What do I need to know about Gliders ?

There are conventional rocking chairs which have been around for generations and the  relatively new glider rocker. Unlike the rocking chair which rocks on curved runners, the glider rocker utilizes a series of wooden arms under the seat which pivot front-to-back on steel ball bearings. There is a strong base which sits firmly on the floor. The result is a very smooth noiseless horizontal gliding motion.  The vast majority of the rockers sold today for nurseries are the glider rocker style. While initially introduced for use in the baby's room, glider rocker designs for the family room, master bedroom, or living room have appeared in recent years. In fact, the fastest selling glider rocker is a rocker recliner which also swivels!  Fully upholstered models  have become more popular recently.

COST:  Another important issue to consider is the cost of the glider.  Gliders can range from as little as $200 to as much as $1500.  Some stores will sell you the glider for one price and then charge you an additional amount for the pads.  Be wary of those stores.  Most gliders are sold to businesses as an entire chair, regardless of the fabric (unless of course it's the leather option).    You may find that although the chair seems cheaper from an initial glance, when you add up all the extra charges for the pads, it may be up to $100 more!!  Also, matching gliding ottomans are sold separately. They range in price from $100-$250 depending on brand, size and features- such as a built in nursing stool.

Great Beginnings carries a large selection of gliders from Dutailier, Best Chairs, and Little Castle. We have over 70 gliders on display throughout our showroom.

The following other issues should be considered when purchasing a glider:

Will the chair remain in the nursery or a toddler's room, or will it ultimately be utilized in another room in the house?

The better manufacturers produce a product which can be enjoyed for years to come, not unlike the traditional rocker.  You may want to think about where your rocker will end up and try to match it to a style in the house versus just the baby's room.  Below are a few questions to ponder when buying a glider:

Will it be left in the nursery along with the crib?

Will it be moved to another bedroom used by a toddler to serve as a place for the parent to sit while reading to the child?

Will it be moved to the family room or another room for use by adults while reading or watching television?

Should the style of the glider and the fabric be chosen with the second room in mind?

The answers to these questions should be factored into the buying decision.

What designs are available in gliders?

Glider rockers can be contemporary or traditional in design. Most are equipped with a seat and back cushions. Most also have arm pads for more comfort when nursing. Some of the traditional styled gliders do not have pads but have solid wood seats similar to most conventional rockers. From the seat up they look like traditional rockers. They lack the curved runners of rockers and have the glider base instead. These can be equipped with a rocking chair pad for comfort.

Fully upholstered glider rockers are now becoming a large percentage of our sales. These gliders look more like a "living room" chair and have less of the wood characteristics of the normal gliders.

Keep in mind that the glider cushions cannot be machine washed but have to be spot cleaned and possibly dry cleaned.

Most manufacturers do not offer fabric protection applications due to the fear of off-gassing.

Consider buying or having made a washable slip cover for the pad.

People who intend to move the chair to another room usually pick the cushion fabric to match the second room and buy a washable slip cover to match the baby's room. Fabric is sold by the yard by most crib bedding manufacturers. If you permanently stain the glider's cushions or come to the revelation that you made a horrendous fabric choice, then replacement cushions are the logical choice. The can be ordered for most of the Dutailier line and usually cost between $60 and $140.

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