Product Spotlight Series: Rocking Chairs, Gliders, etc. (week of Dec 25)

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... gliders and rocking chairs, etc!

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.

For S+TMs:

Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences (height, home size, multiples, etc.):
Favorite [glider/rocking chair]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [glider/rocking chair] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [glider/rocking chair] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [glider/rocking chair]?:

For FTMs

[glider/rocking chair] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gjNtxy2Kd2JceTYYR5wkwVcpTbU-khgazhjcZnfI1y4/edit?usp=sharing

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

ramblebee · December 2017

Does anyone have an opinion re: glider versus rocking chair? I'm trying to stalk freecycle / FB sales and am wondering pros and cons. TIA!

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

@ramblebee I am a ftm so can’t speak to function (if there is any difference) but I prefer the appearance of gliders.

sunshineandwhiskey · December 2017

@ramblebee we had/have a rocker for DD. It was a hand me down from my ILs with an ottoman. It did it’s job but we are getting a glider for this LO. The rocker was NOT comfy to sleep in.

becca_123 · December 2017

@ramblebee I was also curious about that too as I feel size is the big difference that I can think of.

@sunshineandwhiskey How often did you find yourself sleeping there? I'm pretty tall so it has me concerned for back issues etc. Right now I'm picturing a glider with a foot rest/bean bag looking thing if it means I need to be comfy enough to sleep in it a lot.

dinodna3 · December 2017

We just bought a recliner to use in the nursery for DS. It’s pretty big but I liked how wide it was for nursing. I have terrible knees and I can’t have my legs stretched out on a foot rest without my knees supported. I found sleeping in the recliner to be very comfortable.

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

@becca_123 I think we’re going to get the Pottery Barn Kids glider/recliner. It’s apparently not great if you’re under 5’6 but great for tall people.

twelvetwosomeonenew · December 2017

My absolute favorite feature of our glider is that it reclines. It was a lifesaver for sleeping in her nursery, helping position while nursing, and just being comfy & easy to Get out of post partum. ((Received as a gift, so no details as I can't find it online.))

Also, whatever you get-- make sure the arms are cushioned if you're nursing.

BurlapandLace · December 2017

We had this with DS and DH and I both hated it.
Stork Craft Custom Hoop Glider and Ottoman, White/Gray Chevron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L40QBYE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gqZqAb0MRT0ZS

This time around, I am looking for a glider/rocker that reclines and is more comfy. Something along the lines of this:
Baby Relax Rylan Swivel Gliding Recliner, Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017NX2H8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qtZqAbCY8MC7W

becca_123 · December 2017

@doxiemoxie212 Thanks for the suggestion, are they all like that or is there a specific one? I checked out their site and there seems to be a few options.

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

@becca_123 height wise? No idea.

Xtabbikatx · December 2017

I would say that if you want a rocker you might want to consider a lazy boy type of rocker. Something comfortable to nurse in and sleep in the middle of the night. I have a glider and a lazy boy. Lazy boy was great for kiddo sleeping on my chest and the glider is great for keeping you awake but comfortable during the middle of the night so that you do get up and go back to sleep.

My glider was a gift so I am not sure what type or how much it is. I will look and see if I can find it on line.

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

[glider/rocking chair] you're interested in: Pottery Barn Glider/Recliner
Link/picture: https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/wingback-recliner/?pkey=bslipcovered-upholstered-chairs&isx=0.0.1447
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): The fabric I want is $1400-$1800 depending on manual vs power recline (currently 25% off with the code SAVEMORE)
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?: Does anyone know anything about the manual vs power recline? They only had the manual ones in the store for us to test. I guess it jerks back a little bit? Like any recliner I've ever sat in. Is the power one different? Like is there any reason to justify the cost and then having to always have to have it near a power outlet?

If anyone is interested in a VERY pricey option (lol), I sat in this recliner at my mom's favorite baby store in a very ritzy town, and I have to say: most comfortable chair ever. But also the most expensive, soooo...

glider/rocking chair] you're interested in jealous of: Como Pure Latex Glider, exclusively at Sprout baby store
Link/picture: https://www.sproutsanfrancisco.com/shop/nursery/gliders-rockers/como-pure-latex-glider-1
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $1800-$3000 depending on accessories and fabric purchased
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?: No lol just if you have this chair pls give me financial advice

icecubeinthedesert · December 2017

@doxiemoxie212, I'm also interested in that Pottery Barn chair, as well as the rocker version (although it doesn't recline). Bonus for the rocker is that you can buy feet for it, so we could later use it for our formal living room. I feel like that might justify the price a bit for me.

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

@icecubeinthedesert we have such minimal floor space given that we’re in an apt, and I want this in our bedroom so I’m out on foot stools, but I think I’d feel differently if we were in a house

icecubeinthedesert · December 2017

@doxiemoxie212, maybe my wording want clear. You can take the rocking legs off on the rocking chair and put on classic chair legs instead. I also think ottomans just get in the way.

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

@icecubeinthedesert ohhhhhhh gotcha gotcha I sort of like the recline feature, though! We never had a recliner chair growing up, and they're so comfy! I think I'd def use it to watch TV, etc., down the road.

mytinc · December 2017

We had a handed down wooden rocking chair that I hated with my first two boys. The arms weren't comfortable for nursing. In our small house I found myself nursing in our living room recliner during the day and just sitting up in bed with pillows propped behind me in the evenings. I only sat in the rocker once or twice.

@doxiemoxie212 - as far as power recline vs manual - it depends on the chair. I know some recliners you really have to use a lot of leg strength and kick the footrest down to get it in place. That jerky movement can certainly disturb a sleeping baby that you were hoping to lay down in his/her crib if they're a sensitive sleeper. I would think the power recline would be much smoother. So it likely depends on the chair.

becca_123 · December 2017

@doxiemoxie212 I can't really speak to gliders, per se, but my family room set is a couch and a loveseat recliner. The couch is power and the loveseat is manual - and I sooooo wish we had just bought both in power. The recline is so much smoother and honestly, it just sort of sticks easier to the position you want it to be in. With the manual I feel we have to use body force more than we should to both recline the back, and to push the leg rest back in to place, which isn't optimal with a baby. With that being said, some chairs are probably easier than others but if $$ is not an issue or a smooth recline is something that you highly value, definitely choose the power chair.

doxiemoxie212 · December 2017

@becca_123 yeah, I'm concerned about that jerkiness. They're doing 25% off right now at PB Kids so part of me is like.... well that sorta makes up the difference in price between the manual and power...

becca_123 · December 2017

@doxiemoxie212 you've got me really interested in this chair now and with that sale... might have to make the 45 min trek to PB Kids

marcus7676 · December 2017

I have the dutalier fogo glider (without the foot stool). I freaking love it, but wish I had the foot stool too. I used a poof and hated it. Being able to prop my feet up during nursing sessions would have been nice.

@doxiemoxie212 this is similar to the two you posted but slightly less. It also has a fairly small footprint. I’m 5’8 and my husband is 5’10 and it is great height wise.

BurlapandLace · January 2018

Ugh. Dug deeper into the reviews on the chair I’ve been looking at and two things stood out to me

1) people say it doesn’t lock in place when reclined. So you have to kind of keep pushing back on if at all times to keep it reclined. That’s not normal, right? Or are all recliners like that

2) people say it doesn’t rock/glide while reclined. Which seems to defeat the purpose of a gliding/rocking recliner. Or am I wrong on that? Do any of them rock while reclined?

So now I am back on the hunt again for a reasonably priced chair that rocks and reclines at the same time and locks into a reclined position. Am I searching for something that doesn’t exist?

doxiemoxie212 · January 2018

@BurlapandLace first point seems odd but second is normal. I don’t think it’s safe for them to rock while reclined since it’s generally such a steep recline.

glitterfingers · January 2018

@BurlapandLace this is my gripe with a glider we got as a handy me down. It doesn’t seem to have a recline lock and I don’t have enough weight to keep it pushed back like my husband. It was free though so...I’ll probably stick it out.

Having a built in leg rest is a big plus and great space saver.

becca_123 · January 2018

@BurlapandLace I'll reiterate but I agree, I don't think any recliner rocks or swivels while reclined. With my (non-nursery) recliner it can be a challenge to keep it back sometimes but our other one in DH's office stays back pretty easily. To step back on my other post, if the recline is important to you, try and go for a power version! It stays put exactly where you want it.

BurlapandLace · January 2018

OK. Not having it rock while reclined makes sense for safety reasons - this isn’t why I shouldn’t be researching things at almost midnight. Haha.

Thanks ladies!

buffalove1211 · January 2018

My recliner would still rock if I reclined it just a tiny bit. I would pop up the foot rest/recline just about 1/3 of the the way and it would still rock. Mine was from BRU and I couldn't begin to guess the brand or model lol.

twelvetwosomeonenew · January 2018

Mine must be super unsafe, I can lay it all the way back and still rock. It ur doesn't have a built in footrest if that makes a difference?

tammy574 · January 2018

Something to keep in mind if your buying a recliner rocker. Ours is on the smaller side and swivels and was upwards of $800 so I didn’t think of this being a problem but it doesn’t rock like a glider when rocking a baby. It’s so much work to keep up the rocking motion for both my husband and I that we literally didnt ever rock our kids. I just nursed on the couch. I regret so much getting it and didn’t think about how recliners do not rock the same as a glider! When I use my friends gliders I can’t get over how much I can mindlessly rock without my leg muscles screaming! And I feel like so many sweet baby rocking hours were stolen from me because of that darn chair. I would like to get a glider this time and wondered if anyone out there knows of a glider feeling type rocker that is still recliner-ish. I really want the option to recline and hate hate hate how gliders look! @BurlapandLace I have looked at that one online and sat in this similar one at target https://www.target.com/p/baby-relax-addison-swivel-gliding-recliner/-/A-52107294#lnk=sametab&preselect=52070973 and I can’t decide if they glide good enough for me as I do NOT want to make the same mistake!

doxiemoxie212 · January 2018

@tammy574 look at the pottery barn one I posted above. It’s a glider recliner.

tammy574 · January 2018

@doxiemoxie212 The Sprout one is totally my style and also totally pricey.

The pottery barn one is cute but I need this glider to fulfill my all things modern craving.

doxiemoxie212 · January 2018

@tammy574 if you go to the pb kids website there is a more modern one (which I like but DH doesn't)

LaceyBee522 · January 2018

So, this may be a dumb question, but did anyone out there go without a glider/rocker? I don't know if we'll be out of our tiny apartment by the time the babies get here and there's really no room in our house for a sizable piece of furniture.

If you went without a glider/rocker, would you do it again? Any regrets?

Austenista · January 2018

@LaceyBee522 we didn’t do one and it was fine. I have an oversized chair we camped out in. I think I would like one this time because we now have an upstairs where we didn’t before and I need somewhere to curl up with baby that isn’t going to be our bed.

dinodna3 · January 2018

@LaceyBee522 I didn’t have one with my first. I just nursed her on the couch. I have no regrets on not having one for her.

I think we mainly got one for DS because DH just really wanted a recliner. It was nice to have a chair right next to his crib for those late night feedings but it wasn’t hard walking the extra few steps to the living room.

LaceyBee522 · January 2018

@dinodna3 and @Austenista Thanks guys! My living room couch is legit 4 steps from my side of the bed (New York living, hooray!), so I'll probably hold off on this purchase until I know if/when we're moving.

jsl82 · January 2018

I'm a little late to the party here- and don't remember the glider/ottoman's manufacturer, but I will give you all some advice that I had to learn the hard way with DD.

#1 find out what the delivery time frame is ASAP! When picking out the glider for DD we found out that any gliders that were not floor models would take 8-10 weeks for delivery. I was about 6 weeks away from my EDD when we finally were ready to buy. We ended up finding a floor model, but the fabric and color is not what I would have chosen and we were lucky that we found it comfortable.

#2 test drive the chair! You will be nursing and rocking to sleep your LO in this chair- you need to be able to get up without the use of your hands (because you will be holding the baby). If you are having a hard time getting out of the chair and you very likely will wake up the LO defeating the point of the chair. The chair I originally wanted I wasn't able to get out of easily. Also make sure it supports your back- or that you will be comfortable in the chair still if you have to add pillows. BFing is literally a pain in the back when the baby is tiny (as they get bigger you don't need to hunch as much) . If your arm rests are too low to support you/baby/bobby you will end up hunched more. AND as others have mentioned you will sleep in that chair. DD's first 2 months had me sleeping more often in the chair than my own bed- I REALLY missed my bed.

#3 space. A few of you mentioned that your floor plans are small - these chairs take up a lot of space, because you also need room for them to rock. If you won't have room for it in the nursery is it really worth the money? We have the room for our glider in DD's room, but not in the room we have for this LO. Luckily I will have the room in the hallway outside his door, but I'm worried about not being able to get the end table out there too- I spent 45 minutes at a time feeding DD when she was newborn, so having a spot for water, my phone, a lamp so I could have some light but not wake up time light were all really important. Plus I kept spit up clothes in the drawer next to the chair too for easy access.... all important to keep in mind when figuring out what will work for you.

MoonOverGoldsboro · January 2018

@LaceyBee522 Most importantly, I think you can totally do without. But also, you don't necessarily have to get a big ole recliner...you could also get a pretty small, simple rocking chair that could suit your tiny space. You could potentially use your couch for nursing (if that's what you plan on/what works out for you) and the rocker for soothing purposing. I think it depends on what your babies end up liking. My son ended up absolutely LOVING being rocked in a rocker. It was the #1 thing that would soothe him when he was fussy and get him settled down at night. Also rocking with him in that chair is seriously one of my favorite things in life. I legit cry now when I think about the hours I spent with him there when he was tiny! So, I guess my point is that I think you can totally hold off, and you may ultimately be able to find a compromise that could work in your little space, if that's where you end up staying.

buffalove1211 · January 2018

LaceyBee522 I could have absolutely done without the glider if I had to. We actually use it more often now during bedtime than I ever did for nursing or baby rocking. I nursed on the couch or in my bed 99% of the time.

twelvetwosomeonenew · January 2018

@LaceyBee522 we got one with our last baby.... And I loved using it to nurse-- because it's location was super convenient. Buuut, as @buffalove1211 mentioned-- we use it so much more now during our bedtime routine, it will hold its place in her room rather than relocating to the "nursery". This babe gets to hang out on the couch with me.

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Product Spotlight Series: Rocking Chairs, Gliders, etc. (week of Dec 25)

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