When you're preparing a nursery, a glider or rocker is usually somewhere near the top of the registry. But what if the best nursing chair isn't in the nursery section at all?
More and more new parents are discovering what one of our Knoxville customers recently told us after bringing home a Stressless recliner for her nursery:
"This is so much better than the nursing chair I bought specifically for breastfeeding. The back support, the recline, how quiet it is—I honestly can't imagine going back. I use it for every feed, day and night."
— Braden's customer & new mom, Knoxville, TN
She's not alone. Once you understand what makes a Stressless recliner different from a standard nursery glider, the comparison isn't even close. Here's why parents are making the switch—and why it's worth it.
8 Reasons Stressless Recliners Are Perfect for Nursing
Every feature was designed for comfort — it just happens to be exactly what new parents need.
Automatic Lumbar & Neck Support
The patented Stressless Plus™ system adjusts the headrest and lumbar support to your body position automatically. During long nursing sessions—especially middle-of-the-night feeds—this means your back and neck are always supported, no matter how you shift.
Whisper-Quiet Recline
Unlike nursery gliders with creaking joints and metal-on-metal sounds, the Stressless glide mechanism is virtually silent. Recline, swivel, and adjust without waking a baby who just fell asleep at the breast.
Gentle Glide Motion
Every Stressless recliner has a built-in glide function—a smooth, calming motion that soothes both parent and baby. It's the rocking motion you want from a glider, built into a chair that does so much more.
Easy-Clean Leather
Spit-up, leaked milk, diaper surprises—it all happens. Stressless Paloma and Batick leathers wipe clean in seconds. No removable cushion covers to wash, no fabric stains to treat. Just a damp cloth and you're done.
Ottoman for Swollen Feet
Every Stressless recliner comes with a matching ottoman. Elevating your feet during and after nursing helps reduce the swelling that's common in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Your OB will approve.
Sized to Fit Your Body
Most nursing chairs come in one size. Stressless recliners come in Small, Medium, and Large so the seat depth, back height, and armrest position actually match your frame. Proper fit means proper support—critical when you're nursing 8–12 times a day.
10-Year Warranty
Nursery gliders are designed for a season of life. A Stressless recliner is built to last a decade or more—through your first child, your second, and well beyond. The internal steel frame and mechanisms are guaranteed for 10 years.
It Lives Beyond the Nursery
This is the biggest one. A nursery glider gets donated or sold the moment your child outgrows it. A Stressless recliner moves to the living room, the bedroom, the office—it becomes the most-used seat in your home for years to come.
Stressless Recliner vs. Nursery Glider
Here's how a Stressless recliner stacks up against a typical nursery glider or rocker.
| Feature | Stressless Recliner | Nursery Glider |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic lumbar support | Yes (Plus™ system) | No |
| Silent recline | Yes | Often noisy |
| Rocking / glide motion | Yes (built-in) | Yes |
| 360° swivel | Yes | Some models |
| Multiple sizes | S / M / L | One size |
| Matching ottoman | Included | Sometimes extra |
| Leather option (easy clean) | 80+ options | Rare |
| Warranty | 10 years | 1–3 years |
| Useful life | 15–20+ years | 2–4 years |
| Works in other rooms | Living room, office, bedroom | Looks out of place |
Best Stressless Models for Nursing
While any Stressless recliner works beautifully for nursing, these models are especially popular with new parents.
Stressless Mayfair
The most popular Stressless recliner in the world, and a top pick for nursing. The Mayfair has a generous seat with soft, rounded cushioning that cradles you during long feeds. The higher back provides full neck and head support—essential when you're exhausted and dozing off during a 3am session. Available in S, M, and L.
Stressless Consul
Compact and cozy, the Consul is ideal if your nursery is on the smaller side. It has the same Plus™ and Glide systems as the larger models, just in a slightly more tailored profile. Many parents choose the Consul in Medium with Paloma leather for the easiest possible cleanup.
Stressless Reno
If you prefer a slightly wider seat for tucking your legs up or having your toddler climb in beside you, the Reno's broader dimensions give you that extra room. It's also a beautiful chair for the living room once the nursing phase ends.
Tips for Setting Up Your Stressless Nursing Station
Small details that make a big difference during those long feeds.
Choose the Right Size
This matters more than you might think. If you're under 5'5", the Small Stressless will likely fit you best—the seat depth will support your thighs properly and the headrest will align with your head. Between 5'5" and 5'10", go with Medium. Over 5'10", Large. Visit our showroom and we'll help you find the perfect fit.
Go with Leather
We love the fabric options too, but for a nursing chair, leather is the practical choice. Paloma leather is Stressless' most popular option for a reason: it's soft from day one, breathable, and cleans up easily. New parents tell us this single choice saves them hours of laundry.
Add a Side Table
Stressless makes a small swing table that attaches to the recliner base—perfect for your water bottle, phone, or burp cloth. Keep everything within arm's reach so you never have to get up mid-feed.
Position Near an Outlet
You'll be spending hours in this chair, often in the dark. Having a charger nearby for your phone and a small reading light makes the nighttime feeds much more manageable.
