
However, whichever style you choose, keep in mind that you are going to be sitting in this chair very often, so comfort should be your top priority when making your selection. You can find rockers with and without padding, in a variety of colors, and ranging from very basic to very detailed designs.ĭepending on the look you want for your nursery, you might go with a classic wooden rocker, or you may find a more modern style that is a better fit.

Rockers have evolved some over the years in terms of style and materials, but they’ve retained their basic function, which is to rock back on forth on their arched legs. There’s probably nothing more classic when it comes to new babies than the sight of a mother snuggling her infant as they sway back and forth in a beautiful wooden rocker. Rocking chairs have been around for ages. Let’s take a little bit of a closer look at this comparison. Gliders usually (though not always) have more features like the ability to lock in place, recline, or swivel. A glider, on the other hand, moves smoothly in a back and forth motion upon a fixed track. A rocking chair literally rocks back and forth on its legs in an arc and its swaying movement can be pretty intense. The main difference between rockers and gliders is their range of motion or movement. So…what is the difference between rocking chairs and gliders? gliders and help you decide which one is right for you and it might be both! In this article, I want to break down the differences between rockers vs. It might seem like these two items are one and the same, but they actually have their differences. One of the ways you can calm your baby is by using a gentle rocking motion or some other form of movement, which is one of the reasons people buy rockers and gliders. Look, it’s a given that your baby is going to cry, and probably cry a lot.

Another perk? Some have detachable legs that turn the rocker into a stationary chair so you’ll be able to use it long after the baby years.Ī glider also moves back and forth (and sometimes even side to side) but with a smoother, quieter motion. They come in lots of different styles (wingback, extra-wide, etc.) and offer less movement than gliders but still more than do the trick when it comes to baby soothing. It can also come down to space and what aesthetic you prefer.Ī rocker has curved legs and, as its name implies, rocks back and forth. Is a Glider Better Than a Rocker?ĭeciding between a nursery glider and a rocker is a matter of personal preference. You could certainly curl up on the couch or on a traditional chair, too, but you’d miss out on the rhythmic motion, which simulates the womb and helps babies settle into sleep, and the back support. Add an ottoman for extra foot support and it also becomes a comfortable, supportive place to breastfeed or bottle-feed. But if you have the budget-and the space-many parents would consider a glider to be a great investment, especially during those first few years.Ī glider chair is a perfect spot to cuddle, soothe and read to your little one. A nursery glider is a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have.

These days, the traditional rocker has a major competitor: the glider. For centuries, parents have used rocking chairs to share snuggles and soothe babies to sleep.
