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    Nursery Rocking Chairs vs. Gliders

    Gliders or Rockers - Which Is Best for Your Nursery?

    Choosing the Best Nursery Chair

    Along with cribs, dressers and changing tables, a comfy chair is one of the most important staples of any cozy nursery. Nursery rocking chairs and gliders are a popular choice among new parents looking to create a soothing space for their newborns. Want to know which of these seats is the best choice? Keep reading to learn about both of these nursery chair types.

    A rocking chair or glider is a nursery staple, providing a cozy spot to cradle your baby and gently rock them back to sleep.
    A rocking chair or glider is a nursery staple, providing a cozy spot to cradle your baby and gently rock them back to sleep.

    What is the Difference Between a Glider and a Rocker?

    Both rockers and gliders let you enjoy a gentle swaying motion as you bond with your baby. The main difference between a nursery rocking chair and a glider chair is the movement mechanism at the base. A nursery rocker has arched, rounded legs that move up and down in an arcing motion. Shifting your body back and forth as you sit lets you control the pace of the rocking action.

    On the other hand, glider chairs have stationary seats and flat bases that slide forward and backward to produce the swaying motion. Glider chairs tend to offer smoother, more consistent movement than rockers. Also, where some rocking chairs make a soft creaking sound as they move, the gliding mechanism is typically silent to ensure that your baby stays asleep during cozy rocking sessions.

    Glider chairs have an enclosed mechanism at the base that moves the seat back and forth with a flat, steady rhythm.
    Glider chairs have an enclosed mechanism at the base that moves the seat back and forth with a flat, steady rhythm.

    Rocker vs. Glider: Which is Best?

    Many different factors determine which of these seats would be the best chair for your nursery. Since you will be spending a lot of time together in this chair, you’ll want to choose the option that offers the comfort, style and convenience you’re looking for in your nursery.

    It’s also important to decide between a rocker and a glider based on how you intend to use your nursery chair. Are you looking for a high-backed rocking nursing chair with ample neck support for late-night feedings? Or do you want to enjoy pleasant afternoons with the smoother sway of a glider? Considering your unique needs is a smart way to choose between these two options.

    Weigh the pros and cons of both kinds of glider rocking chairs to determine which model is best for your child’s space.
    Weigh the pros and cons of both kinds of glider rocking chairs to determine which model is best for your child’s space.

    Glider Chair and Rocker Features

    In addition to their unique movement mechanisms, many nursery chairs come with extra convenient features like padded cushions and pull-out nursing tables. Browse rocking chairs and gliders with the following comfort features and attachments to find the best rocking chair for your nursery:

    • Reclining and Swivel Chairs: For extra comfort, consider chairs with a reclining function. Putting your feet up in a nursery glider recliner can help reduce back pressure and keep you cozy for long periods. You can also try swivel gliders for a soothing side-to-side sway.
    • Supportive Pieces: Above all, your nursery chair should be plush and supportive. Chairs with padded cushions can provide back and neck support for long hours of sitting. A glider with an ottoman provides extra softness and comfort for your legs and feet as you and your baby relax.
    • Stylish Accents: Other nursery chair features enhance the cute, charming aesthetic of your space. Select upholstered nursery chairs in various styles and colors to create a serene and peaceful vibe. Pick seats with pink or blue finishes to suit your new son or daughter’s nursery color scheme. Or, stick to soothing neutral tones like white and gray that complement any palette.
    New rocker glider chairs come with cutting-edge comfort and support features like reclining or swivel seats and supportive plush cushions.
    New rocker glider chairs come with cutting-edge comfort and support features like reclining or swivel seats and supportive plush cushions.

    Building Out Your Nursery

    Once you’ve decided on the best nursery glider or rocker for your space, there are a few other finishing touches to consider for your baby’s room. Beyond nursery essentials like a crib, changing table or dresser, adding a few useful accent pieces to the space can make the nursery more efficient for you and your child.

    Pair a nursery rocker chair with an ottoman to give yourself space to kick back and relax as you cradle your baby. For added convenience, place a side table next to the chair to keep bottles, pacifiers and other items within reach while you unwind. Lastly, set up versatile accessories like diaper stackers, changing table pads and wall art to round out your nursery.

    Pairing your chair with an ottoman enhances the cozy look and functional convenience of your nursery.
    Pairing your chair with an ottoman enhances the cozy look and functional convenience of your nursery.

    Both rocker and glider nursery chairs have something unique to offer. Choosing between these two models mostly comes down to your personal tastes, as well as your needs. Use the information in this post to help you decide which of these chairs is the best option to build the perfect nursery for your family.

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