The best nursing chair can feel like one of those baby purchases that’s nice to have rather than something you genuinely need, but when you consider how many hours you’re likely to spend feeding, cuddling and settling your baby, it starts to make a lot more sense. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, comfort is key – particularly during those long feeds and late-night wake-ups – but there’s plenty more to think about than simply how soft the seat is.
I’ve found there’s a huge amount of choice, from rocking and gliding chairs designed to add a gentle motion to feeds and cuddles, to more traditional armchairs that can be used long after the newborn stage. For me, practicality is just as important as looks, so features such as removable or wipe-clean covers, supportive arm rests, a decent foot rest and handy storage for nappies, muslins and snacks can make a real difference.
Space is another consideration. While some nursing chairs are substantial pieces of furniture, there are plenty of more compact options for smaller nurseries or bedrooms. I’ve also looked at different fabrics, seat firmness and back support to see which designs are genuinely comfortable for prolonged sitting.
I, alongside two fellow parenting writers, tested a range of nursing chairs, assessing comfort, design, practicality and value for money.
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The best nursing chairs for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Mamas & Papas bowdon nursing chair: £645, Mamasandpapas.com
- Best budget buy– Ikea poang rocking chair: £99, Ikea.com
- Best chair with footstool – Mamas & Papas hilston nursing chair and footstool: £799, Mamasandpapas.com
- Best electric recliner – Il Tutto Frankie electric recliner glider nursery chair: £999, Iltutto.co.uk
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Mamas & Papas bowdon nursing chair
Best: nursing chair overall
Why we love it
- Looks stylish and modern
- Exceptionally comfortable
Take note
- Expensive
An example of when form and function worked harmoniously, the Mamas & Papas bowdon nursing chair was, without a doubt, the best nursing chair I tested and one of the best looking to boot. A plush, wide seat cushion remains comfortable and plump even during the long, cluster-feeding hours, and the soft bouclé fabric has a velvety texture that feels great against bare skin.
The raised chair arms – which I didn’t find on other chairs I tested – have been designed so you new mums can rest their tired arms while holding the baby in the typical crossbody feeding position, while the seat back was just the right height to support both your back and neck while reclined. It should be noted that I am a petite 5ft 3in, and my neck rested perfectly against the back of the chair.
Ergonomic oak rocking legs offer a smooth – and crucially silent – ride. It comes in four colourways and is quite a neat size, making it ideal for mid-size rooms. When it comes to cleaning, the cushion cover is reversible, meaning you can go a bit longer without having to get the chair professionally cleaned.
Key specifications
Buy now £645, Mamasandpapas.com
Ikea poang rocking chair
Best: budget nursing chair
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Easy to put together
- Cushion covers can be removed and replaced
Take note
- Not the most durable
I love this minimalist rocking chair for nurseries with less space and muscles that are weak. While flat packs can be a pain to put up, this chair took under 10 minutes to put together and saved too many cooks trying to carry a heavy, bulky chair upstairs. Thankfully, when pieced together, the chair is super lightweight and easy enough to carry into your bedroom to make those bleary eyed feeds a little less painful.
IIt costs a fraction of the price as other rockers and helped keep the nursery budget in order. Plus, a massive bonus is that the seat cover, which simply velcros in place and has suprisingly lost-lasting comfort for a thinner padding option, is easily replaceable if you ever want to change colour schemes or are struggling to fight a stain.
I was also happy to find out that Ikea sells replacement cushions (£29, Ikea.com) in six different colours. A very reassuring reason to buy this item for a room that’s bound to experience plenty of messy accidents. And as you didn’t spend too much on the chair, we recommend snapping up the matching footstool for £40 (Ikea.com).
Key specifications
Buy now £99, Ikea.com
Il Tutto Frankie electric recliner glider nursery chair
Best: electric recliner nursing chair
Why we love it
- Extremely comfortable and supportive
- Smooth electric recline
- High back provides good neck support
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
Take note
- Expensive
- Requires a power socket
The Il Tutto Frankie ticks a lot of boxes for me. The electric recline is one of my favourite features – it’s incredibly smooth and quiet, and being able to adjust the angle at the touch of a button is a real game-changer for a nursing chair. Whether you want to sit upright for a feed or lean further back once baby has drifted off, you can find the position that feels right without any awkward pulling or kicking out a footrest. The armrests are also just the right height for comfortably supporting your arms while holding baby.
The seat is roomy and supportive, while the teddy fabric feels wonderfully soft and cosy, which is exactly what you want when you’re spending hours feeding and cuddling a newborn. I particularly loved the high back, too. The nursing chair I used during my previous pregnancy didn’t have enough neck support and often left me with an aching neck, so this feels like a significant improvement.
I tested the taupe teddy version, which is lovely and neutral, but it’s also available in coconut teddy and olive teddy. If teddy fabric isn’t your thing, there’s also an eggshell option in a smooth, easy-to-clean fabric. The USB-A and USB-C charging ports are another thoughtful touch, keeping my phone topped up during long night feeds when I’d watch a TV episode or browse online to stay awake.
Key specifications
Buy now £999, Iltutto.co.uk
Tutti Bambini Harper wingback rocking chair & footstool
Best: nursing chair with a tall backrest
Why we love it
- Storage footstool is a great touch
- Design will work after nursing ends
Take note
- Firmer than others
- A faff to put together
Unlike other chairs I tested, the Tutti Bambini Harper wingback rocking chair arrived in two parts and was quite tricky to assemble due to one of the screws not fitting well. Besides a frustrating start, the chair offered everything you might need from a feeding chair, including a wide seat and a high back, which felt firm and supportive. The cushioned seat was comfortable but I felt it lacked bounce, and I would sink a little too deeply into it on marathon feeds.
Rocking legs offered a smooth, soundless rocking motion, and the design, with its modern ‘mushroom’ colourway and ‘teddy fleece’ fabric, means it would slot nicely into any living room after its use in the nursery. The fabric has been treated with Scotchgard™ to help protect against spills and stains, allowing you to blot out milk stains easily, but for harder stains (yes, we’re talking baby poop), you would need to get it professionally cleaned.
It also comes with an extremely useful footstool with storage – perfect for keeping wipes, nappies, and other changing bits and pieces tidied away, and a pillow for the small of your back. It is on the large side, so it would not suit smaller nursery rooms.
Overall, and for the price point, it is a great option, especially for those with larger nursery rooms and who prefer firm support.
Key specifications
Buy now £349, Tuttibambini.com
Cuddle Co Etta boucle nursing chair
Best: nursing chair for small spaces
Why we love it
- Luxuriously soft bouclé fabric
- A contemporary, chic addition to smaller nurseries
Take note
- It could feel too small in a large space
This brand really lives up to their name because every one of Cuddle Co's chairs I've tested honestly does feel like a comforting embrace. The beautifully crafted, silky, soft boucle fabric feels luxuriously cosy and kind to your postpartum body and your baby's delicate skin. I adore the contemporary off-white colourway and its classic, oak rocking legs.
This sturdy nursing chair rocks in a much more gentle motion compared to others tested, which I am always grateful for when my daredevil two-year-old decides to use it as a climbing frame. This soothing movement, combined with wide armrests and thick padded support, provides the ultimate relaxation while nursing your baby, reading a story together or rocking them to sleep. The best part about this chair, though, is the bargain price tag; a great price for an item that feels so luxe.
Key specifications
Buy now £289, Boots.com
Mamas & Papas hilston nursing chair and footstool
Best: nursing chair with footstool
Why we love it
- Comes with a matching footstool
- Armrests for additional support
- Thick, comfortable cushion
Take note
- Boucle material could show wear and tear after prolonged use
Bridging the gap between style and practicality, the Mamas & Papas hilston nursing chair is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing I’ve come across, especially if you choose it in the fabric of the moment – off-white boucle. Designed with a modern look, it has an ergonomic shape that left my back feeling supported, while its cushioned arms are positioned at an optimum height for improved comfort during feeds so you can say goodbye to soreness and cramps.
The thick foam cushions of the chair feel firm yet manage to sculpt to your body so you can feel relaxed without sacrificing your posture and I loved the rocking motion, which feels smooth and gentle thanks to the chair’s sturdy solid oak legs. Available in five fabric and colour choices, which all feel soft and luxurious, I also appreciated that the chair comes with a reversible cushion that can be simply removed for quick and easy cleaning should you have any accidents, which, let’s face it, are inevitable with a newborn.
If you’re looking to put your feet up while feeding or soothing your baby, I love that the chair can be purchased as part of a bundle with a matching footstool. Seriously chic and effective, this chair will serve you well beyond the baby years and looks just as at home in any other room as it will in your nursery. So, while it is certainly an investment, we think it’s one that’s sure to stand the test of time.
Key specifications
Buy now £799, Mamasandpapas.com
Gaia Baby Serena rocking and nursing chair
Best: nursing chair for large nurseries
Why we love it
- Large seat base
- Low arm rests
- Available in different colours
Take note
- Large size won't suit every home
If you’re looking for a cavernous chair that can become part of your home for many years to come, this is the one for you. The large seat base is big enough that you can sit with your legs crossed or have your little one beside you once they’ve grown for cosy bedtime reading sessions. Of course, its bulkiness does mean it’s best suited to those with more space, so that’s something to keep in mind.
The chair is classically minimalist with a square shape that lends itself well to comfortable sitting. The armrests are fairly low compared to other styles I tried, which helps keep your shoulders relaxed, and I liked that the chair comes with a removable cushion, which you can use to prop underneath your arms should they start to feel heavy or for additional lumbar support.
The legs have a Scandi-inspired look to them and are made from quality natural birch wood, allowing you to sit back with a smooth rocking motion ideal for relaxing. I also appreciated that the cushion covers are removable and washable.
There are a number of colourways up for grabs, from neutral tones to ochre and ocean blue. There’s also the option to buy a coordinating ottoman (£99.99, Gaia-baby.com) that not only acts as a handy footstool but also offers storage for things such as books or feeding accessories thanks to its liftable lid.
Key specifications
Buy now £399.99, Gaia-baby.com
Obaby round back rocking chair
Best: neutral nursing chair
Why we love it
- Will match most interiors
- Wide seat base
With white rocking legs and soft neutral cushions – pick between creamy oatmeal or soft grey – the Obaby round back rocking chair will look right at home in most interiors. Made with a sturdy solid wood frame, the build quality feels great, while the thick foam seat and curved back cushioning provide all-around comfort.
I loved the wide seat on Obaby’s chair, which gives plenty of space for you to snuggle up with your little one, even as they grow. The rocking bars mean you sit fairly low to the ground and provide a smooth, rocking motion that’s not only great for the baby but also for the parent when they’re in need of some “me” time. I also liked the up-to-date design, which features stylish arrow shaping on the back cushion and a soft yet durable weaved upholstery that promises to look fresh for years to come.
Key specifications
Buy now £350, Boots.com
Il Tutto Lulu glider nursing chair
Best: gliding nursing chair
Why we love it
- Stylish
- Gliding motion
Take note
- Large and bulky
From the moment it arrived, which was surprisingly a super speedy delivery for free postage, I was instantly blown away by the luxe look and feel of the Il Tutto Lulu glider nursing chair. The elegant style complements any modern home, no matter what room you choose to use it in.
I found the gliding sensation a much easier motion for my sore, postpartum body and was thankful for the 360-degree turn to prevent any stiff jolts that might irritate a nursing baby. Due to the large sizing, I was unable to squeeze it into my little one’s nursery but adored it as part of my playroom, which saved having to lug the heavy chair upstairs.
I was grateful for its long lifespan as it perfectly doubles up as a relaxing spot for your little one to read as they grow older as they much prefer the swivel compared to a rocker when they are tall enough to have fun spinning themselves. I was pleased that the chair lived up to its price tag and actually felt like the stunning fabric made it look even more expensive in our home.
If you have enough space in a nursery or playroom and looking to bring some luxury into a modern room, I recommend this large option and love it most for its easy breezy rocking and swivel motions which do the perfect job of comforting baby with two different movement options.
Key specifications
Buy now £499, Iltutto.co.uk
Tutti Bambini Noah rocking chair
Best: versatile nursing chair
Why we love it
- Minimalist design
- Choice of colours
- Can be spot-cleaned
Tutti Bambini’s Noah chair is one of the most versatile and practical options on this list. It’s brimming with features that not only mean it will take the strain out of comforting your little one for long periods of time, but will likely become a prime feature of any room in your home once they’re fully grown.
With a minimalistic design, it looks the part, coming in a choice of two muted colours – stone or pebble. Aside from its good looks, it has been designed with new parents in mind. It boasts an ergonomic shape for full back support, comfortable curved armrests that won’t leave you aching and Scotch-guarded fabric that means it’s protected from pretty much any kind of spill and can be spot-cleaned where necessary.
Key specifications
Buy now £199, Tuttibambini.com
What is the best nursing chair?
The Mamas & Papas Bowden nursing chair gets our top spot for its incredible comfort, relaxing (and quiet) motion and high-quality build. It’s also very pleasing on the eye and doesn’t take up too much space, which means that it can be easily integrated into any style of nursery and later into your lounge should you wish. A very close second has to be the Il Tutto Frankie, which was exceptionally comfortable and makes middle-of-the-night feeds that bit easier thanks to the smooth electric recline and USB ports. It only loses out to the Mamas & Papas Bowden because of the higher price point, but this makes sense given the high-quality engineering.
We also have to give special mention to Tutti Bambini’s Noah for the fact it comes with interchangeable legs – a smart feature for those looking to futureproof their purchase. If you’re on the hunt for something more affordable, Ikea’s poang rocking chair is a great alternative that looks the part and won’t break the bank.
How I tested nursing chairs
To find the very best nursing chairs, I put each model through hands-on, real-life testing designed to reflect how new parents actually use them day and night. I looked at the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Together, IndyBest’s parenting experts put a selection of the best nursing chairs to the test. Sarah Jones is the assistant IndyBest editor and is an avid product tester, particularly when it comes to kids and parenting products. During her pregnancy, she tried and tested a whole host of products to help new parents decide on the best kit they need. As a mother, Leeanna Lock has also tested hundreds of baby, toddler and kids’ products over the years, so she is well versed in providing shopping and gift advice for fellow parents. Meanwhile, Emilee Tombs is the assistant travel editor at The Independent and has recently had her second child, making her ideal to test furniture for new parents.
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