From late-night feeds to morning cuddles, a nursing chair quickly becomes one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home. While it's often thought of as a "nice-to-have", ask almost any parent who's spent hours feeding, rocking or soothing a baby, and they'll tell you it soon becomes their favourite seat in the house.
The right nursing chair isn't just about comfort, it's about creating a space where you can slow down, bond with your baby and make those everyday moments a little easier.
Here's what to look for when choosing the best nursing chair for your nursery.
Do you really need a nursing chair?
Every family is different, but many parents find a dedicated nursery chair quickly becomes part of their daily routine.
It's somewhere to:
- Feed your baby comfortably
- Settle them back to sleep
- Read bedtime stories
- Enjoy skin-to-skin cuddles
- Take a well-earned moment to yourself
Unlike the sofa or dining chair, a nursing chair is designed with comfort and support in mind, something you'll appreciate during those longer feeding sessions, especially in the early weeks.
Comfort comes first
A beautiful chair is always a bonus, but comfort should be your top priority.
When choosing a nursing chair, look for:
- A supportive backrest
- Comfortable armrests at the right height for feeding
- A generously padded seat
- A seat height that allows your feet to rest comfortably on the floor
If you're planning on spending several hours a day in your chair (and many parents do), these details make all the difference.
Rocking chair or recliner?
One of the biggest decisions is choosing the style of chair that best suits your family and your space.
Rocking chairs
A gentle rocking motion can be wonderfully calming for both you and your baby. Many parents find the repetitive movement helps soothe little ones before naps or bedtime, while creating a peaceful rhythm during feeds.
At Bebe & Beyond, our Storyteller Nursing Chair offers a timeless rocking design, while the Soother Nursing Chair combines gentle movement with a soft, supportive seat. Both are also available with matching stools for added comfort.
Recliners
If putting your feet up sounds like heaven after a long day (or night), a recliner could be the perfect choice.
The Nestler Nursing Chair offers supportive seating with a smooth reclining function, making it ideal for feeding, relaxing or simply taking a quiet moment while your baby sleeps.
Ultimately, there's no right or wrong choice, it comes down to how you like to relax.
Think about your nursery space
Before choosing your chair, take a moment to think about where it will sit.
Leave enough room for:
- Gentle rocking movement, if applicable
- Reclining, if choosing a recliner
- A small side table
- Easy access to your baby's cot
Positioning your chair near natural light can also create a lovely reading or feeding corner during the day, while a nearby lamp provides softer lighting for night feeds.
Should you choose a matching stool?
A matching footstool isn't essential, but many parents say they wouldn't be without one.
Putting your feet up can help you find a more relaxed feeding position, reduce pressure on your lower back and simply make those longer cuddles even more comfortable.
At Bebe & Beyond, both the Storyteller Nursing Chair & Stool and Soother Nursing Chair & Stool are designed to work together beautifully, offering extra comfort without compromising on style.
Choose a style you'll love beyond the nursery
Your nursing chair is likely to stay in your home long after the baby stage.
Rather than choosing something that only works in a nursery, look for a timeless design that could easily move into a living room, reading corner or bedroom in years to come.
Neutral colours, natural wood details and soft textured fabrics are easy to style and continue to look beautiful as your home evolves.
Whether you prefer the cosy texture of boucle or the warmth of teddy fabric, choosing a chair that complements your existing décor means you'll enjoy it for years to come.
Create your perfect feeding corner
Your nursing chair works best as part of a calm, practical space.
Keep everyday essentials close by:
- A small side table
- Water bottle
- Muslin cloths
- Burp cloth
- Phone charger
- Soft blanket
- Night light
- Favourite book or magazine
Having everything within easy reach means you're less likely to interrupt those peaceful moments with your baby.
A chair for more than feeding
Some of the most memorable moments of early parenthood happen when everything else is quiet. A sleepy cuddle after a feed, a favourite bedtime story or simply watching your baby drift off to sleep.
The right nursing chair supports all of those moments.
At Bebe & Beyond, our collection has been designed to combine everyday comfort with timeless style, so your chair feels just as at home in your living room a few years from now as it does in your nursery today. Because great furniture should grow with your family, just like the memories you make in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a nursing chair and a normal armchair?
A nursing chair is designed with feeding and soothing in mind, offering supportive seating, comfortable armrests and, in many cases, a gentle rocking or reclining motion that helps both parent and baby relax.
Is a rocking chair good for a nursery?
Many parents love rocking chairs because the gentle movement can help soothe babies during feeding or before sleep. They're also a comfortable place to enjoy story time and cuddles as your child grows.
Is a nursing chair worth it?
While it isn't an essential item for every family, many parents find it's one of the most-used pieces of nursery furniture. A comfortable chair can make feeding, settling and bedtime routines much more enjoyable.
When should I buy a nursing chair?
Many parents choose their nursing chair while planning the nursery, giving them time to create a comfortable feeding space before baby arrives.
