Newest glider rockers mix function, style

For years, moms and dads have used a rocking motion to feed their babies, provide comfort and lull them to sleep. The basic movement is still key, but today's chairs offer more options, comfort and style. These are not your grandfather's rocking chairs.

The juvenile glider rocker segment is growing as evidenced during the JPMA show in May, which included new exhibitors such as Demare and Mac Motion.

Butch McCracken, owner of Mac Motion, was an executive at Relax-R and has been in the business since the 1970s. He said that he is seeing more vendors show glider rockers. McCracken has also seen other changes during the years. "What I notice is that rockers have changed considerably to adapt to what (parents) use for bedding."

But McCracken also said that parents are looking beyond nursery décor and choosing more traditional styles that can be used in other parts of the home. McCracken said that during the late 1990s, brown leather gliders were the most popular nursery choice at his former glider company, Relax-R, which he sold in 2002. The style and color coordinated well with the nursery, and as the child aged, the chair could be moved into the office or family room — not always an option with lighter colors and more typical nursery patterns.

Retailer Ken Goore, owner of independent specialty store Goore's, carries Dutailier, Best Chairs and Little Castle at his Sacramento location. Goore said that he stresses the comfort component with his customers. "We tell them that the chair must be comfortable," he said. "They might like the style and look, but the fit might not work for everyone."

He also encourages his customers to think about which room the glider rocker could potentially end up in as they select style and color. "Think down the road, not just about baby," he said.

Goore said that glider rockers with exposed wood bases are still popular, although a growing number of people are opting for fully upholstered chairs, which Goore describes as having more of a Pottery Barn-type look.

Alex Adimari of Quebec-based manufacturer Chanderic said that upholstered glider rockers account for about 30% of the company's line, with wood bases still the mainstay. Adimari said Chanderic's glider rocker with a black base and funky, hip fabric was a hit at the JPMA show. Many who placed orders were specialty storeowners from the Midwest, and Adimari guessed that they made the choice to differentiate themselves from mass merchants. The look also works with the currently trendy and sophisticated black crib.

New glider company Demare launched 12 juvenile rockers at the JPMA show in May, including this new 875 model with adjustable arms. The arms can be moved up or down to make nursing more comfortable for moms. Retail price is $549 with an ottoman.

Little Castle introduced this chair and ottoman combination at May's JPMA show. The retail price point is $499.

This chair from newcomer Mac Motion has an all-metal mechanism under the upholstered frame that swivels, glides and reclines. This chair and ottoman retail for $499.

The Monique chair is available with either a swivel base or glider, and the seat cushion is reversible. From Best Chairs, it retails for $449.

Chanderic's glider with a black base and funky fabric was a hit at the JPMA show in May. The chair is also available in 15 other finishes and 25 fabric choices. The glider retails for $399, and the ottoman is $159.

This sleighback from Dutailier is one of the company's most popular gliders. The base price is $399, and customers can select from several options.