A rocking chair is considered to be a very important addition to a baby’s nursery. The rocking movement is helpful in calming down a fussy baby. Today, apart from the traditional rocking chairs, you can also choose from the most modern glider chairs. However, just like selecting any other stuff for your baby’s nursery, you will have to do a thorough research before buying a rocking chair for your baby. Obviously, you can’t put your baby to sleep in an adult’s rocking chair. Therefore, it is necessary that you study the essential features and requirements of a baby rocking chair before buying it. Read on to discover some important tips which will ease your decision of buying the best rocking chair for your baby.
1. Know the basic features
With a lot many options to choose from, it is quite common for you to be confused while shopping for a rocking chair. Traditional rocking chairs in the first place have a timeless feel to it. Moreover, they are devoid of any moving parts and thus you can rule out the danger of wear and tear. However, pets and older children playing on the floor nearby can get easily pinched beneath the rockers and this can be considered as a disadvantage of the traditional type rocker.
This disadvantage of the traditional rocking chair can be overcome by using a modern gliding style of rocker chair which provides a smooth movement. However, due to the presence of moving parts in them, these chairs are easily prone to be subjected to wear and tear.
2. Choose a quiet chair
It is necessary for a baby’s nursery to have a quiet and peaceful environment, as even a slight sound can disturb the peaceful sleep of your baby. Keeping this factor in mind, you should choose a chair which doesn’t squeak or make noises as it rocks. You should also ensure that the chair you select doesn’t make any unwanted noise as you get up from it or sit on it.
3. Buy a sturdy rocking chair
An important factor to be considered while buying a rocking chair is its sturdiness. Do ensure that the chair is well built and inquire the dealer about its load bearing capacity. If you choose a glider rocking chair, make sure that its movement is smooth throughout the entire range of motion, and there are no sticky spots in between. Check on the glued joints and spindles of the chair to see if they have the capacity to withstand basic movements like leaning and rocking.
4. Evaluate the ease to use
While buying a rocking chair for your baby’s nursery, you also need to consider the level of easiness with which it can be used. Most of the times, you will be sitting down or getting up from the chair with the baby in your hand. Hence there will be no means by which you can adjust the position of your chair, or hold it from slipping away, as your arms will be always full. Therefore it is recommended that you buy a chair which doesn’t move out from under you as you get up or sit down on it.
5. Choose from the cushions
Many rocker chairs come along with an added attachment of cushions. These cushions can either be attached to the chair or else, they will be detachable. If you buy chairs with attached cushions, choose them in darker colors that can hide stains perfectly. If you choose chairs with detachable cushions, you can choose from any color as you will very well be able to remove the cushions and wash them at ease.
6. The option of footrests
Today many gliding style rocker chairs come with the attachment of foot rests. These footrests which are attached to the chair has an automatic rocking mechanism. If you do not like the rocking footrest, you can choose a separate footrest. You can can even opt for a simple wooden stool, in case you are on a budget.
7. Look for covered hinges
If you choose a gliding chair, make sure that the hinges and glides are covered. This will ensure that the baby’s fingers and toes do not reach in between the small spaces in between these hinges and there is practically no chance for cuts or pinches to happen.
8. Choose from various styles
The rocking chair you choose for your baby’s nursery should not only be practically helpful, but should also be aesthetically pleasing. The chair you choose should blend in well with the rest of the baby’s nursery. However, with the advance in your toddler’s age, you may wish to change the look of his nursery. In order to accommodate the chair with the changing decor of the nursery, it is recommended that you choose a easily paintable one which comes with removable cushions.
