A Guide to Nursing Chairs in Australia

A nursing chair is designed to provide a comfortable place to breastfeed your child. Ideally, a breastfeeding chair will help support your back and aid in soothing your baby.

What to Look for in a Nursing Chair

Comfort

As you will be spending hours each night and day in the chair, a nursing chair needs to be comfortable. Be sure to check for cushioning and whether the shape helps to support your back. The nirvana of all nursing chairs is one that is both stylish and comfortable.

Ease of Use

Many nursing chairs on the market look gloriously cushy and deep. The perfect chair to sink right into and never get up from. However, this might just be the issue - you can't get out of it (especially with a sleeping baby in arms)! So while it may seem simple, make sure you can easily stand up out of a potential nursing chair before deciding it's 'the one'. Practically is important. Supportive armrests are also worth mentioning to help with holding your baby while breastfeeding if, you know, you actually like feeling in your arms.

Versatility

Nursing Chairs can be an expensive endeavour for an activity that, in the grand scheme of things, is a short-term activity. So opt for a nursing chair that has a simple design and staying power. So once you are no longer breastfeeding, the chair can be repurposed in another room of your home or even populate your child's room from newborn through to young adult.

Rocker or Not?

When it comes to nursing chairs, the other big question any expectant parent needs to answer is whether you want a rocking nursing chair or not. Keep reading to discover some of the pros and cons of a Rocking Nursing Chair.

The Pros and Cons of a Rocking Nursing Chair

Pros

• Gently rocking motion helps soothe babies
• Easily repurposed in another room
• Helps establish a routine for young ones
• Not as many parts for little ones fingers to catch compared to a glider nursing chair
• Often comes with armrests to support arms while breastfeeding
• Helps minimise disturbing partners while breastfeeding throughout the night
• Generally more affordable than other nursing chairs on the market.

Cons

• Does not have a swivel function or footrest
• Often seen as a luxury item
• Will take up some floor space in a nursery
• Padded, upholstered rocking chairs can be harder to clean any mess.