Welcome to the first few months of parenthood, where you’ll be up in the wee hours of the morning for feedings. It can really start to wear on you after a while, but you can make things a little more comfortable by getting a rocker or glider chair to sit in while you feed. Believe me, you really appreciate them once you use them a few times. You can always feed in your own bed, but after you do it for a while you’re really going to wish you could just sit in the nursery comfortably and feed. While a regular sofa chair can work, most babies find comfort in the motion provided by a rocker glider. While wooden rocking chairs have been around for a long time, only recently have gliders come into favor with parents. And for good reason; they’re way more comfortable because of the upholstery and padding compared to a wooden chair. Plus, the motion provided by a rocker glider is much more gentle and soothing to babies. The real bonus is that you can move the chair to your living room after your feeding days are over;
most of them are really nice to look at, and wouldn’t be at all out of place. Here are some things you should look for in a glider. 1. Stork Craft Hoop Glider The least-expensive option on our list, the Stork Craft Hoop Glider (click here to see it in 5 different colors) is a nice little glider chair that will work well in most nurseries. There is a version with an ottoman, which I would recommend personally, but you can save a little bit of money if you go without one. Unlike some gliders, it doesn’t recline very far, but it’s still very comfortable. The arm rests have pockets that you can use to store things like TV remotes or magazines, which is nice. It’s also a nice-looking chair, so it will fit well in any nursery, or even the living room afterward. All in all, this isn’t the best glider, but as a budget option, it does the job. 2. Shermag Glider Rocker Combo This nice-looking glider (click here to check price) has padded arms (which I love) and a matching ottoman that also glides.
All of the cushioning is removable, and that includes the arms. It’s really comfortable even if you have to sit in it for long periods of time, especially if you have a bad back. The rocker can lock into a total of 6 different positions depending on what you prefer, from upright to inclined. For feeding purposes you’ll probably want to have it in one of the first few upright positions. The real bonus of this chair is the ottoman. Not all gliders come with one, and it really makes a huge difference in how comfortable it is to be able to have your feet elevated. Overall, this is a really nice glider that doesn’t cost much. A step up from the Shermag, the Dutailier glider (click here to see it in 4 different colors) is an excellent glider chair and ottoman combo. There are several models and variations of Dutailier chairs, and all of them are pretty nice. It’s really easy to assemble and only takes 10-15 minutes. Like Shermag, they have 6 different reclining positions to make it as comfortable as possible for you, and the ottoman just adds to the comfort.
You aren’t going to want to use it without it! The cushions are all removable to make them easy to clean, too. The high back is really supportive and feels great on the back and neck, especially for late-night feedings. While this isn’t a cheap glider, it’s really great and I’d highly recommend it! 4. Pulaski Sutton Swivel Glider A different design from the others on the list, the Pulaski Sutton (click here to see it in 3 different colors) looks and feels like a sofa chair that functions as a glider! It’s really comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time, and has a recliner to rest your feet on. If you happen to fall asleep in the chair, the reclining footrest will stay locked in place. The chair reclines to about a 45 degree position, but just remember that you can’t glide with it in a reclined position. The material used on the outside is microfiber, and it’s really easy to clean if need be. What’s really nice about this chair is that it swivels, so you can place it wherever you want and face different directions.
It seems like it’s big for a small room, but it really isn’t, and you don’t have to have it very far away from a wall in order to be able to recline with it. Since it’s basically a sofa chair, it fits in well in any other room once you’re done using it in the nursery. 5. babyletto Madison Swivel Glider Rounding out the list is the babyletto Madison Swivel Glider (click here to see it in 2 colors). Like the name might suggest, it has a 360 degree swivel so you can point it any direction you want. It’s a nice-looking and small glider, so it will work in even the smallest of nurseries. You can easily switch it to any other room of the house when you’re done using it as a glider, too. It fits in well with other furniture. The only real downside of this glider is that it doesn’t have a high back. This means you can’t lay your head back to rest it. If you plan on sleeping in your glider, you might want to take a look at the other ones on the list, most of which both recline and have high backs.
Do you have any questions or comments on glider chairs for nurseries? Do you have a personal favorite that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below!Expectant mothers often start dreaming of stocking their baby’s nursery with baby-room essentials from the day they see that extra pink line on the pregnancy test. Their minds are racing as they think about everything from baby furniture and rocking chairs to decorations and themes.If you’re a typical soon-to-be mom, you’ve likely done the same. But which items do you really need and which ones can you skip?Here’s a look at the top five must-have baby-room essentials:1. Baby FurnitureFurniture is by far one of the most critical baby-room essentials – and likely the most expensive. Not only must you have a crib for the baby, you’ll also need a dresser, changing table and a few other accessories such as a rocking chair and baby-room lamp.As you’re putting together your furniture list, don’t forget about a bassinette or cradle for the baby’s first few months at home.
The bassinette or cradle will most likely stay in your room rather than the baby’s; however, it is definitely an essential.When it comes to cribs, resist the urge to buy a used crib or borrow one from a family member. Safety standards for cribs have changed over the years. No matter how beautiful a vintage crib is, go with a new one that meets all of the current safety standards, and learn about crib safety. Numerous safety issues must be addressed, including determining the crib’s location, making sure that the mattress fits properly, and making appropriate baby-bedding choices. Of all the baby room essentials, few address your needs. The rocking chair is the exception. Remember, you’ll be getting up several times in the middle of the night to nurse or comfort your infant. Invest in a comfortable rocking chair or glider. Don’t forget a cozy blanket or afghan to keep you warm.Changing tables are an absolute must in the baby room. Essentials to look for in a changing table include height, storage, safety straps and padding.
You may even want to consider a convertible changing table or a changing table/dresser combination. Most crib designers also manufacture matching changing tables. If the changing table does not come with a pad, you can buy a standard changing-table pad and pad-cover at most baby stores.2. Diaper-Changing SuppliesOnce you have the furniture figured out, the next major category of must-have baby-room items involves wiping that baby’s bottom. You’ll need a diaper bucket, such as a Diaper Genie, along with dozens of supplies such as diapers, baby wipes, alcohol wipes, cotton balls and diaper-rash ointment.In addition to a diaper pail, you’ll need extra trash bags or inserts for it, along with an air freshener. You may also want a separate trash basket for miscellaneous trash.While you’ll come across diapering accessories such as baby wipe warmers, these are not essential. Likewise, you don’t need a whole slew of lotions, oils, moisturizers and powders. Today’s disposable diapers are super absorbent and keep Baby’s bottom drier than you might expect.
Keep it simple by keeping just one type of moisturizer on hand. In the first few weeks, you’ll need to take care of the umbilical cord stump. You’ll need alcohol wipes or alcohol and cotton balls to help dry the stump and keep the area clean. It’s easiest to do this during diaper changes, so stash these items within hands’ reach. Once the umbilical cord stump falls off, remove these items and store them out of reach.3. Monitoring SystemA baby monitoring system is an essential item for the baby’s room. Several options exist, with a one-way audio system being the most popular. One-way baby monitors consist of a transmitter and a receiver. You place the transmitter in the baby’s room and carry the receiver with you on a belt clip (or place it nearby, such as on your night stand). When the baby cries, you will hear her.Video baby monitors take baby monitoring to a visual level. These consist of a video camera that transmits an image to your receiver. Most have an audio component, too.
Though more expensive than traditional baby monitors, video monitors allow you to check on the baby with your own two eyes without risking waking her up. You’ll be able to see if the whimpers you hear are merely whimpers or if they are signals that something is wrong.4. Baby BeddingYou only need two fitted crib sheets – one for the mattress and one to use as a spare when it’s time to change the sheets. Beneath the crib sheet, you should have a waterproof mattress pad to protect the mattress. Top crib sheets are unnecessary, as are baby comforters, heavy blankets, pillows and bumper pads. In fact, many of these items are downright dangerous to newborns. While the baby store’s display looks cute with all the trimmings, you’re better off saving your money in this area and sticking to fitted crib sheets and a single mattress pad. Dress your baby in a blanket sleeper and she’ll be cozy all night long.5. Laundry Basket – You’ll be changing the little one often in the baby years, sometimes several times per day.
Invest in a cute laundry hamper and keep it near the changing table. You’ll be surprised at how quickly all those tiny clothes pile up.Other ConsiderationsThere are other considerations when stocking your baby’s room with the essentials, including lighting and accessibility. Remember, much of the time spent in the baby’s room will be at night. With this in mind, soft lighting and nightlights will help tremendously. When nursing the baby at night, you don’t want to sit in total darkness, yet you want to create an environment conductive to falling back to sleep. Another concern is tripping over baby-room rugs in the darkness. Make sure rugs aren’t in your direct walking path.If the baby’s room is upstairs, you may want to consider setting up a downstairs changing station, as well as having a changing table in the baby’s room. This will save you from having to carry the baby up and down the stairs each time she needs a diaper change. In fact, once you have a downstairs area for changing diapers, you may find that you rarely use the upstairs table.
The main problem with this idea is finding a discreet space for the changing table, diaper pail and supplies. If you have a large enough laundry room, consider dedicating a corner to diapering for a couple of years. While the baby store is more than happy to set you up with dozens of baby products, the main baby-room essentials are furniture, baby monitoring systems, diaper-changing gear, bedding and a laundry basket. These items are necessary for baby’s comfort, your convenience and peace of mind. By focusing on the essentials, you can build a fabulous baby room with the items you really need.Are You Ready For Your New Baby? Your belly is bulging and your due date is fast approaching. You look around and breathe a sigh of relief. The nursery's complete (and adorable if you do say so yourself), the bags are all packed, relatives are anxiously awaiting the arrival of your newborn, and you have the perfect baby name all picked out - but are you ready for your new baby? Take this quiz and see if you are ready for the challenges your infant will bring.