Best Nursery Rocking Chairs: Picks for Every Feeding Need

The best nursery rocking chair is the one you can sit in for a 3 a.m. feed without your back, neck or feet complaining. Start with the feature you would miss most: a footrest, a high back or headrest, a lumbar pillow, side pockets or a swivel recline. Below, our nursery rockers are grouped by those needs, with real measurements from each product page.

Best with a footrest

A footrest lets you put your feet up during long feeds, and a built-in one saves the floor space a separate stool would take.

The Snowberry Teddy Nursing Rocker, Fold-Out Footrest

A soft cocoon shape with a high back and a footrest that folds out when you need it. A good all-round nursery chair if you want both softness and a place to rest your legs.

• 26 W x 37.8 D x 39 H in (66 x 96 x 99 cm)
• Length with footrest out: 49.4 in (125.5 cm)
• Seat: 20.5 W x 21.3 D in (52 x 54 cm); teddy fabric in White

The Posy Tufted Teddy Nursing Rocker, Hidden Footrest

Our narrowest indoor rocker at 19.7 in (50 cm), with a footrest that tucks away when you're done. It suits a small nursery, as long as you leave room in front: the depth reaches 52 in (132 cm) with the footrest out.

• 19.7 W x 39 H in (50 x 99 cm)
• Depth with footrest extended: 52 in (132 cm)
• Tufted teddy with a high back, in Cream

The Hazel Corduroy Nursing Rocker + Built-In Footrest

A high-back cocoon in taupe corduroy. It looks less "baby" than white teddy, so it moves easily to a living room later.

• 25.6 W x 40.2 D x 36.2 H in (65 x 102 x 92 cm)
• Seat height: 16.9 in (43 cm)
• Built-in footrest; corduroy in Taupe

Also consider The Frost, a teddy rocker that comes with a footrest and is just 25.2 in (64 cm) deep.

Best for lower back support

The Clover High-Back Nursing Rocker + Lumbar Pillow

The tallest chair in our nursery collection at 43.3 in (110 cm), and it comes with a lumbar pillow. Pick it if you are tall or if your lower back is what bothers you after a feed.

• 26.4 W x 38.2 D x 43.3 H in (67 x 97 x 110 cm)
• Lumbar pillow included
• Flannel and rubberwood, in Ivory

For more on posture, see our guide to the best rocking chair for back support.

Best with a headrest

The Lambkin Teddy Nursing Rocker, Adjustable Headrest

The headrest adjusts, which helps if you plan to doze between feeds. It also has side pockets and the smallest footprint in our range.

• 22.4 W x 21.7 D x 35.8 H in (57 x 55 x 91 cm)
• Adjustable headrest, side pockets
• Ultra-soft teddy in Cream

The Cubby Teddy Wingback Rocker

A teddy wingback with a headrest, so you can rest your head while the baby sleeps on you. Forest Green is a nice option for a nursery that isn't all white.

• 25.2 W x 31.5 D x 35 H in (64 x 80 x 89 cm)
• Backrest height: 23 in (58.5 cm)
• Camel, White or Forest Green

Best with side pockets

The Nestle Teddy Nursery Rocker with Side Pockets

Side pockets hold what you reach for at night: phone, burp cloth, a book. The high back measures 23.2 in (58.9 cm), and the 15.7 in (39.9 cm) seat height suits shorter parents.

• Overall height: 35.8 in (90.9 cm)
• Seat: 17.7 W x 20.2 D in (45 x 51.3 cm)
• Teddy in White, Beige or Grey

Best swivel recliners for the nursery

A swivel lets you turn toward the crib without getting up. A recline helps when the baby finally falls asleep on your chest.

The Carson Swivel Rocker Recliner with Side Pockets

A 22 in (55.9 cm) wide seat, side pockets and a 330 lb weight capacity. It swivels, rocks and reclines, and it needs 63.8 in (162.1 cm) fully reclined.

• 31.5 W x 37.4 D x 40.2 H in (80 x 95 x 102.1 cm)
• Seat height: 19.3 in (49 cm)
• Grey, Beige, Brown or Black

The Scout Compact 360 Swivel Rocker Recliner

The compact option, 28.7 in (72.9 cm) wide with a full 360 degree swivel. Good for a nursery that shares space with a guest bed or a desk.

• 28.7 W x 35 D x 37.8 H in (72.9 x 88.9 x 96 cm)
• Fully reclined: 60.6 in (153.9 cm)
• Weight capacity: 300 lb

Best for a small nursery

The Petal Compact Teddy Rocker

Built compact, with a high back and solid wood, and only 29.5 in (75 cm) deep. It comes in Pink, Grey or Ivory.

• 26.8 W x 29.5 D x 36.2 H in (68 x 75 x 92 cm)
• Seat height: 15.7 in (40 cm)

The Fleece High-Back Teddy Rocker

Just 21.1 in (53.5 cm) wide, with a high back and a low 14.4 in (36.5 cm) seat. It fits next to a crib where a bigger chair won't.

• 21.1 W x 27.2 D x 34.3 H in (53.5 x 69.2 x 87 cm)
• Boucle teddy in Ivory

What to check before you buy

• Seat height. You will stand up holding a baby. A higher seat, like The Carson's 19.3 in (49 cm), makes that easier. A low seat suits shorter parents.
• Armrests. Your elbow should rest on the arm while you feed. Note the arm height that feels right on a chair you already own.
• Space around the crib. Measure between crib, dresser and door, and leave room for rocking and any footrest. Our rocking chair size guide shows how.
• Fabric. Teddy, boucle, flannel and corduroy all feel soft. Mid-tones like Taupe or Grey hide marks better than White.
• Timing. Shipping is free to the contiguous US and delivery takes 8 to 21 days. Most chairs need light assembly, so order well before the due date.

FAQ

Is a rocking chair or a glider better for a nursery?

Both can work. A rocker rolls on curved runners, while a glider moves along a flat, fixed path. Our rocking chair vs glider guide explains the trade-offs.

Do I need a footrest on a nursing chair?

It is not required, but it lets you put your feet up during long feeds. A built-in footrest, like those on The Snowberry, The Posy and The Hazel, saves you from finding room for a separate stool.

When should I buy a nursery rocking chair?

Aim for at least a month before your due date. Delivery takes 8 to 21 days, and you will want time to assemble the chair and try it.

What is the best fabric for a nursery chair?

Pick something soft you like touching at night: teddy, boucle, flannel or corduroy. If spills worry you, choose a mid-tone color over white.

Can a nursery rocker be used after the baby years?

Yes. Several of our nursery chairs, including The Wisp, The Frost and The Cubby, also belong to our reading rockers collection, so they move easily to a living room or reading corner.

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