Must Have Item: Rocker Recliner

When Alden came into the world I didn't realize how much we would be rocking. When he was born, we had two hand-me-down recliners. One reclined but didn't rock and the other rocked but the recline was broken and it was tilted to the left a little so it was super uncomfortable. This is what happens when you are young and poor and have a new baby. There was no way we could drop $500 for a new chair.

Right before Collyn was born, we were so blessed. My parents were buying a new recliner and so they were getting rid of their old one. There was no problems with their old one, but my mom didn't think it was the most comfortable for her. She needed one lower to the ground. So, we took their chair off their hands. It fits me wonderfully. We were so lucky to get one.

I would recommend every parent of a baby to get a rocker recliner. They are plush and comfortable and you can nurse in them and fall asleep in the night and not worry that the baby will fall. I never thought I would fall asleep while sitting until I had babies.

Our rocker recliner is in our living room and in the nursery we have a glider. I didn't know if I would like it, but I LOOVVVEEE it. I like the glider over a normal wooden rocker for one main reason....

*Rockers move when you rock. They usually push you backward and you have to pull it forward away from the wall after a few minutes. Gliders don't move. You rock babies for an hour or more. And, when they drift off, there is NO WAY you are going to attempt to stand up, pull the rocker forward and start rocking again. That is a plan for a crying baby. :)

Looking for a rocker recliner I would recommend (Buying new or used)

1. Make sure the rock and the recline work smoothly and quietly. There is nothing worse then reclining and getting comfortable and the baby goes to sleep and when you pull the lever and the chair makes a horrible noise to release the recline. Or a lovely squeek everytime you rock.

2. Make sure your feet plant flat on the ground while sitting relaxed. Rock a little bit and make sure it's comfortable. I can rock for hours in mine because my legs make a perfect 90 degree angle and my legs don't get tired.

3. Make sure it fits and supports your lower lumbar area of your back.

4. Put your head back and relax. Some recliners are uncomfortable for your neck when you try to relax. Make sure the top of the recliner is tall enough for your head to rest.

I couldn't live without my rocker recliner. Wooden rockers are cute and decorative, but not practical for long-time rocking. You need something soft, comfortable and big to support both you and baby. I would also recommend a glider rocker for the nursery. Especially if you can get it with the foot glider. AMAZE-FEST!