Top Tips for Choosing a Nursery Glider That Fits Tall Parents
Finding a comfortable nursery glider can be a challenge when you're a parent blessed with extra height. Standard gliders often leave tall moms and dads feeling squished, hunched over, and unsupported. But having the right nursery glider optimized for your body's proportions can make a world of difference when it comes to relieving back and neck strain during those long nights rocking baby to sleep.
Follow these tips to choose a size, shape, and design that provides ample room, ideal ergonomic support, and tailored comfort to meet your needs.
Know Your Measurements
When evaluating nursery gliders as a tall parent, taking your own body measurements is a must. This ensures you select a model with proper seat height, width, depth, and other dimensions optimized for your frame. Consider the following:
- Seat height - Measure from the floor to the crease behind your knee when seated. Look for a glider with a seat at least 2 inches taller.
- Seat width/depth - Measure across your widest point while seated. Seek extra width and depth.
- Lumbar support position - Measure from seat to optimal support point on your lower back. Match a glider's lumbar height.
- Ottoman/leg clearance - Measure your leg length. Ensure ample stretched-out clearance.
Take note of these numbers so you can compare them against product specs and determine ideal fit. Consider ordering a custom oversized glider to get that made-to-measure experience.
Prioritize Adjustability
The best nursery gliders for accommodating tall parents offer ample adjustability options to customize for optimal support and comfort. Seek out these adjustable features:
- Adjustable seat height - Raises the overall seat height 2-4 inches to suit your proportions.
- Recline adjustment - Allows you to set the backrest tilt angle to relieve pressure.
- Adjustable lumbar support - Tailors the lumbar position to properly align with your back.
- Removable/adjustable ottoman - Lets you extend leg room as needed for your height.
Don't settle for a fixed glider that locks you into one position. Having flexibility to tweak the chair's setup makes a big difference in comfort during long periods of use.
Seek Out Supportive Design
Nursery glider design elements like lumbar support, padded armrests, and contoured shapes can provide the tailored support a tall parent's body needs. Look for models with:
- Lumbar support - Contoured or extendable lower back support.
- Padded armrests - Wide armrests that won't dig into elbows.
- Contoured backrest - Conforms to your spine's natural curves.
- Deep, cushioned seat - Allows tall legs to sink in comfortably.
- High back - Extends fully up your back for neck support.
Prioritizing these ergonomic design elements helps take pressure off your back, shoulders, and hips during extended gliding sessions. Padded cushions provide essential comfort for larger frames.
Test Out Motion and Comfort
Don't just evaluate a nursery glider's specs and features on paper. Take models for an in-person test drive to assess real-world comfort, especially if you're a tall parent who needs extra space. Focus on:
- Smooth, fluid gliding motion - Ensures gentle, soothing movement.
- Stable, sturdy base - Provides support without tipping.
- Quiet operation - Won't creak and wake the baby.
- Comfortable, plush cushions - Cradle and conform to your body shape.
The right movement, materials, and padding make all the difference in keeping you relaxed and comfortable during long nights gliding baby to sleep. Don't compromise here.
Consider Weight Capacity Needs
If you have a taller, larger-framed body, pay attention to the nursery glider's weight capacity. Many standard models max out around 250 pounds, which may not suffice. Seek out these heavy-duty options:
- Higher weight capacities - Look for 300+ pounds to accommodate larger sizes.
- Metal vs. wood frames - Metal provides more durable support for bigger bodies.
A sturdy, steel-reinforced glider designed specifically for heavier individuals makes relaxing in the chair worry-free. You deserve sturdy support just as much as anyone else.
Shop Tall Size Options
Many nursery glider manufacturers now offer oversized "tall" size options designed to meet the needs of taller parents. Compared to standard sizes, these gliders provide:
- Measurements 2-4 inches taller - Accommodates long legs and torso.
- Specified as "tall", "large", or "deluxe" size - Tailored labeling makes selection easy.
Seeking out these specially-labeled big and tall selections allows you to zone in on chairs specifically engineered for taller frames. Take advantage of the extra height, width, and capacity these models provide.
Prioritize High-Quality Materials
When evaluating nursery glider materials as a tall parent, prioritize options providing both strength and plush comfort:
- Durable wood, metal, or composites - Provides a sturdy, supportive frame for larger bodies.
- Thick padded cushions - Allows taller frames to sink in comfortably.
- Soft, upholstered fabric covering - Prevents irritation and discomfort from long contact.
The most comfortable and supportive glider combines a tough, resilient frame with plenty of padding and smooth upholstery tailored to cradle your body through many nights of use.
Take Your Time with In-Person Testing
Don't rely solely on product photos and descriptions when choosing a nursery glider as a tall parent. It's essential to personally test gliders by:
- Sitting in floor model displays at full recline
- Assessing comfort and support for at least 10-15 minutes
- Feeling the chair's gliding motion
This hands-on testing allows you to truly evaluate if a glider provides ample dimensions, customizable ergonomics, and smooth gliding tailored for your taller build. Don't settle for discomfort - keep testing until you find a chair fitting your needs.
Review Return Policies
When making a major nursery glider purchase as a tall parent, thoroughly review store and manufacturer return policies first. Seek out retailers that offer:
- Generous return windows - Allow returns if the chair proves uncomfortable.
- At-home trial periods - Test the glider for 30+ days at home.
These favorable policies provide you the flexibility to return or exchange if you find the glider doesn't work for your body after extended at-home use. This gives you greater peace of mind with your investment.
Compare Prices Carefully
It's natural to want to seek out the best deal when shopping for a nursery glider. But focus on value, not just low prices. Consider:
- Cost per use over lifetime - A pricier but comfortable glider that lasts for years spreads cost out.
- Don't sacrifice comfort to save money - Cheaper gliders won't support you well.
A high-quality nursery glider optimized for tall parents may carry a bigger price tag. But the tailored support and durability provide value that inexpensive generic gliders can't match. View it as an investment in comfort and your baby's sleep.
Finding a nursery glider that provides proper support and comfort when you're a parent blessed with extra height doesn't have to be a challenge. Following these tips will help you select a model with ample dimensions, adjustable ergonomics, and durable construction tailored to meet a tall parent's needs. With the right glider, you'll stay relaxed during the countless hours spent bonding with and comforting your little one.