Love and Sydney Babies. Here, she shares her top tips for finding the right nursing chair.
1. Good back and arm support – Feeding takes time, and your body needs support. A chair with good back support and armrests helps reduce tension through your shoulders and neck, and makes it easier to position your baby comfortably.
2. Ability to recline – Whether it’s a gentle rock back with feet up on an ottoman or a reclining backrest, having the option to lean back can make longer feeds or contact naps much more comfortable, especially when you’re tired or recovering post-birth. A reclining nursing chair can be a game changer if mums have an extra fast flow of milk.
3. Easy to get in and out of – Especially in those early weeks, you don’t want to be sinking too low or struggling to stand with a sleeping baby in your arms. A firm seat and supportive armrests make a big difference.”
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