Rocking Chair, Glider, or Recliner for the Nursery: Is It Worth It?

As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you may be amazed by just how many items seem to be on the must-have list: from bassinets to cribs, and even poop bag dispensers! It can be overwhelming to think about all of the things you “need” for your baby.

Nursery Rocking Chairs necessary? nursery gliders worth it for the baby room?

But with all of these items to consider, you may be wondering: “Do you really need a nursery rocking chair or glider rocker for the nursery?” While it’s true that every family’s needs are different, a rocking chair can be a useful and comfortable addition to any nursery. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and needs. For example, gliders can be large. So you’ll need to ensure that you have the appropriate space for it.

When I had my son, I chose to be minimal with all the gadgets for the nursery. So I didn’t buy a rocking chair and used our couch instead. I also used a regular chair for nighttime feedings. We also had an Ikea Poang chair, but because I’m short and I had a cesarean, I found that very uncomfortable.

Anyway, if you’re still deciding whether to buy a nursery rocking chair or recliner, here’s a guide to help you with that.

The Benefits of a Nursery Glider, Recliner, or Rocking Chair

As a new mom, you’ll want nothing more than to create the best possible environment for your newborn. That’s where a nursery rocking chair shines as it has many uses and benefits in the nursery.

Creates a comfortable and relaxing spot for feeding

Those late-night feedings can be exhausting, but a rocking chair can help make the experience a little more soothing for both you and your baby since many nursery rocking chairs are designed with comfort in mind. The gentle rocking motion can even help your baby fall back to sleep.

Create a cozy spot for your growing child

As your child grows, a nursery chair can provide a cozy spot for them to relax and play. It’s a great place for them to sit and watch their favorite shows, or read their favorite book. Besides, some nursery rocking chairs are designed to be multi-functional, this can make them a more versatile choice for use in different areas of your home.

Help moms relax and unwind

A nursery chair can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which is especially important for new moms who may be dealing with the demands of caring for a newborn.

Boy and Bot

2025-02-18

How important is a nursing chair for breastfeeding? Do you really need it?

Here’s the thing: when it comes to breastfeeding chairs, you don’t necessarily have to splurge on an expensive option with all the bells and whistles. While it may be nice to have a luxurious breastfeeding chair, what’s most important is finding something comfortable to sit on while nursing your baby. And fortunately, there are plenty of options available that won’t break the bank.

Here are just a few nursery chair options

2025-02-19

2025-02-19

2025-02-19

  • Traditional rocking chairs: These classic chairs are a timeless choice for nursing, and many come with comfortable cushions and backrests. While a traditional rocking chair can be a beautiful addition to a nursery, it may not be the most comfortable option if you’ve had an episiotomy (a surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth). In this case, you may want to choose a chair with more cushioned seats and backrests.
  • Bean bag chairs: While they may not be the most traditional option, bean bag chairs can be a comfortable and affordable choice for nursing. Just make sure to choose one that’s big enough to support you and your baby comfortably.
  • A sofa: Depending on the style of your sofa, it may be a comfortable option for breastfeeding. Just make sure to choose a spot that provides adequate back and arm support.
  • An office chair: You can also use an office chair with adjustable height and backrest. You may have to adjust it to the right height and choose a comfortable position.
  • Breastfeeding in bed: For nighttime feeds, breastfeeding in bed is a way to do it. Use a comfortable breastfeeding pillow to support both you and your baby.
  • The Ikea Poang chair: This classic chair is a popular choice for breastfeeding, as it offers a comfortable seat and backrest. Based on my experience as a very short person (4’11”), this isn’t very comfortable for breastfeeding.
  • Huge exercise balls: While they may not be the most traditional option, some moms find that using a huge exercise ball as a breastfeeding chair is comfortable and helps promote good posture. Choose a ball that’s the right size for your height!
  • A combination of any of these chairs plus a really good breastfeeding pillow: If you’re using a chair that’s not specifically designed for breastfeeding, using a good breastfeeding pillow can make it more comfortable.
  • Rocker, Glider, or Recliner: These types of chairs are specifically designed for breastfeeding and tend to be more comfortable than other options mentioned here. They often come with cushioned seats, backrests, and armrests, making them a great choice for extended nursing sessions. Gliders are a specifically popular choice for nursing chairs, as they offer a smooth, gentle rocking motion that can be soothing for both moms and babies. If you’re looking for ultimate comfort, a reclining chair may be the way to go. Many recliners come with built-in footrests and adjustable backrests which moms love.

The Different Types of Nursery Chairs

If you’ve decided that you want to buy a breastfeeding chair, the next thing you need to think about is what type of chair you want.

Do you want a rocking chair? A glider? A recliner? Or a combination of these three?

Traditional Rocking Chair:

A traditional rocking chair is a classic choice. While these rocking chairs can be a bit bulky, they’re a timeless choice that can be passed down as an heirloom.

Nursery rocker:

A nursery rocker, also known as a nursing rocker, is a type of rocking chair specifically designed for nursing and bonding with your baby. It’s similar to a traditional rocking chair, but it often has a more comfortable seat and backrest, as well as cushioned armrests.

2025-02-19

Nursery Glider:

A nursery glider is similar to a rocking chair, but it offers a smooth, gentle rocking motion that can be soothing for both moms and babies. Many gliders also come with cushioned seats and backrests. One potential downside of gliders is that they may not be as durable as traditional rocking chairs, especially if they’re made of cheaper materials.

2025-02-19

Rocker and Glider Combo:

If you’re having trouble deciding between a rocking chair and a glider, you may want to consider a rocker and glider combo. These chairs offer both a traditional rocking motion and a smooth gliding motion, giving you the best of both worlds.

2025-02-19

FAQ:

What is a Victorian nursing chair?

A Victorian nursing chair is a type of hardwood chair specifically designed for the comfort of mothers while breastfeeding. These chairs often have spring-loaded seats that are stuffed with horsehair or other materials to provide cushioning and support. Victorian nursing chairs are typically made with traditional, ornate designs and may feature braided stuffing for added comfort.

Are nursing chairs worth it?

Whether or not a nursing chair is worth it is a matter of personal preference. Some parents find that a specialized nursing chair, such as a rocker, glider, or recliner, is worth the investment because it makes breastfeeding more comfortable. On the other hand, if you already have a comfortable chair at home that you can use for nursing, you may not need to purchase a specialized nursing chair.

Does a glider recliner rock?

While some glider recliners may have a rocking motion, they are not typically designed to rock in the same way that a traditional rocking chair does. Instead, glider recliners typically have a smooth, back-and-forth gliding motion. However, some chairs are both gliders and rockers, so it’s always worth checking the specific features of the chair you’re considering.

Does a nursing chair need to rock?

While rocking is a common feature of many nursing chairs, it is not a requirement for all types of nursing chairs. Some nursing chairs, such as gliders, have different motions that can be soothing for both mothers and babies.

Do you need a rocking chair for the baby?

A rocking chair is not a necessary item for every nursery, but it can be a nice addition if you find that your baby enjoys being rocked to sleep. Rocking chairs can also be a comfortable option for breastfeeding and other activities with your baby.

Is a glider a rocker?

No, a glider and a rocker are two different types of chairs. A glider typically moves back and forth in a smooth, gliding motion, while a rocker has an up-and-down rocking motion that follows an arc.

How much do nursery rocking chairs cost?

The cost of a nursery rocking chair can vary widely depending on the type of chair, the materials used, and the features included. Traditional rocking chairs may be the most affordable option, while more specialized chairs such as gliders or recliners may be more expensive. Prices can range from $100 – $2000

What to buy – glider, recliner, or a rocker?

Based on my very unscientific research, it seems that a nursery rocker is a favorite choice for many moms because it’s more comfortable for both mother and baby. This is a great starting point when it comes to deciding which type of chair to buy for your nursery. However, I think the bestnursery chair for you always depends on your personal preferences and budget.

Do I need an ottoman for my glider?

Having an ottoman with a glider chair can provide additional comfort and support, especially if you plan on spending long periods nursing or rocking your baby. An ottoman can help elevate your feet and legs, reducing pressure on your back and allowing you to relax more fully. Many glider chairs come with an ottoman included, or you can purchase one separately.

If you’re not sure whether you need an ottoman with your glider chair, think about your personal needs. For example, if you have back leg or leg pain that might be relieved by elevating your feet or legs, then an Ottoman might be a useful addition to your glider chair.