Rocking chairs have been a nursery essential for generations because babies find the back-and-forth motion soothing and sleep-inducing. They’re also a comfortable place to cuddle, feed, and read to a child.Today’s rockers have plenty of padding and often come with an ottoman for resting your feet. Some super-stylish versions look more like a cushy living-room chair.Gliders come in a variety of styles, from traditional to sleek and modern. Instead of rocking, they slide back and forth on a fixed track. The motion requires almost no effort, which is particularly nice when you’re too tired to rock.Rockers and gliders are often pricey, but will be part of your house for many years.fort: Your rocker should offer plenty of back and head support, give you room to change position easily, and be the right size for your body. You'll want your feet to reach the floor at an angle that feels good. Pockets to hold baby gear like burp cloths are in handy, and can hold your phone, TV remote, or magazines down the road.
Wide padded armrests: Your arms will need plenty of support as you hold your child or it will get uncomfortable. If you'll be using a nursing pillow, check that it comfortably fits over or next to the armrests (consider bringing yours to the store for a test-drive).Sturdy frame: Since a glider or rocker is an investment, be sure that the frame is solid. Check for sharp edges, exposed moving parts that could pinch fingers, or gaps in the framework that could trap a child.Easy to clean: Drool, spit-up, and diaper overflow are common in your baby's early months, and kids of all ages can be messy, so a removable, washable seat cover is a plus.Versatility: Consider how you might use your rocker or glider after your child has outgrown it, and choose the fabric and style accordingly. Some rockers can be converted to stationary chairs with the purchase of separate feet. Or, consider a different kind of comfortable chair that’s not explicitly made for nursery furniture.Locking mechanism: Some gliders have built-in locks to keep them from moving back and forth;
this makes it easier to stand up with a baby in your arms. It also avoids hurt fingers and toes once your little one becomes an active, curious toddler.Recline: Some gliders recline for greater comfort, which can come in particularly handy when you’re comforting a sick child.Swivel: Rockers can easily move to face whatever direction you prefer, while gliders are heavier and harder to adjust. If you want a glider but think you'll want to change its positioning, consider a model with a 360-degree swivel.Matching ottoman: It may come with your rocker or glider, or be sold separately. Using an ottoman made just for your glider works well because it moves with the same motion.You'll pay anywhere from $100 to $800 or more for a glider or rocker. Some high-end models cost up to $2,000. Expect to pay more for better types of wood (oak and maple, for instance) and finishes, fancy fabrics, and modern styling. Ottomans sold separately range in price from $50 to $350.Some companies sell the frame for the glider or rocker separately from the chair's cushions, and the ottoman frame separately from its cushion.
Keep that in mind when determining your budget.More Options: Color » Windsor Glider and Ottoman Birch Hill Swivel Reclining Glider Maple Sylvie Swivel Reclining Glider Kimberley Swivel Glider and Ottoman Ruby Swivel Reclining Glider Marie Swivel Reclining Glider Polly Swivel Glider & Ottoman Faye Swivel Reclining Glider Olive Swivel Glider and Ottoman Satya Swivel Reclining Glider Baby Relax Mackenzie Rocking Gilder Glider Rocker & Ottoman Hoop Glider and Ottoman Poth Glider and Ottoman Hoop Custom Upholstery Glider and Ottoman Tuscany Swirl Glider and Ottoman Tuscany Custom Upholstery Glider and Ottoman Baby Relax Swivel Glider Hoop Chevron Glider and Ottoman Grand Royale Swivel Glider and Ottoman Hudson Wingback Rocking Glider Tuscany Glider & Ottoman Emily Swivel Gliding Recliner Baby Relax Abby Rocking Chair Goble Rocker Glider & Ottoman Home Deluxe Glider Chair And Ottoman
Glenda Swivel Reclining Glider Infant Car SeatsTravel System Car SeatsConvertible Car SeatsBooster Car SeatsCar Seat AccessoriesPremium Car SeatsCar Seat BasesStroller & Car Seat Toys car seat finder finding the perfect car seat has never been easierIn the early weeks and months of motherhood, you’re going to be up a lot at night feeding your baby, then getting her back down to sleep. You can do this in your own bed, but eventually you’ll want a comfy seat for nursing/bottle feeding, snuggling, and rocking your little one, especially if he has his own room. A comfy upholstered club chair will do the trick, but most babies are more easily calmed by staying in motion. Wooden rockers have been around for ages, but gliders have recently taken their place as the favorite because of the more subtle, backward and forward movement. Plus, your butt will prefer sitting on a cushy, upholstered chair rather than sitting on wood or cane for long stretches of time. Thankfully, many gliders nowadays look like regular living room chairs and can be used as such after your nesting days are over.
The one must-have feature, in my opinion: arm rests. Arm rests will support your elbows and thus, the weight of the baby. Trust me, your arms will get tired VERY quickly unless you have something bolstering them up. I mention this because many of the fancy-pants, modern-ey chairs for nurseries don’t have arm rests. As with any new piece of furniture, gliders and rockers can be pretty expensive, so be prepared for sticker shock. Remember, if you can’t afford a new one, many of these are readily available for sale second-hand on Craigslist and such (seriously, that’s how I got mine). Many of these gliders come with optional ottomans that glide along synchronously with the chair. If you have the space, I highly recommend getting the ottoman as well, especially if you’re breastfeeding. At the very least, get a nursing stool that will help position your body ergonomically. We asked 84,000 of our closest friends what their favorite nursery rocker/glider is. Here are the results:
This sleek-looking rocking chair from IKEA is the favorite in the budget category. Tried and true, this rocker has a nice, high back for you to comfortably rest your head (and doze off, you will). The cover is also easy to clean, which is great for spit-up. Best yet, it’s great for everyday use once your baby (or babies) graduate/s from nursing. There is a foot stool available as well. Also in the economy category is the Shermag rocker/glider. A step down from Dutailier (#3), this seat has nice, padded arms (which I love) and a matching, gliding ottoman. I personally own this seat. My only complaint is that the ottoman is a bit top-heavy and will easily fall over on your older children (if you have any), who can’t seem to resist jumping and playing on it. This seat glides along on ball bearings, although a few readers had problems with the gliding or claimed it was too noisy (mine was not, FWIW). This chair glides or locks in a stationary position; the locked position helps you get in and out of it without falling on your ass.
You can buy a Shermag almost anywhere: Target, Amazon, Babies R Us and Sears. *A cheaper knock-off of this chair is the Stork Craft glider ($146).The Dutailier is the Cadillac of “regular” nursery gliders (Shermag, Stork Craft, etc.). Parents who own this chair love it and there are very few complaints. By all accounts, it is a higher quality chair than the Shermag, with an ultra-smooth gliding system and a six-position adjustment. Some models recline (others do not). This chair is generously apportioned, so there will be room for you, your babe, and your favorite nursing pillow. Widely available: Amazon, Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Costco, Target, and local specialty stores. Moving on up the cost ladder is the beloved “Little Castle” Glider. Little Castle is a family-owned company that specializes in club-chair-looking nursery gliders and offers a VERY wide selection of styles and fabrics. Each glider is handmade in the USA (they also make really cute kids’ chairs).
Their complete gallery can be found here. Many models are only available at exclusive retailers. Amazon carries select models as well. Otherwise, contact your local children’s furniture store. Best Home Furnishings makes gliders that moms are wild about; the runaway favorite being the Storytime Series “Tryp” Recliner. The Tryp is a swivel glider/recliner, which can extend to a complete layout position (yeah yeah!) with the pull of a lever. The chair is customizable out the wazoo, with 700 fabrics and colors to choose from. Available only at local furniture dealers. Tips from owners of this chair: 1. Buy the microfiber (instead of cotton), it’s easier to clean. 2. Be careful when trying to unearth yourself and baby from the reclined position; the footrest comes slamming down with a bang – not great if you want a sleeping baby to stay that way! The Land of Nod, a Crate & Barrel company, makes a few favorites that are well-liked in the modern department. These include the Paramount, Luca, Mod Nod, Marley, Milo, and the Attractive American Rocker (pictured below).