How to Choose a Nursery Glider

New parents log plenty of hours rocking, soothing and feeding newborns, so a comfy seat is a must on the nursery gear checklist. A wooden rocking chair is the traditional choice for the nursery, but glider chairs offer an alternative that is often more comfortable. Knowing how to narrow down those options helps you choose the best seat for those late-night feedings.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

Instructions

    • 1

      Set your budget for the glider chair. You'll find a wide range of prices -- anywhere from $130 to $2,600, according to ConsumerReports.org. Knowing where you fall in that range helps you narrow down the glider options at the store.

    • 2

      Measure the space available in your nursery to help choose an appropriately sized glider. Since the chair glides forward and back, you'll need clearance space to the back as well. Having accurate measurements allows you to check the range of motion on the chairs in the store to make sure they fit.

    • 3

      Decide on the style of glider you want. Some look like wooden rocking chairs with pads built into the seat, back and arms. Others look more like recliners with full padding and no open space underneath the chair.

    • 4

      Identify gliders at the store that fit your budget, style preference and size. Note which gliders are the most visually pleasing to you and that would fit aesthetically into the nursery decor. Inspect the fabric on the cushions to determine if it is stain resistant and easy to clean. Lighter fabrics often show stains more than darker fabrics.

    • 5

      Sit in each of the glider options to see how they feel, particularly on the seat and back. Note the height of the headrest and arms on the chair to see if they are a comfortable fit for your size. If the glider comes with an ottoman, prop your feet on it to test its comfort.

    • 6

      Glide in each chair. Listen for noises the chair makes as you move back and forth. A banging or loud gliding sound may distract your baby. Notice how smoothly the chair glides. When you're exhausted and rocking a crying baby, you want a chair that slides easily with minimal effort.

    • 7

      Check the construction of each glider chair. It should feel sturdy with a solid frame and hardware that is secure. ConsumerReports.org suggests choosing a seat constructed with springs in the seat for greater comfort and support.

    • 8

      Look for safety features, such as a locking mechanism on the glider. This keeps older children safe when the chair isn't in use so little fingers don't get caught in the chair.

    • 9

      Review the warranty if the glider comes with one to cover the gliding mechanism. The warranty should cover repair of the mechanism if it stops working over time.

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