Think you’ve found the perfect chair? Before you swipe that credit card, take a moment to consider the answers to these five simple questions:
If you think spending half the night rocking a fussy baby is a challenge, try doing it in an uncomfortable chair! While coziness may seem like too obvious a point to mention, you’d be surprised how many soon-to-be mothers sacrifice comfort for style. (After all, “comfort” of any kind is but a fond memory for most, but that swanky glider? Definitely gorgeous!) Like it or not, you and your nursery chair will likely become very well acquainted over the next few months, so be sure to choose a chair that you - and your back - can live with.
While a soft and cozy nursery chair is a must, there is such a thing as too comfortable. A good nursery chair should offer enough support to allow you to stand up easily without disturbing your little dreamer. If the surface of the chair is too soft, or if the chair is too big, it can be difficult to get up without waking the baby you’ve just spent the last half-hour rocking to sleep.
Another potential pitfall? Adjustable or reclining chairs. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little luxury, but before you buy an adjustable chair, be sure you can operate it comfortably from a seated position. If you choose a recliner, opt for a model that doesn’t require you to reach over the side to pull a lever.
Nursing can be a tricky business, so it’s important to choose a nursery chair that will make the experience as comfortable as possible for you and your baby.
If you’re planning on nursing your new arrival, look for a chair with wide, padded armrests. (This allows for better positioning while nursing.) You’ll also want to choose a stain-resistant, easy-to-clean fabric. Once you’ve settled on the perfect chair, consider creating a nursing station to ensure you have everything you need for nursing your child close at hand.
Rocking chairs and even gliders have a reputation for pinching little fingers and toes - not to mention tossing off curious climbers. To prevent accidents, choose a glider, preferably one with a stop-lock mechanism that prevents the chair from gliding when not in use, and be sure that all gears are encased and out of reach.
Recliners can also injure toddlers, especially the kind that operate based on the shifting of one’s body weight alone. If you have your heart set on a reclining chair, choose a model with an easy-to-reach lever or button. Never leave your recliner’s footstool up when you’re not in the chair, and always double check to ensure that the space beneath you is clear before putting it back down.
That baby blue corduroy may seem like the perfect fit for your little guy’s room right now, but what about five years from now? Ten?
A good chair should take your child from cradle to college. If you can’t imagine your son curling up in it to study, or offering it to his friends when he’s entertaining, you might want to opt for something a little less cutesy.
1. Is it comfortable?
If you think spending half the night rocking a fussy baby is a challenge, try doing it in an uncomfortable chair! While coziness may seem like too obvious a point to mention, you’d be surprised how many soon-to-be mothers sacrifice comfort for style. (After all, “comfort” of any kind is but a fond memory for most, but that swanky glider? Definitely gorgeous!) Like it or not, you and your nursery chair will likely become very well acquainted over the next few months, so be sure to choose a chair that you - and your back - can live with.
2. Can you get out of it?
While a soft and cozy nursery chair is a must, there is such a thing as too comfortable. A good nursery chair should offer enough support to allow you to stand up easily without disturbing your little dreamer. If the surface of the chair is too soft, or if the chair is too big, it can be difficult to get up without waking the baby you’ve just spent the last half-hour rocking to sleep.
Another potential pitfall? Adjustable or reclining chairs. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little luxury, but before you buy an adjustable chair, be sure you can operate it comfortably from a seated position. If you choose a recliner, opt for a model that doesn’t require you to reach over the side to pull a lever.
3. Can you nurse comfortably in it?
Nursing can be a tricky business, so it’s important to choose a nursery chair that will make the experience as comfortable as possible for you and your baby.
If you’re planning on nursing your new arrival, look for a chair with wide, padded armrests. (This allows for better positioning while nursing.) You’ll also want to choose a stain-resistant, easy-to-clean fabric. Once you’ve settled on the perfect chair, consider creating a nursing station to ensure you have everything you need for nursing your child close at hand.
4. Is it safe?
Rocking chairs and even gliders have a reputation for pinching little fingers and toes - not to mention tossing off curious climbers. To prevent accidents, choose a glider, preferably one with a stop-lock mechanism that prevents the chair from gliding when not in use, and be sure that all gears are encased and out of reach.
Recliners can also injure toddlers, especially the kind that operate based on the shifting of one’s body weight alone. If you have your heart set on a reclining chair, choose a model with an easy-to-reach lever or button. Never leave your recliner’s footstool up when you’re not in the chair, and always double check to ensure that the space beneath you is clear before putting it back down.
5. Does it have staying power?
That baby blue corduroy may seem like the perfect fit for your little guy’s room right now, but what about five years from now? Ten?
A good chair should take your child from cradle to college. If you can’t imagine your son curling up in it to study, or offering it to his friends when he’s entertaining, you might want to opt for something a little less cutesy.
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