how important is a rocking chair?

sky

Fri, Apr 23 2010, 11:04 am

It is not a must. I got it with #2 (a glider with an ottoman) and it was great for nursing in the middle of the night. Now that I have it I love it, but when I didn't have it I did just fine nursing in bed.
(Now I nurse the baby in the middle of the night and fall into a semi-sleep on the chair - something I would never have done in bed. )

I'd assume for someone who co-sleeps and/or nurses lieing down (I could never get that to work) it is not that really needed at all.

anuta

Fri, Apr 23 2010, 12:55 pm

I never had a rocking chair. I am expecting my third.

Before my first was born, I bought this Ikea chair with a footstool that has a flexible wooden frame and rocks slightly if you lean back... Now they have an identical one on their site that actually has a rocking chair bottom. It worked for me, but of course I don't know any better. I also liked that it is light (I can easily move it from room to room), and it doesn't look like a nursing chair, takes less space... and cheaper of course.

JollyMommy

Fri, Apr 23 2010, 3:46 pm

very important- I have 2 for each kid's room and would definately take a third for our room if someone offered it, we also have a rocking recliner that I use every day. get one

Mimisinger

Fri, Apr 23 2010, 4:08 pm

I bought a VERY expensive one and never used it. I have two kids. Nursed both. Never used it. It was the biggest waste. I loved nursing on the couch, against one of the arms with a boppy (in the beginning).

chocolate moose

Fri, Apr 23 2010, 5:09 pm

My mom swore by hers, but I was happy on the couch or in bed. My coworker got a leather recliner for herself.

You do what works.

chaylizi

Fri, Apr 23 2010, 7:32 pm

I bought one at Target when my oldest was born. I only nursed there. I still have it, but I mostly use it for rocking my baby to sleep. It's certainly not a necessity. Now I just nurse where I am. It's so much easier that way.

amother

Tue, Apr 27 2010, 10:40 am

I got a rocking chair as a present after my baby and we were never able to actually put it together. It just wasn't made right . So its still laying in the corner of my baby's room. I never felt I was missing it. During the day I always feed on the couch that also pulls out as a recliner. Thats really great! At night my baby usually doesn't get up often so when she does I manage it on my bed. I don't find the rocking chair a must.

the world's best mom

Tue, Apr 27 2010, 11:28 am

As you can see, it depends on the person. I am calmer and happier while rocking, and so is my baby. It is often the only way to get him to sleep. Other people don't enjoy it much.

Isramom8

Tue, Apr 27 2010, 4:09 pm

Enjoyed it when I had one. But it's not a necessity. You can cozy up elsewhere too.

Mommy3.5

Wed, Apr 28 2010, 10:36 am

I find the glider more important with a newborn as it is really supportive of the back and arms. Also a really good nursing pillow. my preference is the My Brest friend pillow.

You can likely do without it, but for me it is a must at the beginning, by 3-4 months not so much.

chocolate moose

Wed, Apr 28 2010, 11:34 am

thje baby that is rocked to sleep will not be able to teach himself to go to sleep on his own.

mamommommy

Wed, Apr 28 2010, 11:44 am

chocolate moose wrote:

thje baby that is rocked to sleep will not be able to teach himself to go to sleep on his own.

The rocking chair isn't just for sleeping, it's also for soothing.

I don't think that it's so importnat. Hey, if you have the money, I don't think anyone will tell you they didn't like it, but it's expensive, takes up room, and some women never use it even though they have it (like me). If you're on a buget, I'd say it's worth skipping unless, after your baby is born, you see that it would be really good for you.

the world's best mom

Wed, Apr 28 2010, 12:12 pm

chocolate moose wrote:

thje baby that is rocked to sleep will not be able to teach himself to go to sleep on his own.

My babies that are rocked turn into children who fall asleep on their own with no problem.