Rocking Chairs
A comfy roost for wee-hour feedings
The baby's comfort quotient isn't the only one that matters -- moms and dads will spend many hours throughout the day and night feeding and soothing their newborn, and a supportive, cozy chair makes everyone happier. Traditionally, rockers were the answer. But while their spindle back and wooden seat and arms look great, they're hardly what you want to sink into when you crawl out of bed for a middle-of-the-night feeding. Rocking chairs also have a tendency to travel across the floor as you rock them.
Step into any nursery furniture store and you'll see that some clever (or bone-weary) soul has come to the rescue with rocker-gliders. These heavily cushioned alternatives have a ball-bearing mechanism that lets you glide back and forth for hours with hardly any strain on the lower back.
All likely caregivers should try out the chair in the store. Be sure to choose a model with cushioned armrests, or you'll soon regret it. And an inclined footrest will angle the legs in a way that will help support the baby. Few of the gliding ottomans sold to match the chairs are comfortable if you're holding a baby, but they are a luxurious addition for future use.
Rocker-gliders are available in hundreds of styles, finishes, and upholstery choices to match any decor, from Shaker to contemporary. Rather than coordinating it with the nursery, many parents select a model that fits in with the master bedroom or whatever room the chair might be moved to later.
Not only is the chair likely to be the most comfortable seat in the house, it can also represent a significant investment: prices range from $100 for discount-store models to $1,000 for high-end, leather versions with swivel options, recline positions, even heated massage. Matching gliding ottomans can cost up to $430. As with cribs and other nursery furnishings, high-end gliders offer the best selection of styles and upholstery, but cost the most and require special ordering.
Some people prefer a simpler rocker. Luckily, more easy chairs are being "rocker-ized," like the two shown here. Again, look for good back support, a comfortable size, and an easy rocking motion.
Don't forget the most comfortable option of all (provided you have the space) -- a daybed set up in the nursery to accommodate middle-of-the-night feedings.
Step into any nursery furniture store and you'll see that some clever (or bone-weary) soul has come to the rescue with rocker-gliders. These heavily cushioned alternatives have a ball-bearing mechanism that lets you glide back and forth for hours with hardly any strain on the lower back.
All likely caregivers should try out the chair in the store. Be sure to choose a model with cushioned armrests, or you'll soon regret it. And an inclined footrest will angle the legs in a way that will help support the baby. Few of the gliding ottomans sold to match the chairs are comfortable if you're holding a baby, but they are a luxurious addition for future use.
Rocker-gliders are available in hundreds of styles, finishes, and upholstery choices to match any decor, from Shaker to contemporary. Rather than coordinating it with the nursery, many parents select a model that fits in with the master bedroom or whatever room the chair might be moved to later.
Not only is the chair likely to be the most comfortable seat in the house, it can also represent a significant investment: prices range from $100 for discount-store models to $1,000 for high-end, leather versions with swivel options, recline positions, even heated massage. Matching gliding ottomans can cost up to $430. As with cribs and other nursery furnishings, high-end gliders offer the best selection of styles and upholstery, but cost the most and require special ordering.
Some people prefer a simpler rocker. Luckily, more easy chairs are being "rocker-ized," like the two shown here. Again, look for good back support, a comfortable size, and an easy rocking motion.
Don't forget the most comfortable option of all (provided you have the space) -- a daybed set up in the nursery to accommodate middle-of-the-night feedings.
