Category: Ultimate Guide

Decorating the nursery is just as important as any other part of preparing for the baby’s arrival. One of the most crucial decisions is picking a comfortable chair for the nursery. While there are many types of chairs to choose from, two popular options are gliders and rockers. Both offer a soothing motion that can help lull a baby to sleep, but they differ in their design and functionality. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using a glider vs a rocker in the nursery. Whether you’re a new parent, or simply looking to create a cozy space for your little one, read on to find out which option is best for you. 

Tips for Choosing a Nursery Glider and a R ocking Chair?

Some factors that parents might consider when choosing a nursery glider or rocking chair:

1. Comfort: Look for a glider or rocking chair that provides ample support for your neck, back, and arms. The chair should also have enough room for you to comfortably sit with your baby.

2. Durability: Choose a chair that is sturdy enough to withstand daily use and can last for years.

3. Wide Seat: When choosing a chair for breastfeeding, it is important to consider comfort and ease of use. One key feature to look for is a wide seat. A chair with a wide seat provides ample space for both the mother and baby. With a wider seat, moms can find the right breastfeeding position and establish a comfortable rhythm for feeding. It is also beneficial to have a designated breastfeeding station, where necessary items such as a nursing pillow and a burp cloth can be stored within reach.

4. Style: Consider a glider or rocking chair that fits your personal style and decor.

5. Upholstery: Look for a chair with durable and easy-to-clean upholstery, and consider a color or pattern that complements your nursery.

6. Smoothness: Look for a glider or rocking chair with smooth gliding or rocking motion.

7. Noise Level: Ensure the chair has minimal noise level or complete silent motion.

8. Adjustable Features: Choose a chair that may offer an adjustable footrest, reclining backrest or both, along with different speed rocking or gliding options.

9. Price: Consider your budget when selecting the best glider or rocking chair as you don’t want to break your bank when other baby expenses exist.

10. Longevity: Choose a chair that can be used beyond nursery needs as it can serve as a good addition to a living room or bedroom space.

Glider vs Rocker: Which One to Choose for Nursery?

The biggest difference between a glider and a rocker is, a glider tends to move in a forward and backward motion, whereas a rocker moves up and down. Now read the other comparisons.

Glider vs Rocker for Nursery

What is a Glider Chair?

A glider is typically designed with a cushioned seat, backrest, and armrest, making it a comfortable seating option for new moms. The plush feel of the chair provides added comfort, and the gentle sway motion is perfect to soothe a fussy baby. A glider offers a smooth and effortless motion that allows for a relaxed and calming environment during feeding or soothing the baby.

Recommend to read our post: How to Recover a Glider Rocker without Sewing.

Glider for Nursery: Pros and Cons of Gliders

Pros:
– Gliders move back and forth in a smooth and gentle motion, providing a calming effect for both the baby and the parent.
– They often have a wider and more comfortable seat than rockers, making them ideal for long hours of nursing or rocking the baby to sleep.
– Some models come with matching ottoman and, locking mechanisms, which can be used to elevate the feet and enhance relaxation.
– Gliders are generally quieter than rockers, which can help prevent waking the baby up.

Cons:
– Gliders are typically more expensive than rockers, and some models require assembly or come with additional parts, such as an ottoman, which can add to the cost.
– Some gliders can be bulky and heavy, making them difficult to move around in the nursery or when relocating.
– Not all gliders come with adjustable armrests or headrests, which can make finding a comfortable sitting position a challenge for some.

Rocker for Nursery: Pros and Cons of Rockers

What is a Rocker?

A rocking chair or rocker is a type of chair with two curved bands of wood (also known as rockers) attached to the bottom of the legs. This allows the chair to rock back and forth in a smooth and soothing motion. Rocking chairs are often associated with relaxation, particularly for use on porches or in living rooms. They come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden designs to modern upholstered versions.

Pros:
– Rockers are generally less expensive than gliders, making them an affordable option for many.
– They come in various styles, designs, and colors, allowing parents to choose one that matches the room decor.
– Rockers have a classic, timeless look that appeals to many parents.
– Some models have a more upright and straight seating position, making it easier to get in and out of them.

Cons:
– Rockers can be noisy, especially if they have wooden parts that rub against each other.
– The rocking motion can be jerky and inconsistent, which can be uncomfortable for some parents and babies.
– Unlike gliders, rockers require some effort to move back and forth, which can be a challenge for parents with mobility issues or back pain.
– Some models have a narrow and uncomfortable seat, which can lead to back pain or discomfort during extended periods of use.

Is a Glider or a Rocker Better?

The choice between a glider or a rocker depends on personal preferences and needs. Gliders and rockers both provide gentle back and forth motion, but gliders move in a smoother and quieter motion, while rockers have a more traditional and rhythmic motion. Gliders are also available in various styles, such as swivel or reclining, making them a popular choice for nurseries, while rockers are great for those who prefer the classic look and feel of a rocking chair. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual’s preferences and needs.

In conclusion, both gliders and rockers have their pros and cons, and the final decision depends on personal preference, budget, and the level of comfort desired. Parents should test both options before making a purchase to ensure that they are comfortable and suitable for their needs.

It is comparatively easy to buy a glider rocker. Normally they are sold in furniture shops, online sites retail stores, or second-hand shops. But when you want to match with nursery room; it is a little tricky to match from default factory upholstery.

On the other hand, if you buy a second-hand glider rocker or it’s one of the Best Nursing Chairs, naturally your mind may thirst for a unique look of the product.

That is the reason, you should learn to reupholster a glider rocker cushion on your own, And even if you have no sewing experience you can do to recover a glider rocker.

So, learn how to recover a glider rocker without sewing experience-

Process 1: Using Velcro Brand Fabric Fusion Tape

What items will require:

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• A glider rocker that will be recovered
• Fabrics that recover the glider cushion. And Buy your enough favorite color upholstery fabric
• Velcro Brand Fabric Fusion Tape ; the alternate way of  sewing process
• Hot Glue as a substitute for needle and thread (sewing)
• Scissor
• Seam ripper

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How do, Step by Step Process:

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• Firstly uncover the chair and see the glider’s structure; if it is ok for use
• Then remove the current fabric of the cushion. In this case, use a seam ripper to rip out buttons and do it carefully as if the cushion remains good. You may need scissors to do it perfectly.
• Now place new upholstery fabric on a flat space and trace around the cushion using chock. Make sure you have sufficient fabric to wrap the cushion and for adding fold.
• Now cut the marking part. And wrap it like a gift box to confirm it looks good and smooth. Also, be sure the joint will be placed on the bottom or back part.
• In this portion fold the edge of the fabric and make it stable using glue. Now pill the Velcro fabric tape and stick on the seam of fabric. And put the opposite part in the same way.
• Now ready to use in the chair

Process 2: Make Upholster Using Removable Zip-off Cover

What items will require:

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• Hot glue gun
• Glue
• Hem tap
• Canvas cloth/medium to heavy-weight fabric
• Muslin fabric
• Iron
• Zipper

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How do, Step by Step Process:

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• You have another option without Velcro tap. That can be done by removable zip off cover.
• Firstly hem each edge of muslin fabric and the upper Canvas cloth using hem tap. Just put the hem tape on the edge of fabric. Fold it and iron on there, press down, and hold about 90 seconds. If they not joint strongly take more few seconds.
• In this step, attached one part of the zipper with muslin fabric. The glue should be used on the fabric part of the zipper and also make sure no glue spread out on the cloth and no glue stick over the zipper opening-closing part. Thus you may be in trouble to fulfill the aim of zipper.
• Once it is complete join another part of the zipper with canvas fabric following the same process.
• Now you are on the way to the goal. Just close the other 3 parts of the two fabric using glue. And make sure there is no opening part that exists in the three parts.

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However, In this case, attaching gripper may seem a little tricky. But visual guide makes it easy to capture. This video may help to assemble the cushion with zipper :

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• When it is ready you will be able to hold in cushion, just open the zipper, stuff cushion and close cover using zipper off.
• Finish the task. Now put in the cousin and enjoy with recovered glider rocker

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This option is very useful as after a few days’ usages it becomes very messy and needs to clean a regular basis. Just open the zipper; pull out from the cushion and wash to ensure hygiene in the nursery room.

Finally, this is a very easy DIY project to replace the upholstery of a glider rocker; no need to have sewing experience. But definitely the sewing process makes it more durable. However, you finally recreate the glider matching look with the theme of the nursery room. And really return a very good feeling when you have done yourself at home.

Children love swings! But then again, who doesn’t, right? Kids or adults, everyone likes the idea of spending the late afternoon hours in the backyard, swinging away, catching the breeze in their hair! However, the most significant problem people have when installing an outdoor baby swing is that they don’t have a tree with sturdy branches. If you’re going through the same issue, worry not! Here’s how you can install a tree swing no horizontal branch needed!

Best 2 Ways to Hang a Swing without Horizontal Tree Branches

Essentially, there are two ways to install a tree swing without the availability of branches. One of the methods requires a single tree, while the other requires two. Depending on your convenience and availability of trees in your backyard, you can choose either one.

1. Hang a Swing Using One Tree (tree swing no horizontal branch)

Suppose that you only have one tree available, and that too doesn’t have the healthy, large branches you need to install a swing. In another case, you might have several trees, but none of them are aligned together to give you the ideal spacing. In either scenario, here’s what you can do:

Picking a Tree –

Select the sturdiest tree that you can find. Even if it doesn’t have the branches, it needs to be strong and resilient enough to carry your child’s weight. If you want help with the selection, pick a relatively older tree since older ones can sustain more weight. Their roots are fully developed and fixed, and their bodies are sturdy.

A younger tree might look healthy, but there’s no way to make sure it’s fully developed yet. Thus, “play” on the safer side and pick the older one. Decade-old oak trees are the preferable choices.

Recommend to read:

7 Best Outdoor Baby Swing for Infants & Toddlers Fun

This video may help more as visualize the idea :

Making an Artificial Branch –

Here’s the magic part! If your tree doesn’t have a horizontal branch, you can make one! Pick a suitable material for this purpose; make sure it is strong and resistant. Popular and preferable options include metal boards or strong wooden boards.

Apart from the strength and resistance of the material, make sure it is adaptable as well. Since you are going to nail or drill it into the tree, it should take the necessary shape and adapt to the position.

Last but not least, pay special attention to the length of the board as well. The branch should be a minimum of 1.5 meters in length. The thickness, however, depends on the weight you are going to put on it.

Attaching an Artificial Branch –

Once the artificial branch is complete and you’re entirely satisfied with the way it looks and feels, it’s time to attach it to the tree. This part is relatively more comfortable and doesn’t take more than a few minutes. Take a drill, some bolts or nails, and take a good look at the chosen tree.

Observe and find the right spot to attach the branch. This particular spot should be somewhere low, where other branches separate from the tree’s trunk. Place your DIY branch on the trunk and nail it down, making sure it’s fixed in place.

Once this part is complete, notice how much of the branch is hanging outside. This length shouldn’t be more than one or two meters, and the unit should be perfectly parallel to the ground. If your artificial limb ends up being too long, it could compromise the stability and lead to possible hazards later.

Hanging the Swing –

You are almost there! If you have a swing already, good! If not, you can purchase an entire kit that features ropes, chains, hooks, and a swing board. You can even make your swing at home if you want. There are several different types of DIYs on the internet, and you’ll have loads of fun doing this activity with your child. Plus, you’ll be saving quite a lot of bucks!

Once you get your hands on the swing, hang it from the artificial branch, and test it out! Let your child sit on the swing for a few minutes while you supervise. Check the branch and make sure it’s not moving. Ensure that it’s stable, and the swing isn’t making any uncomfortable movements.

2. Hang a Swing Using Two Trees (tree swing no horizontal branch)

If you’re lucky enough to find two consecutive trees aligned correctly, it’s an opportunity- take it! The process is pretty much the same: making sure that the trees are sturdy and robust, creating a fake branch, and attaching it to the trees. However, there are a few additional steps and benefits to this method.

Once you have the board ready, attach it to both the trees. It’s way more stable than installing a swing on one tree and ensures more safety. Nail the board on both the tree trunks, but make sure the distance is no more than 5 meters. Excessively long lengths and distances can compromise the safety and stability you were going for in the first place. Now, attach the swing as you did in the first method and test it out under supervision for a few minutes.

Some Extra Steps to Ensure Better Safety –

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• • Don’t let your child sit on a swing unsupervised if they are younger than four years.

• • Make sure the rope is high-quality and doesn’t have any flaws or weak spots. Also, change the rope every couple of years.

• • Double-check the knots, nails, and joints, if any, and make sure everything is secure.

• • Before finishing and finalizing, have your kid try it out. This way, you can make sure the height is appropriate for your child. Swings that are too high or too low can be unstable and uncomfortable.

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In Conclusion –

So that’s how you install a tree swing; no horizontal branch needed! Pretty simple and easy, no? Hence, if you don’t think you have the ideal space for a swing in your backyard, look again. But this time, look with a keen eye and see how creative you can be with a little bit of motivation and an artificial branch!