When preparing the nursery for the coming baby, you have to buy the essentials first before you splurge on anything else. The important furniture like the crib, changing table, and dresser are of course on top of the list, especially for first-time mothers and fathers. However, many parents often forget one crucial item – the swivel glider chair. Well, it does have to be a swivel glider; some choose rockers or plain gliders. But why not a swivel glider though?
Why Choose A Swivel Glider Chair?
Newborn babies need a lot of attention and so, you will be waking up every few hours during the night for the first couple of months to feed the baby and soothe it to sleep. For this, you are going to need a comfortable chair where you feed and rock the baby to sleep while you are in the nursery. Traditionally, parents have the rocking chair for this purpose, but swivel gliders have gained popularity over the years because of the extra perks these magnificent nursery chairs bring to the table. A glider sits on a stable base that allows for a smoother forward and backward gliding motion and for a gentle 360-degree swivel motion. And since the base does not move when the chair glides, it does leave ugly markings on the nursery floor and it does trap toes underneath like a rocker can. Most swivel gliders have mechanisms that are hidden under the upholstery, making it safe for curious babies who like to stick their hands and feet everywhere. These wonderful chairs are very comfortable, and they come in different designs, sizes, and upholstery choices.
Key Features
- Glides and swivels – The main features of this nursing chair are its back and forth gliding motion and its 360-degree rotation. The gliding sensation is soothing and sleep-inducing for babies.
- Locking mechanism – Swivel gliders usually come with a locking mechanism that prevents the chair from gliding when you don’t want it to and controls its reclining features. This allows you stand up with your baby, safely from the chair.
- Wide seat and durable fabric – These chairs have wide seats for parents to comfortably feed or soothe a baby. The extra room allows you to move around and find a cozy position. Its upholstery is also made of durable fabric and some are machine-washable.
- Reclining seat – Some gliders have an adjustable reclining. It leans back for a better nap experience.
- Ottoman – Often, the chair has a matching ottoman to keep your feet up and relieve them from the pain of standing too long.
Considerations When Purchasing A Swivel Glider Chair
Not all swivel gliders are created equal and parents have different preferences and needs. And so, before you purchase your swivel glider, you need to look at some basic considerations so that you will end up with the best glider fit for your home and family.
Comfort – Mothers would be spending a lot of time on the glider chair and it is important that both the mother and the baby are comfortable. Some moms get motion sickness while some enjoy the gliding motion, so check first if you are fine with motion sickness or whether the sliding motion feels as smooth as you want it to. You would also need to look if you can breastfeed easily and can get out of it without disturbing the sleeping baby in your arms. Supportive armrests are definitely handy as they allow for better positioning while nursing, as well as built-in footrests or ottomans. See also if the fabric feels comfortable against your skin, and if you want to have the reclining features, check how easily it reclines and locks.
Safety – Keep in mind that safety should be incorporated into the design of the chair. Check if the swivel glider has a stop-lock mechanism that prevents the chair from gliding when not in use, and if all gears are encased and out of reach from children. Some gliders also come with recliners which can also be a source of injuries to kids. So, choose a model without recliners or with an easy-to-reach lever or button for reclining. You may also consider swivel recliner chairs as they are also known to support bodies quite firmly.
Durability – As parents, it is important that you get your money’s worth with your purchases. Make sure that your glider is durable with a design that is timeless because you will be using this chair even after your child has grown up. Check the quality of the materials used and see if the chair has a removable or washable cover.
Swivel Glider Chair Roundup
If you are thinking of investing one for your baby’s room, here are the best swivel glider chairs you can consider.
DaVinci’s Olive Glider and Ottoman
The DaVinci olive upholstered swivel glider is a wonderful piece to help you lull your baby to sleep. It features soothing forward and backward gliding and 360-degree swiveling motions which are designed to meet the baby’s feeding time needs. Mommies can rest easy in this soft and durable 100% heathered polyester glider with its high back and lumbar pillow to offer extra head, neck, and back support. And the upholstered ottoman is there to rest those tired feet. The metal base is very stable, and you can rest assured that the DaVinci Olive Glider is safe for babies as it is free of chemical flame retardants and formaldehyde. Its modern and comfy design will easily complement your home and they are available in cream, grey, and dark grey colors. It also has a 1-year warranty.
Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider
The Madison Swivel Glider is a good choice for parents who want to save space in the nursery but still want to enjoy the glider’s functionality. It showcases a smooth and effortless gliding motion and it swivels 360 Degrees for mommies to easily turn to talk to family while staying put with the baby. It is made with an ultra-soft water-resistant and stain-resistant microsuede which is upholstered by hand and free of chemical flame retardants, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Formaldehyde. And though it is petite in size, it can withstand 300 lbs. The classic mid-century curves of the Madison Swivel Glider will add beauty to the nursery and it comes in sophisticated colors like ecru, mocha, and slate.
Pulaski Harmony Swivel Glider
The Pulaski Harmony Swivel Glider Recliner is small-scaled and can fit easily in the nursery and other areas of your home. It sports a sleek design and generously padded arms, seat, and back, and it is covered with a very soft, easy to clean, and durable fabric, making it perfect for long periods of sitting and napping. It also features a full 360-degree swivel base, smooth quiet reclining mechanism and a retractable footrest for ultimate comfort. Inside this wonderful chair are individually wrapped, drop-in pocketed coils that prevent sagging and it comes in two colors, Carlton Dove and Carlton Desert.
Monarch Swivel Glider Recliner
If you want a glider that has a contemporary leather-look finish and has three functional elements – swivels, glides, and reclines, then this is the best chair for you. It has a chrome metal swivel base and a padded back and seat cushion, so you can relax in style. It can fully recline back to approximately 30 degrees and it has a retractable footrest for leg support. This multi-functional and fashionable chair is a great addition to your nursery or any room in your home.
Naomi Home Odelia Swivel Gliding Rocker Recliner
This swivel gliding rocker recliner is a classy and stylish piece that has soft-to-the-touch Microfiber upholstery and a spring core foam-filled seat. It offers a very smooth glide and a sturdy construction. The ball bearing mechanism for both a rotating swivel function and smooth gliding motion is enclosed for safety. The swivel glider rocking chair has a built-in easy-pull mechanism which offers a lot of convenience and comfort. It has a retractable footrest to rest your legs and you can also fully recline back and relax. The lever is placed at a convenient position giving you complete control over the movement of this swivel glider chair. It is the perfect chair for feeding your baby or just for some relaxation! It requires minimal assembly and it comes in four different elegant colors.
The swivel glider chair is a good investment. It is not only functional during the early years of your child, but it is also a piece of furniture that you could keep and use for years on end.