When choosing a glider chair for your baby’s nursery, consider the chair’s comfort, features, size, design, and, of course, price. Although not 100% essential like a crib, gliders can be a real help when it’s time to calm your baby, read to them, or just get in a little bonding!
In this article, we’ll tell you all the things you want to think about and why they matter when picking the perfect chair.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- What is a glider chair?
- Benefits of glider chairs
- Types of gliders
- What to consider when choosing a glider
What is a glider chair?
A glider chair is similar to a rocking chair, except that instead of tipping forward and backward on arched legs, a glider moves back and forth in a smooth, horizontal motion.
Gliders tend to be the chair of choice for parents because they offer a quiet and gentle motion that’s calming for babies.
Benefits of glider chairs
Although they take up a decent amount of real estate in your nursery, gliders offer many benefits. Let’s take a look.
Smooth motion
As we said, many people like gliders in their nursery because the chairs offer a smooth and even motion that’s relaxing for both the parent and the baby. It’s not uncommon for a baby to fall asleep in their mother’s arms after a few minutes of gliding.
If you notice your little one has nodded off, place them in their crib right away for the rest of the snooze.
Quiet soothing
Gliders are very quiet, which is a good thing if you want to calm your baby. That means no squeaks or hums, just the sound of mama singing a sweet lullaby.
Convenient swivel
Traditionally, gliders only moved forward and backward on a track, but some updated models feature a convenient swivel. This makes it easier if you need to reach for a bottle or paci while rocking your little one.
Locking mechanisms
Some reclining gliders offer locking mechanisms so that the glider locks in place while you’re lying back and relaxing with your sweet baby.
Tech features
For any tech-loving parents, the latest innovation in gliders is having a USB port built into the arm. When you’re giving your baby a little one-on-one time, you can charge your phone, e-reader, or any other device you need to keep yourself from falling asleep while rocking!
(Because, remember, you should never fall asleep while holding your baby; doing so can be dangerous.)
Another high-tech feature is the power recline, where the glider’s back reclines and the footrest elevates at the touch of a button.
Types of gliders
There are several different types of gliders to choose from. The one you pick will depend on the functionality and design you’re after. Let’s break down the differences between glider types.
Traditional gliders
Traditional gliders are the most common type of nursery chair. These simply move forward and backward on a track, offering that quiet, smooth motion.
Swivel gliders
Swivel gliders not only allow for that back-and-forth motion but also offer a 360-degree swivel feature. This lets you turn in any direction without getting up, which is super helpful when you want to grab something close by without disturbing the baby.
Reclining gliders
Reclining gliders offer even more in comfort, as you can not only sit up but can also recline back and elevate your feet. This can be quite nice when nursing or if you’re just ready to relax after a long and busy day as a new parent.
Standard recliner gliders recline manually, meaning you have to use your body weight to get into position. This can be difficult, especially if you’re still recovering from a C-section or balancing your baby in your lap.
Power gliders
Power gliders are recliners that either plug in or operate on a battery. Simply press a button on the side of the arm, and the back reclines and the footrest comes up, sort of like a high-end movie theater chair.
This type of glider is pricier than the others, but many would argue that the ultimate comfort and relaxation is worth the cost!
What to consider when choosing a glider
When picking a glider for your nursery, there are a few things to think about. Here’s a look at what you’ll want to consider.
Comfort
Because you’re going to use a glider a lot while your child is young, the comfort of the chair is paramount. Some gliders have cushy pillows, while others are firmer.
Also consider the height of the back since you need it to support you as much as possible. The arm height is another thing to test out, imagining you’re holding baby in your arms or breastfeeding.
Fabrics
Glider chairs can come in a whole range of fabrics, from velvet and microsuede to sheepskin and leather. Search for a fabric that will both look nice in your nursery and be easy to clean if your baby spits up.
Features
Next, think of the features that matter most to you. Do you want your glider to swivel or recline? Would a charger for your phone sweeten things up? Some gliders even have pockets where you can store essentials like a pacifier or burp cloth.
Design
Of course, the glider is going to be in your baby’s nursery, so you want something that’s going to complement it. The good news is that gliders are made in every style, from classic to contemporary.
Room size and layout
When choosing your glider chair, don’t forget the room itself. It’s smart to have an idea of where the chair would go, figuring out the maximum dimensions it can be, so you don’t end up with a chair that’s too big.
Measure the doorway (and any doors leading to the room), and if you’re thinking of a recliner, remember it won’t be able to sit up against the wall if you want to recline it. There should be plenty of space both behind and in front of the chair.
Budget
As with all purchases, you’ll want to select a glider that’s within your budget. Years ago a glider was thought of as functional but not necessarily attractive, but many of today’s gliders are sleek and stylish, meaning you’ll be happy to get more use out of them.
What once was a nursing chair can turn into a reading nook for your growing toddler or even an accent chair for your living room.
Sit back and relax with Newton!
It’s not always easy to find the perfect glider chair for your nursery, but as they say, when you know, you know. Check out the Newton collection of sleek, modern gliders for ultimate comfort!
And now, with your glider checked off your list, you need a crib great mattress to complete the nursery.
Newton’s Original, Essential, and Waterproof mattresses are both firm and breathable, two musts when it comes to mattress safety. On top of that, they’re also washable from cover to core!
Relax with your baby in your glider chair by day, but when it’s time for a nap, trust Newton’s mattresses for a better, safer sleep.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a glider better than a rocker?
Neither a glider nor a rocker is inherently better, and choosing between them tends to be a matter of personal preference. This being said, the two types of chairs are different, with rockers tipping forward and back and gliders moving back and forth all along the same plane.
Gliders, however, are often heavier than rockers and therefore a bit hard to move around. This is thanks to their complicated internal mechanism that allows for their smooth glide. Rockers tend to be easier to move around if this is something you think you’ll need to do.
Are gliders safe for babies?
Yes, glider chairs, when used properly, are safe for babies. This means your baby should not be left unattended or with pillows or blankets in the glider.
Use your glider chair for feeding or soothing your baby while they’re awake. You should never, however, use a glider chair for baby’s sleep. Babies should only sleep in a crib, bassinet, or travel crib.
Are glider chairs good for your back?
Glider chairs are generally good for your back as the smooth front-back motion can increase blood flow, relieve joint pressure, and relax muscles thanks to their ergonomic design.
And because gliders are specially designed for long hours of use (thanks to babies’ hefty feeding schedules), they often feature high backs, padded armrests, and lumbar support.
