Baby
Babble Best Picks:
Gliders and Rocking Chairs
A lot of babies (and sleep-deprived moms) find gliding and rocking to be a soothing, comfortable way to rest. And gliders have come a long way from the stereotypical eyesores. Although the modern, attractive gliders and rockers can be quite pricey (climbing up well past the price of cribs), many can blend right in next to your sofa; so unlike a crib, which has a generally short life span, the right glider can be used for years (decades, really). Considering you'll spend countless hours rocking, feeding, reading, and, yes, napping in your chair, the steep price just might be worth it.
The single most important factor when buying a glider or rocking chair is to physically sit in each one before deciding. We picked our favorites, but it's ultimately up to you to find which is most comfortable for your body type. Also think about what you'll be using it for. If your main concern is nursing, you'll want something with a sturdy back and ergonomic support. If you'll be using your chair mostly for cuddling and comfort, you'll want something cushy with a high back and possibly a recline feature. If you have a specific design style, you'll want the chair to fit your overall d'cor.
So take our advice on the best options out there and make your ultimate decision based on which feels best to you. It's one baby gear item you'll be thankful for. Did we miss your favorite? Nominate it here!
- Michelle Horton
Best Affordable Rocker | IKEA Poang
What, you can’t afford another major $1,000 purchase right now? Not completely sold on the idea of a rocking chair? If you’re on the fence about a glider, the IKEA Poang chair can soothe your baby and also be used to lounge in and watch TV in the living room. In fact, we actually prefer it as a regular seat to a baby rocking chair, only because its low-to-the-ground design and slightly reclined back aren’t the most ideal for feeding. Yet the unique bouncing is both soothing and comfortable. Plus, you can always prop yourself up with pillows.
And if your baby isn’t a big fan, you at least have an incredibly versatile (and affordable) seat that can be used anywhere. (Note: The IKEA Poang comes in both a rocking chair and a bouncy chair, so we suggest heading to your local IKEA warehouse and trying them both yourself.)
Get it from Ikea, $89 – $249
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I love this glider. We have it in brown. I rock my son to sleep in it every night. Wish we had it when my daughter was born.
We also have one, and it is by far the most comfortable chair in our home. It is sitting pretty in our living room now. Highly recommend.
We got the very similar Grano glider recliner from Monte Luca- the look is almost identical but it has the reclining option also. It looks fantastic in our living room and is the perfect size for me (I’m 5’6). I worried that it would be too small for my husband, but I am continually kicking him out of it because it’s so comfortable for him too.
Thank you for recommending the monte luca glider. We just received ours and I am so happy! Babble is the best and makes great recommendations.