New Kids Couch
These Nugget Couch Alternatives Are Available Now, and Just as Good as the Real Thing
Updated: September 18, 2021
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Last fall, moms and dads were screaming, "I won the lottery!" — but they weren't referring to Powerball or Mega Millions. The cause for celebration? They managed to get their hands on the oh-so-hyped Nugget couch. Parents submitted their names every Wednesday leading up to the holidays, and some lucky winners scored the foam-filled couch-slash-indoor play gym.
These days, you can expect your back-ordered Nugget to arrive a lot quicker — in approximately three to six weeks. For parents who can't wait, or could use a less-expensive option, we found Nugget couch alternatives for your growing tot.
What is the Nugget and why are people obsessed with it?
The Nugget, also referred to as "the original play couch," was first introduced as a Kickstarter in 2015. It's a four-piece set of foam building blocks, which you can arrange into a couch, fort or any other creation. Over five or so years — and especially in the past two — demand has gone through the roof. Parents in the What to Expect community often rave about it, discuss how to get their hands on one or ask why they're so life-changing. The simple answer? Growing kiddos just love exploring, crawling and climbing over these comfy cushions. It's designed to promote kids' imaginative play and gross motor skills, so there's a developmental component to it, too. Some parents even find themselves resting on them!
While shipping issues have largely subsided, there's still the cost to contend with. For some, the cost of the Nugget ($229) doesn't exactly fit their budget. The Nugget is also an extremely large item, so there's also the issue of available square footage. Luckily, there are plenty of Nugget alternatives to give your little ones a similar experience if the original doesn't suit you.
What to look for in a Nugget couch knock-off
An alternative to the Nugget should be some sort of foam structure. There are nearly identical dupes, and others that are made of similar materials. These are the key components to look out for:
- Cleaning. Undoubtedly, you're going to need an easy-to-wash fabric cover on your play couch. The Nugget is made of a machine-washable microsuede, which you can wash cold by itself (but spot-cleaning is recommended for smaller spills). Seek out a Nugget alternative that you can easily throw in the wash.
- Shipping. While shipping delays aren't nearly as long anymore, it does still take three to six weeks — that's just about as long as a custom couch you might order for yourself! Consider when you'd like this item in your home, and then assess which Nugget alternative can get to your door ASAP.
- Price. Whether the Nugget is a splurge item or totally out of your budget, determine the price you're comfortable paying for a play couch. While some Nugget alternatives are slightly more expensive, other competitors cost considerably less.
- Size. For many parents, your living room or playroom might not be able to accommodate such a large structure. Measure your space and find out the best size for your play couch.
- Safety. The main perk of the Nugget's soft structure is how safe it is for little ones. Your Nugget alternative should be gentle on kids' skin and help them have fun all day long.
- Environmental impact.Be on the lookout for materials that are Greenguard Gold- and/or CertiPUR-US-certified. These are better for the environment and your home.
How we made our picks for the best Nugget Couch alternatives
To select the best Nugget Couch alternatives for your kiddos, we considered the above factors, plus turned to members of the What to Expect community, as well as our editors, to see what play couches they've tried and loved.
Below, we've rounded up Nugget alternatives to fit every parent's need. These options are cost-effective, ready to ship in days or offer space-saving solutions.
Foamnasium Blocksy Kids Couch
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Pros: Easier to clean, plenty of colors to choose from
Cons: Same price range as the Nugget
Why We Love It
Parents are turning to the Blocksy as the ultimate Nugget alternative. Though they have a similar price point, the Blocksy design looks very similar and is also offered in nine colors. Like the Nugget, the Blocksy set comprises four cushions: a thick foldable cushion, a thin foldable cushion and two back cushions. You can transform it from a couch and into a fort, tent or other imaginative structure.
What really sets it apart, though — besides the Amazon Prime eligibility — is the easy-to-clean medical grade vinyl fabric. Rather than removing the cover (as you do with the Nugget), you can simply wipe spills or stains clean. Just remember: This means the Blocksy isn't quite as soft and snuggly, so it's more of a play toy than a place to rest.
Dimensions: Thick foldable cushion unfolds to 5 x 25 x 70 inches and folds to 10 x 25 x 35 inches; thin foldable cushion unfolds to 3 x 25 x 70 inches and folds to 6 x 25 x 35 inches; back cushions are 11 x 8 x 25 inches
Weight: 24.7 pounds
Material: Vinyl, foam
Recommended age: Newborn to 10 years
Foamnasium Blocksy Mini
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Pros: Less expensive than other options, great for smaller spaces
Cons: Not as many pieces or features
Why We Love It
If you want a less expensive, more space-saving version of the Nugget or Blocksy, the Blocksy Mini is your best bet. The Mini has similar components, smaller dimensions and comes in nine aesthetically pleasing colors. There are three pieces in this set: one folding base and two wedge cushions. Many parents worry that the Nugget can't fit in their homes, and the Mini offers the perfect solution.
Dimensions: Foldable cushions fold to 8 x 23 x 23 inches and unfold to 4 x 23 x 46; back cushions are 8 x 11 x 23 inches each
Weight: 8 pounds
SoftScape Toddler Playtime Corner Climber
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Pros: Can wipe it clean, fits in the corner to save space
Cons: Doesn't have a couch configuration
Why We Love It
Another Nugget alternative is this set from SoftScape. It doesn't have the exact configuration (read: it looks more like a gym mat or pyramid rather than a couc), but these soft blocks are bestsellers and a favorite among What to Expect community members.
The four-piece set fits right into the corner to save some extra space and it's available in five different color combinations. Plus, there's a real element of fun here, thanks to cushioned stairs and a slide-like cushion. Just don't expect to be able to lounge on this set the way you might on the Nugget.
Despite this, one of the biggest draws is the polyurethane cover, which allows you to simply wipe it clean. It's also Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified for low emissions. Even better? Thanks to Amazon Prime, it'll be on your doorstep in no time. All in all, this is a purchase you can feel really good about.
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 10 inches (overall)
Weight: 11 pounds (overall)
Material: Foam, polyurethane
Recommended age: 9 months to 3 years
Cushy Couch
Pros: Luxury fabric, most chic option available
Cons: More expensive than the Nugget, spot clean only
Why We Love It
Made by a family-owned business in Canada, the Cushy Couch is a slightly more expensive Nugget alternative. U.S. residents need to pay extra for shipping, but it's available to ship within one week of purchasing. There are four parts in the Cushy Couch: two pieces for the base and two triangles for the couch's backrest. These aren't connected, though, so your tot can get creative and move them around. One sticky point for parents might be that it's made from a durable micro suede, so you should only spot-clean it.
Dimensions: 33 x 66 x 8.75 inches (in the couch position); triangles are 16 x 16 x 16 inches
Material: Foam, polyester (covers)
The Figgy by Shenanigan Kids
Pros: Velcro makes it easier to keep them together, machine-washable covers
Cons: More expensive, some shipping delays
Why We Love It
The Figgy launched in November 2020, and it's still having some shipping delays. (The company posts ever-changing estimated ship times on its website, but be aware: Once they sell out, that's it for some time.)
The play couch, which looks a lot like the Nugget, but i's a little easier to care for, since it's made of CertiPUR-US foam and has water-resistant, machine-washable and dryer-safe covers. The zippers on each cushion are also covered, protecting your tot's skin, and Velcro strips help reinforce your little one's unique construction.
This Nugget alternative features two double-stacked base cushions (which you can separate) and two rectangular bolsters. Want a little extra? You can purchase a wedge at an additional cost.
Dimensions: Base cushions are 33 x 33 x 4.5 inches; bolsters are 11 x 11 x 22 inches; wedge is 11 x 15 x 22 inches
Material: Polyester suede
Jaxx Zipline Convertible Kids Loveseat
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Pros: Great for smaller spaces, machine-washable covers
Cons: Three main conversion options
Why We Love It
Another convertible kids' couch parents are loving is this one from Jaxx. A more compact model, the loveseat comes with two matching ottomans — the perfect trio for imaginative play. It easily switches from between sitting, lounging and sleeping positions, plus can be manipulated into small forts. It's just the right marriage of form and function for small space dwellers who want a practical, fun option.
It's also made in eight different colors, so you're bound to find the one that fits your (and your tot's!) aesthetic. The polyester fabric covers are both removable and machine-washable, and there's no assembly required.
Dimensions: Loveseat is 20 x 40 x 16 (loveseat); lounging platform is 40 x 40 x 8
Weight: 13.95 pounds
Weight capacity: 200 pounds
Material: Polyester (cover), polyurethane (fill)
Alwyn Home 4-Inch Folding Sofa and Play Mat
Pros: Versatile and foldable
Cons: Most basic alternative
Why We Love It
Perhaps the most basic version of the Nugget couch is this folding sofa. It works for everything from your tot's playtime to when your relatives come into town and need a place to sleep. Truly — there's even a queen-size version you can buy if you know you'll frequently find yourself in this position.
It's easy to care for this version, too. The cover, made from breathable mesh, is removable and machine-washable, and it even comes with a carrying handle for easy maneuvering — great if you want to store the couch in an attic or a basement when not in use.
Dimensions: 39 x 80 x 4 inches (unfolded twin); 27 x 39 x 12 inches (folded twin)
Weight: 19 pounds
Material: Foam
ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set
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Pros: Easy to clean, bright colors
Cons: Not a couch
Why We Love It
If you're not sold on the couch idea, try this bestselling indoor play gym from ECR4Kids. With similar foam construction, this Nugget alternative has five pieces with different shapes and colors. Though it may not function quite the same way as the Nugget does in terms of lounging or sleeping, it's an excellent play companion for the kids. Your baby will love crawling, sliding, climbing and exploring all over this play set.
It's perfectly low-maintenance, too. It wipes clean in an instant, thanks to the durable fabric,and it's lightweight enough to move it wherever you want. In fact, each individual piece is lightweight enough for toddlers to manipulate the pieces into whatever construction they want.
Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 8 inches (overall)
Weight: 9 pounds (overall)
Material: Polyurethane
Recommended age: 9 months to 3 years
Children's Factory The Whatsit Kids Couch
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Pros: Prime-eligible, more pieces than other alternatives
Cons: More expensive option
Why We Love It
Though it's pricier, the Whatsit Kids Couch is super similar and Prime-eligible. So if you want a Nugget couch alternative that can be delivered in days, this is one of the best options for you. The set includes six pieces: two back rests, two bottom pieces and two top pieces. Together, they make up a play gym or couch that's ideal for an imaginative tot, but neutral enough to last into your little one's teenage years.
The material is nice and soft, too, so it really can function as a place to comfortably rest. The removable and stain-repellent covers easily unzip, so they can be washed on a delicate cycle with cold water.
Dimensions: Back rests are 20 x 9.75 inches each at the bottom and 3.5 x 11 inches at the top; bottom pieces are 25 x 28 x 5 inches each; top cushions are 25 x 28 x 3 inches each
Weight: 19.51 pounds (overall)
Recommended age: 1 year and up
Delta Children Cozy Flip-Out Chair
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Pros: Least expensive option, removable and machine-washable cover
Cons: Only two configurations
Why We Love It
If you like the idea of a kids' couch without all the bells and whistles, Delta Children's chair is a parent- and kid-favorite.It comfortably seats two kids and the bottom cushion can extend to serve as a good spot for toddlers and up to lounge. The removable slipcover has a built-in Scotchgard stain release finish and is machine-washable, too — ideal for the young set the chair is recommended for. And although it's not quite as malleable, it's much more affordable than other options on this list and the patterns are very kid-friendly. At the end of the day, it's a great temporary option, but probably won't serve as a long-lasting piece of furniture.
Dimensions: Chair is 23.5 x 16.5 x 15 inches; lounger is 23.5 x 40.5 x 15 inches
Weight: 3.62 pounds
Recommended age: 18 months and up
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Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/trends/nugget-couch-alternatives
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