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Traditional wooden rockers, although not as popular as gliders these days, stand the test of time as proven baby soothers and as durable, timeless, practical pieces of furniture.
Even though gliders now dominate many baby specialty shops' chair selections, some still carry simple models similar to those our mothers and grandmothers used. Most furniture retailers also carry old fashioned rockers, often offering a wider inventory and cheaper prices rhan boutiques.
When choosing a nursery rocker, keep the following in mind:
Durability. Whether you purchase a mass-produced or handmade wooden rocker, purchase a solid wood chair made from a sturdy hardwood like oak, cherry, maple or mahogany. If you can't afford a hardwood model, opt for a mixed wood chair with hardwood in areas that get the most wear--the seat, for example.
Comfort. You'll likely log hundreds of hours in your rocker, especially during baby's first months, so comfort is key. When purchasing online, check the seller's return policy to ensure you can adequately test drive your chair without penalty. The first few times you sit in your rocker, pay particular attention to seat and back contouring and whether the chair's size and design complements your body structure.
Solid Construction. Look for chairs with carefully constructed wooden joints that fit together much like 3-D puzzle pieces rather than parts that are glued together.
After almost settling for an upholstered glider I wasn't crazy about, I stumbled into a local Amish furniture store and fell in love with their wooden rockers. An Amish furniture maker from Ohio made our rocker by hand (see above picture), providing us with an heirloom piece that our family with enjoy for decades to come. The chair was pricey at almost $700, but wasn't much more than many of the gliders I tested--it is actually less expensive than some of the mid-range glider/ottoman combos I checked out. I use a Medela nursing stool to elevate my feet while nursing and rocking our little one to sleep.