The key to parenting is buying things – lots of things! Some of this is stuff you don’t need (like top of the line sneakers for your infant who can’t yet walk). And then there are things no parent can live without. Nursery gliders and rocking chairs? Yep! They fit that category.
Why Buy a Nursery Glider or Rocking Chair – Is it Worth it?
Besides being obligated to buy tons of stuff and single handedly infuse life into the economy, why else is this a worthy purchase? Turns out, there are several reasons.
First of all, gliders and rocking chairs are useful for nursing (in fact, the only things more useful are breasts!). A glider helps with feedings by letting mom and baby get comfortable. It soothes the baby off to sleep, satisfied and full.
A glider/rocking chair also provide comfort to babies when they’re sick (as well as to moms when they’re uncomfortable during or after pregnancy). A baby that is sad, teething, or restless can benefit as well. The rocking provides a natural rhythm, which helps elicit a sense of calm in the child.
It provides a chance to bond too by allowing for rocking together, reading, or snuggling. As most child experts will attest, the first few years of a child’s life are extremely important in terms of forming attachments. Gliders are also long lasting – don’t only bond with your present child, but bond with your future ones! Once your children outgrow the “rocking” phase, the glider makes a nice addition to any living room.
So, with that, what are some of the best nursery gliders and rocking chairs on the market today? They include:
Best Nursery Gliders 2021:
DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider and Ottoman
This glider is specifically designed for feeding times. It has a high back and lumbar pillow for extra support and is free of chemical retardants.
Parents like that the back is indeed high as well as firm with a soft seat that cultivates comfort. The chair arms are high enough to make breastfeeding easy and the gliding motion is smooth. The color’s sharpness is also a bonus. It comes fully assembled, is easy to clean, and its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces.
Parents don’t like that the chair leans back at an angle. The color of the piping (an off white) is another complaint. And the ottoman doesn’t glide.
Baby Relax The Kelcie Nursery Swivel Glider and Ottoman
This product is designed for nursing mothers. It offers a supportive back, a thick-padded seat, wide rolled arms, and colors that mesh with any nursery.
Parents like that this glider is easy to assemble, comfortable, and easy to clean (a real bonus with kids!). It glides nicely and is of high quality.
Parents don’t like that it’s not made for people who are on the tall-side (as those with height have a difficult time resting their heads comfortably against the back). It also tends to squeak after a while (another reason to invest in WD40!).
DaVinci Maya Upholstered Swivel Glider and Ottoman
This product is soft and durable. It comes with an upholstered ottoman and allows you to swivel 360 degrees.
Parents like that the ottoman and chair, when used together, offer a very comfortable sitting experience. Parents also like the swivel, the size of the chair (it’s big enough for bigger people), and the high quality. The unit comes fully assembled and the arm rests are the perfect height for holding a baby and nursing.
Parents don’t like that the ottoman doesn’t move, which means you can only swivel so much if you want to use the ottoman and the chair. Tall people may find it difficult to rest their heads as the chair sits low. There is also no storage.
Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner
This product swivels, glides, reclines, and has a track arm design. It also comes with button tufting and welt trim.
Parents like that – with this chair – you certainly get the bang for your buck. It’s comfortable, stylish, and comes with a footrest. Parents like the recline as well. This chair is one of the more “dad-friendly” chairs on the market, with a high headrest for those who are tall.
Parents don’t like that it tends to squeak after a while. And it can be difficult to get the foot rest and recline to come up and down. Eat your Wheaties prior to sitting.
HOMCOM Linen Fabric Swivel Gliding Recliner
This product is designed for style and comfort. It’s made of soft polyester linen with button tufting and welt trim. It offers an easy recline and 360 degree swivel. It also has an elevating (retractable) leg rest.
Parents like that this glider is comfy. It’s easy to assemble and is of high quality. It also offers a chic look that fits into modern decor.
Parents don’t like that it comes with the “new furniture, chemical” smell. It also takes a bit of strength to close the leg rest. Not necessarily a drawback, however, if you’re looking to build up your calves and quads.
Best Baby Rocking Chairs 2021:
Delta Children Lancaster Rocking Chair
This product is upholstered in LiveSmart fabric that makes it durable and very easy to clean. It has a gentle rocking motion and a durable wood base.
Parents like the variety this chair offers (it comes in three neutral colors). The ease of cleaning is, of course, another bonus. The chair is made of a “microfiber-like” material that makes wiping things off a breeze. It rocks well and looks nice.
Parents don’t like that the arm support isn’t ample and the gray color has hints of green. The chair also sits a bit low, which might make getting in and out more difficult for tall parents.
Baby Relax Double Rocker
This product is 1.5 times wider than a regular rocker and it features two-tone contrast welt.
Parents describe this as a “beautiful” rocker that looks great with a variety of decor. It can fit two adults and one child and works great for reading together. It’s affordable too.
Parents don’t like that it doesn’t rock super well. It doesn’t go back and forth very far (but it is good enough to get the job done). And the armrests are minimal.
Baby Relax Wainwright Wingback Convertible Rocker
This is a classic wingback rocker with a twist. It offers more shoulder and elbow space and is easy to clean. It comes in a variety of colors.
Parents like that this chair is easy to assemble. The price, color, and comfort are other bonuses.
Parents don’t like that it’s smaller than expected and not as high quality as some other options on the market.
If you have a baby, you need a glider. The above make worthy investments – put them on your list of parenting purchases. Then go on and rock and roll that child off to dreamland.
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