Feed, rock, nap, repeat. For many parents, this is what life with a newborn looks like. Between early mornings and late nights, tons of time is spent in your nursery chair — that’s why finding one you love is so important. We know the options can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help you narrow it down. From types to features to fabrics, here are five tips for choosing an elevated, functional chair you and your little one will live in.
1. Choose your chair type
Before finding the perfect luxe chair, you first have to decide what type of chair you want. There are three main categories of nursery chairs: rockers, gliders, and recliners. Here’s a little bit about each one.
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Rockers. The most classic type of nursery chair, rockers do just that: rock back and forth on an arched base to soothe your babe. Relative to other nursery chairs, they’re the most straightforward style.
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Gliders. One step up from rockers are gliders. These chairs glide smoothly back and forth on their base, creating a seamless motion. Some gliders are extra wide and spacious (like the Cali Chair and a Half) and many of them swivel. These chairs are multi-functional, but not quite all-in-one.
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Recliners. Recliners are luxurious, all-in-one nursery chairs. Most recliners will glide, swivel, and either manually or electronically recline — allowing you to lay back and put up your feet on a pop-out footrest. Some styles even have built-in USB ports for easy charging. These chairs are typically the most comfortable for napping and feeding, but they also take up the most room. If you’re working with a shared space or smaller nursery, you may prefer to stick with a rocker or glider.
Featured: Cali Pillowback Chair & A Half in Chantilly Fleece
2. Look for labels that matter
Safety is any parent’s number one priority, and it’s ours too. From chemical emissions to harmful materials, there are a ton of things to think about when choosing nursery furniture for your little one — but certain certifications can signify that you’re in the clear. Here are three certifications you can find on all of our chairs, so you don't have to sacrifice safety for style.
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GREENGUARD Gold Certified. All of our nursery chairs are GREENGUARD Gold certified. This means they’re tested for more than 10,000 chemical emissions and volatile organic compounds, contributing to cleaner indoor air for you and your family.
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FSC®️ Certified. All of our nursery chairs are made with FSC®️ certified wood. This means we only harvest from forests that are responsibly managed and environmentally conscious, which helps protect wildlife, communities, and the environment.
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CertiPUR-US®️ Certified Foam. All of our nursery chairs are made with CertiPUR-US®️ certified foam, meeting the industry’s most rigorous certification program for foam used in upholstered furniture. This means you can cuddle up with your little one without worry, for years to come.
3. Select a silhouette you love
You know what chair type you want, and you’ve checked the boxes for safety. Now it’s time to find your style. From the soft curves of the Nami Recliner to the angular silhouette of the Sigi Recliner, find a shape that fits your nursery aesthetic and feels equally luxurious to lounge in. This is just one approach, but sometimes a more angular crib will pair nicely with a more rounded chair, and vice versa. For something in between rounded and angular, check out the Kiwi Recliner.
Featured: Sigi Electronic Glider Recliner in Ivory Boucle
4. Find your luxury fabric
Everyone’s favorite part? Upholstery. Here are some luxe fabric types you’ll come across as you search for a chair, and a little about each one. The key is finding one you love both the look and feel of. If you’re unfamiliar with some of these materials, you can always order free swatches.
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Boucle. Curly and texture-rich, boucle is a modern fabric that can help bring some visual variation to your space. It comes in a variety of colors from ivory to black to olive.
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Teddy Loop. A plush, fuzzy fabric that feels like your little one’s favorite teddy bear. Teddy loop is a warm, high-pile fabric we can’t get enough of.
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Velvet. Luxurious and elevated. Whether you opt for a solid hue or a playful print (we love the Checkered Velvet), a velvet chair makes a sophisticated design statement.
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Shearling. A warm and cozy fabric. Sitting in a shearling chair feels like being wrapped in your favorite blanket, and evokes the perfect warm modern feel.
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Chantilly Fleece. A smooth and elevated fleece fabric that adds an inviting touch to any nursery corner — and is incredibly soft.
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Eco-Performance. Though it’s not considered a luxe fabric, eco-performance is perfect if you want something extra resilient. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, and it’s stain-resistant and water-repellent to stand up to any nursery mishaps. It’s woven for a soft and smooth feel.
5. Consider adding an ottoman
Whether you choose a rocker, glider, or recliner, you can always add on an ottoman. This can make it easy to kick your feet up at any time, and is a versatile and lightweight piece you can move around your space. Styles like the Enoki Storage Ottoman offer a place to tuck away spare toys and blankets, while styles like the Kiwi Gliding Ottoman are designed to match a specific chair, and smoothly glide alongside your seating. Sometimes, a sleek and modern ottoman can be just what you need to complete your dream nursery seating setup — and truly live in luxury.
Featuring: Enoki Storage Ottoman in Olive Boucle