- Nursery Articles -
Glider vs. Rocker
Which Should You Choose?
Designing and furnishing your child’s nursery is a significant step in welcoming your newborn to the world. As you’re choosing a theme, crib and wall decor, the topic of a glider vs. rocker has probably surfaced among your friends and family.
Gliders and rockers both have benefits, and it’s important to know the key differences between the two. We’ve broken down the differences so you can choose the chair that best fits your needs.
What is a Glider?
A glider is a chair that moves back and forth on a fixed track. It's built for noiselessly swaying with your newborn. Many gliders also have the ability to swivel in a 360° range of motion.
Paired with an ottoman or with a recliner option, gliders offer a cozy space to snuggle with your newborn. Because of the fixed track, gliders offer a smooth, gentle, forward and backward motion.
What is a Rocker?
A rocker has arched legs that allow the chair to tip forward and backward. Rockers have a stronger back and forth movement than gliders.
The rocker has been used to soothe newborns for decades. Rockers come in a range of styles, from the traditional wooden rocking chairs often seen on front porches to the plush rockers found in nurseries.
They are great multifunctional pieces of furniture. Many rocking chairs allow you to remove the rockers and replace them with legs to give the chair a new look for your living or guest room.
5 Tips for Choosing a Glider vs. Rocker
While the biggest difference between gliders and rockers is the range of movement they each offer, there’s still much to consider when choosing the chair for your child’s nursery. Keep these five tips in mind as you look for the perfect chair.
1. Keep Room Measurements in Mind
If your baby’s nursery is short on space after filling it with a crib, changing table and dresser, finding a comfortable chair that fits in the room might be a challenge. Gliders might be the better option because they require less space than rockers.
2. Opt for Durability
There are bound to be spills and spit-up that end up on your glider or rocker, so opt for a woven fabric that’s easily cleanable or a slipcover that’s machine washable. Additionally, consider a chair that can be moved to another room after your child outgrows the need for a glider or rocker.
3. Go for Comfort
You’ll spend many a late night with your baby in whichever chair you choose. Pick a comfortable chair that you’ll look forward to spending many hours in as you bond with your newborn. Things to consider include the softness or firmness of the cushion, adding an ottoman to prop up your feet and a back high enough to support your head.
4. Choose a Wide Seat
Newborns require a wide array of accessories. From pumping materials and cozy blankets to pacifiers and favorite stuffed animals, you’ll want to have easy access to quite a few things as you rock your baby to sleep. A chair with a wide seat allows you to keep all the things that you need nearby without disturbing your child.
5. Consider a Locking Mechanism
Especially important as your child becomes more mobile, a locking mechanism on rockers or gliders allows little fingers to stay safe from being pinched by the chair’s inner workings.
6. Research Materials
Make sure that gliders or rockers are made with the best materials. Our GREENGUARD Gold Certified products are screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs that are commonly known to pollute indoor air, certifying that these products contribute to cleaner air in your home.
Choosing the chair where you’ll spend countless hours bonding with your child is a big decision. Keep these considerations in mind as you decide between a glider or a rocker and you’ll have a comfortable and long-lasting chair for the many special moments to come.