Glider/Rocker advice needed!

randcbaby · June 2012

So if I had my way, I'd get something like this:

https://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/everyday-prices/little-castle%25e2%2584%25a2-heritage-glider-or-milan-ottoman/prod.jump?ppId=1a3b0b2

But oof, the price! I know people say you can use these in a living room later, but honestly, even then it's still expensive (especially if you get the ottoman too), and who knows how many stains it's going to have on it after baby's done with it!

I've looked into the other style of glider (with wood parts exposed), but everything on the "cheaper" side (like under $250) gets horrible reviews! So to get a good one, it doesn't even seem like you'd save that much.

So is a glider necessary? Have people gone without and regretted it? Does anyone still use old-fashioned rocking chairs anymore--and if not, why not?

I'll spend the money if I have to, but the expenses are definitely starting to add up, and I'm wondering if this is one I can maybe cut out or at least slim down a good deal!

Thanks!!!!

mrs.kcanne · June 2012

Get a glider. Definitely. I've had two gliders (not the upholstered chair kind like your link) so far (one for each girl) and I absolutely could not live without them.

A friend of mine had a regular old wooden rocker that she was going to use for her first baby. And then... she hated it when she finally had her son. She said it was so uncomfortable because it was a rocking chair, with wood arms (whatever you get make sure the arms are padded) and it just sucked overall.

You can get a good glider, for a good price on on Target.com or Walmart.com or really even on Craigslist. I got both girls gliders on Craigslist for about $125 each. GREAT deal. Notice in the pic link below that both of mine had a locking mechanism on the side - I found that an invaluable feature. Mine did not recline though, and that is something lots of people look for in their gliders, but it jacks up the cost. Here are pics of them:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKFDeEjTzck/T-u5GuXRGwI/AAAAAAAADjs/Wfm2412LmGw/s1600/gliders.jpg

This time, I'm considering getting an upholstered glider chair like the one you like... but you're right... the cost! I like this one, but with the ottoman it's close to $500! Having only spent around $125 on the girls gliders, I'm having a hard time justifying such a big price tag this time!

Good luck with your decision. That's a beautiful glider/rocker you've selected!

secretsout · June 2012

I wanted a really nice glider/ottoman like you posted. I ended up not getting it due to space and money constraints. Occasionally I think it would be nice to have, but I wouldn't consider it necessary. My original plan was to go without and see how I felt after the baby came.

I use a regular old wooden rocker and it has been fine for us. Though, if I was nursing I might prefer something more comfortable. The plan was to nurse and that didn't work out for us for various reasons.

danieliza1127 · June 2012

We'll be using a regular rocking chair. It's a chair my in-laws have had since my FIL was in college and they gave it us. It's wood but has a really cushy seat and I've always liked sitting in it. If they hadn't given it to us, I still wouldn't have bought an expensive glider. I just don't think it has to be that expensive. There are plenty of pretty gliders and rockers at Target or other similar stores and that's what I would have done. The glider shouldn't cost as much as the crib in my opinion, but I know people on here seem to rave about them and be willing to spend that much.

mavs41 · June 2012

I would keep looking on Craigslist, at consignment stores, garage sales, etc. I'm a FTM but am thrilled about the upholstered glider I found someone selling on facebook for $85. You still have time so you can keep looking and then if you don't find anything maybe settle for something cheaper from Wal-Mart or Target.

randcbaby · June 2012

Thanks, everyone! Used is a GREAT idea! I'm a lot more comfortable buying something like this used than, say, a crib or something else that has to meet safety regulations.

If I can't find one I like used, then I'll definitely check out Wal-Mart. I've heard a lot of good things about their baby stuff but never looked into it myself.

MrsJetSet · June 2012

We ended up buying a nice leather glider/recliner at a normal furniture store for less than we would have paid for the dutallier+ottoman we were considering. We didn't have it until last week because we didn't get it ordered until after dd arrived and it was custom made. We have no other rocker or glider at home and I didn't really miss having one until now. Dd just started daycare and comes home overtired. It is nice to rock her to help her relax.

SunAndRain · June 2012

I got an awesome Dutailer glider and matching ottoman which also glides used on craigslist for $125. Retail would have been $6-$700, I believe.

Keep hunting for deals!

Leinistar · June 2012

Another vote for craigslist. I too got a Dutailer glider in near perfect condition (I only had to wash the ottoman cushion) for $50 and I honestly would have spent a lot more on it. I think a comfortable chair of any kind is a must in the baby's room. I spent hours a day in ours for the first few months and would have been miserable had I not had a comfortable glider.

RRL2012 · June 2012

Walmart has a cheap one by Dorel that looks nice and I have a couple friends that have it and love it. I bought a pricey Little Castle one from BBB wirh great reviews, but Little Castle also has a cheaper line at Target and I am sure it's still good quality!

shannicole_23 · June 2012

If you check on www.plasticjungle.com, they sell JC Penney gift cards for 31% off. This would be a great savings on the chair you love.

happygril · June 2012

I just ordered an upholstered glider from walmart for $360. They carry a brand called "enchanted" which is made by Little Castle. From what I hear it is good quality. They get 5 star reviews.

I also agree that craigslist has some nice gliders occasionally. They tend to sell fast in my area though, so if you see something you like I'd jump on it.

With my DD I didn't have a glider and it wasn't a big deal. But I did have a big plush chair and a twin bed in her nursery--which helped.