I have a bit of a conundrum I need your help with, dear reader. I know that pregnant women all over the world are suffering from terrible fetal-maternal health, no skilled attendants to help delivery, are at risk for fistulas, and all kinds of deplorable conditions. So let's talk about my first world problems, OK? My mother-in-law wants to buy me a glider for this baby. They all look like bad, overstuffed 80s furniture. LOOK AT IT TAUNTING US WITH ITS DISGUSTING ROLLED ARMS. Ugly furniture gives me the creeps. And maybe the vurps. I've thought about getting a glider and then recovering it--by myself of course because I am cheap, broke, and completely delusional about the amount of sewing projects I can get done in the next week or two. So when MIL told me that my sister-in-law found an inexpensive glider at IKEA, I got a little excited. Something in my style? Not cottage-y, sage-y, beige-y, hideous? I want that fictional glider. I couldn't find anything like a glider on their website.
I drove to IKEA and scoured the floor, no glider. I did find the Poang chair and Poang rocker, which both have an ottoman. Boy, are those chairs comfortable, at the right angle, and NOT UGLY. The chair bounces so there is a range of motion that could soothe a baby. The rocker is a rocker, and you understand how that works because you are an intelligent human being. What's more practical, a rocker, or a chair that can transition to a grown-up space? Turns out my SIL got her glider at Target, not IKEA. I'm back to looking at gliders. Do I accept my MIL's offer for a glider and get one? Even though this is my last baby and a piece of ugly furniture I will hide? Will I really use a glider and am I insane for thinking that I can recover one before I have a baby? What color and brand of glider do I get? The budget can't afford a Dutailier. So I say, Thanks, but I really like this rocker at IKEA and could I get that? I can't make this decision anymore. And someone make me a drink.
Over at Today's Mama: What to do about Father's DayIn 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). These chairs fall into the $700+ price range, but will last forever. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for PBK.