Having a chair as part of your nursery interior design is important for many reasons. It won’t be just a place to sit when feeding your child or rocking your baby to sleep. It will be the “bonding place” so for this reason alone, it should be the most comfortable and the best type of chair that you can afford. It is also the most likely place you will read to your child. The nursery chair you choose will be where you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. A traditional rocker has a classic design with a charming, timeless appeal while a glider is typically upholstered. However, before making a final decision whether you will buy a rocker or a glider for your nursery, here are some things to consider.

Traditional Rocker – Pros

No matter whether they are antiques or not, rockers have the cherished appearance of a family heirloom.

They are very adaptable to a number of décor styles

They don’t include any mechanisms that can wear out.

Traditional Rocker – Cons

Since the seating area tends to be more angled and a little lower than a typical glider or even an armchair, a traditional rocker can be awkward to get in and out of easily. Especially when you’re feeding or trying to put your baby to sleep in the middle of the night, and you’re half asleep yourself, a chair with a seating area that is higher off the ground may be more useful.

Particularly when playing on the floor near the rocker, pets and children could get arms, legs or tails caught underneath the rockers if the chair is moved forward or backward.

If the floor is uncarpeted or the rocking chair is older, any squeaks can be troublesome (and sound very loud at two in the morning) when trying to settle your child back to sleep.

Most types of traditional rocking chairs do not come with seat cushions. They will have to be purchased separately. Particularly if you’re prone to backache, you will also want a back cushion.

Glider Rocker – Pros

Gliders have a smooth, soothing movement that some parents prefer to the more pronounced back and forth motion of a rocker.

Some types of gliders include a locking mechanism, rendering them stationary and preventing curious little fingers from being caught in the glider.

Gliders come in so many style, options and fabric choices that it is easier to customize it to both your nursery décor and you personal comfort level. Some models include ottomans that can either be purchased separately or are part of a set.

Glider rockers come with a number of different features, such as pouches, removable armrest pads or storage compartments.

Glider Rocker – Cons

Hinges, slides and other mechanisms associated with the glider rocker are prone to rusting and general wear and tear.

A glider that includes an ottoman should be “test driven” just to ensure that it will be useful to you. For example, you might find that due to a combination of factors including how tall you are, a stationary ottoman would be more practical for you.

Many types of gliders are shipped ready-to-assemble. Since safety is a high priority and can be dependent on how the chair has been put together, if you’re not confident in your DIY abilities, plan on asking for help from a friend or family member.