Being a new parent can be quite overwhelming. You have to prepare so many things for the baby and practically change your lifestyle in so many ways. You start thinking of baby names, baby clothes and of course the baby’s room or the nursery. Now, new parents are going to need some furniture for a functional and comfortable nursery. And while going through the list, some parents question the necessity of a nursery glider and ottoman.
The glider and ottoman set has become a staple furniture piece in every modern nursery today. It is quite functional and durable and first-time parents will begin to understand how important the chair is within days of bringing the newborn baby home from the hospital.
Why do you need a nursery glider and ottoman set?
The nursery glider makes feeding the baby more comfortable and rocking it to sleep a lot easier. Unlike the rocking chair, it has a solid and steady base that allows the smooth gliding motion without creating floor markings. A glider also requires less effort to keep the forward and backward motion going. The movement creates a soothing environment for the mother and the nursing child.
The ottoman here is used as a footrest that is ergonomically designed to function beautifully with the glider. It allows you to put your feet up when you don’t want to rock, however, some ottomans glides with you when you move with the glider chair with just a gentle shift of your body weight, allowing for a smooth motion. The glider chair with ottoman might seem a little extra for new mothers and fathers but you’ll soon understand how important the set is during those nights when the baby is having its cryfest.
What is so great about a glider and ottoman set?
The glider chair with ottoman is a must-have piece not only for your nursery but also for the home. Aside from the set’s obvious functions of rocking your baby to sleep and a comfortable spot for breastfeeding, the nursery glider with ottoman is excellent for book time and establishing a good bedtime routine. Adults also can enjoy the gentle rocking sensation of these chairs and the once the baby outgrows the nursery glider, you can place it on the porch, or in a living room to watch TV on. Another great reason for the glider and ottoman is that they come in different elegant and cool designs to match your nursery’s or your home’s theme.
What should I look for a glider and ottoman set?
Every parent has his/her preference, and it is important to know these preferences early on so that you cut your shopping time shorter and get exactly what you need.
- The ottoman – Some gliders come with an ottoman in the package while others don’t. You need to pay a little extra for the matching ottoman. Having the ottoman is worth every penny you spend on it as it definitely adds to the comfort and convenience factors for parents.
- The backrest – Some nursery gliders have high-back while some modern designs have low-back rest. The low-back gliders do not look cumbersome in a room. They fit easily in tight spaces and they go nicely with the nursery decor. However, they do not offer the needed head and back support when you are nursing the baby or getting some z’s on it. High-back gliders can offer the support that you need.
- Comfort and durability – Comfort is essential in selecting a glider and ottoman set. You need a design that significantly helps to safely, and comfortably support you in a perfect feeding position so that your arms do not become tired. The paddings shouldn’t be too firm, and the armrest shouldn’t be awkward. The glider should also be durable and could withstand the test of time.
- The locking mechanism – Make sure that the glider chair with ottoman has a locking mechanism to lock out the gliding motion when not in use. It is also a good consideration to choose gliders that have their mechanisms encased or hidden to avoid the risk of pinching and injury.
Factors to consider when purchasing a glider and ottoman set
Safety features
Safety is a main concern for parents. You would want it to have a locking system that is easy to operate. You don’t want the chair moving around whilst you are sleeping deeply or standing up while holding a baby. The glider should be sturdy and can support your weight. It is better when the mechanisms are well-hidden and away from a baby’s reach.
Recline and swivel features
Some gliders have a reclining backrest which is perfect for long naps or just for relaxation. Other also offer the swivel features that allow the chair to spin the chair 360 degrees in addition to rocking in it.
Upholstery
It is inevitable that at some point, the chair’s upholstery will become soiled at some point. Therefore, it is important to pick a fabric that is machine washable or easy to clean. Check as well if fabrics are free from chemical flame retardants, formaldehyde, and other harmful substances.
Padding and cushioning
The parent and the baby would be spending a lot of time on the glider sitting or sleeping. So, it is essential that the paddings and cushioning are not only comfortable enough, but they also support posture in exactly the right areas. It should support your back, neck, and arms.
Budget
A glider and ottoman set is a good investment. You would want to purchase a set that is durable and that would last for a long time. Gliders that have many features tend to be more expensive than the others.
The width of the seat
Know the dimensions of the nursery glider especially the width of the seat before buying it. Make sure that you and your baby will be comfortable enough and wide enough to change your position as you wish.
Design
There are many glider chair designs you can choose from. They range from classic to modern styles and made from different materials. Choose design and colors that will not only match the nursery but a design that is versatile. You might be moving your glider set to another room of the house when the baby outgrows it, so make sure that its style will complement your other furniture.
The nursery glider and ottoman are very useful furniture pieces. They can easily relax a fussy baby with a gentle motion, relax tired parents, and are a must-have piece for the nursery. Hence, you should carefully pick your glider set and consider the factors that will affect your choice. Until then, have a happy shopping!
Best Glider and Ottoman Set
If you are looking for a nursing chair, here’s our roundup of the best glider and ottoman set.
Dutailier Sleigh Glider-Multiposition, Recline and Ottoman Set
It’s a sleigh glider and ottoman combo. That should be perfect for anyone looking for a very comfortable chair to rock his/her world. It works well for most people, but its features are very much appreciated by pregnant moms and nursing mothers. It can be a very helpful fixture in a nursery. Just make sure there is proper space for it to recline in a room.
The killer combo allows an effortless long gliding motion while in a reclined position. What’s better is that it comes with locking mechanisms. The glider may be set to stop at the desired position (there are six possible positions). The matching ottoman also glides smoothly (no lock, though). The recliner, on the other hand, is also very adjustable and can be locked into place. Choose how much to recline for that most comfortable backrest. The owner does have the option to lock the chair while reclined if that is the preference.
Truthfully, assembling the thing is not rocket science. It’s simple enough, requiring only eight screws. It can be finished in less than an hour. If reclining or gliding seems a little rough, it may have to do with the assembly.
The sleigh glider is not heavy so moving it around won’t be too much of a problem. That should be easy once the baby has grown and the chair can be moved into the living room for everyone to enjoy better. It is actually an attractive piece so it won’t look out of place.
The best part is the comfort value the chair can give. It is not made of microfiber, as some believe. Rather, it’s 100% wool-like polyester. That is responsible for much of the softness. The cushions are of a good amount, making the seat firm, sturdy and great for body support. Thankfully, the cushions are removable and washable. It’s a mother’s dream!
A few negatives:
- The chair with the high back suits taller people better.
- The chair is a bit narrow — the size does not fit all.
The ottoman covering is permanently attached. The only way to clean it is to wipe it down well.
DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider and Ottoman Set
If the buyer is not up for an instant lifting exercise, this may not be the right chair for him/her. It is a heavy chair that requires at least two people to carry it especially upstairs. However, that’s only because the swivel glider already comes assembled. “No assembly” should already earn it plus points. The product comes with the back of the chair folded down over the actual seat. Fold it up and voila! It’s ready to use.
This swivel glider actually does not take a lot of space. Usually considered as a good nursing chair, it’s perfect for a nursery. Moms love the comfort that it gives — the smooth, no-squeak, bump-free gliding motion, thanks to the sturdy metal base. The sweeter deal is it swivels to a full rotation. What’s important, too, is the “100% soft and durable heathered polyester fabric” is said to be free of chemical retardants. It’s not scratchy and not too soft either.
The seat can be a bit narrow, though, to fit a toddler beside its mom so scrap that idea. Specifics-wise, the chair can seat up to 300 pounds; some heavier people mentioned still sitting with no discomfort. It’s very safe to say it is durable for a normal-weight person.
There are proper head and neck support with the high back that recline up to a certain point. Unfortunately, the chair may not be a good fit for shorter people. People from 5’ 6” and above can still comfortably sit in the chair. Meanwhile, a lumbar pillow is available for lower back support, so that helps.
Lastly, there is a bonus ottoman made up of the same materials. Those who would like it to move would be disappointed. Still, most customers simply appreciate it. Young mothers will find it helpful especially when their legs are often swollen.
Dutailier Sleigh Glider-Multiposition, Recline and Ottoman Combo – White Frame/Light Grey Cushion
It glides in a long motion, with six positions to choose from. Its reclining mechanism is fully adjustable. It can glide while in a reclining position, which is not a usual thing to find. Both features have locking mechanisms, which is great. The chair can be locked into a stationary position while reclined, too…So, basically, it’s a dream chair come true.
Okay, that may be a tad exaggerated, but compared to what’s out in the market, this may be one of the sweetest deals one can come across. The sleigh glider and matching ottoman combo work well both for one’s leisure and for a young mother’s needs. And yes, the ottoman also glides.
Put the chair in the living room to have something dependable to relax on after a hard day’s work. Put it in the nursery so that Mommy can better rest her pregnant self or nurse her newborn baby. Put it on the balcony for Grandma to sit on while relieving the good ol’ days. Needless to say, it can be a very helpful piece of furniture.
The chair comes pre-assembled but is easy to complete in less than an hour. It is not heavy at all, which is a plus, especially if the owner wants it moved from one place to another from time to time. There should be enough space, though, to accommodate the ottoman and allow more room for reclining.
The downsides are shorter people may not find it as comfortable as others. The same could be true for wider people. This sleigh glider maybe a bit higher and narrower than what people might expect. That could be a problem once babies start to learn how to kick or once toddlers actually start exploring. That’s why it’s important to test a unit out first.
Material-wise, the 100% polyester chair provides much comfort. There is a good amount of the cushions that provide support to the body. There is good news as well as the cushions can be removed and washed. That should make it easier for Mom to clean Baby’s spits, etc. Bad news about the ottoman, though, as the covering is permanently attached.