Rocking Chair Safety Tips: How to Keep Your Baby Safe

Rocking Chair Safety Tips

While planning your future baby nursery, you are probably wondering if you should get a rocking chair. Some families use it, and some don’t use it much. For me, having a rocking chair is essential, and I have used mine countless time per day. It’s my favourite place to spend some time with my baby.

Like I was, you are a bit worried about the potential danger of having a big moving piece of furniture inside your kid room. I know, it looks like the perfect place to pinch your finger or fall down face first. But don’t worry, I will share with you some safety tips to protect your children. Also, I will present to you the different seating option you have for your nursery.

Should I buy a rocking chair?

I don’t know if you are like me, but there’s nothing I hate more than buying something that I don’t really need. When we got our first baby, we debate a lot about the needs of a rocking chair. The nursery was the smallest room in the house, and every inch of space was optimized.

Now, believe me, just with the bedtime stories will do a lot of rocking. From my experience, it’s well worth it!!!

We even buy another rocking chair for our second baby. Just to have a similar reading corner in his room.

In the past years, I talk with many other parents and daycare workers, and they all think a rocking chair is essential.

A rocking chair can be used for nursing, story reading, relaxing, feeding, calming, etc.

I like having a comfortable place to sit in the nursery. Especially at night, so I don’t have to feed my baby in the living room or the kitchen. When you wake up at night, you will be happy to have a comfortable chair to relax on. You don’t want to carry your baby in the middle of the night to the kitchen and site on a bar stool with all the light open. I think it will be complicated to go back to sleep after.

That comfy chair to relax into while you are half asleep will be necessary. Even once our babies turn into toddlers, It was still nice to snuggle and read stories before bed.

Someday your baby might be sick, and you will need to wake up every 30 minutes. When this happens to me, I was so glad to have that comfortable chair to calm my baby. Since it was in the same room as the crib, it was easy to put my baby back to bed without waking him up.

BUT… not all baby is the same, and it could be different with your newborn baby.

Start with a second-hand rocking chair

At first, you could buy one for cheap on Craigslist. You could look at yard sales too.

If you use every day, as I did, you could get one that fit more into your decor after.

Or you could just take the time to upgrade the chair you bought second hand. Most of the time, it’s only the cushions which need to be professionally clean or recover. This is a really affordable option.

You don’t absolutely need a rocking chair

Many parents never use a rocking chair in their babies room.

In fact, you only need a place to sit. It’s doesn’t have to be absurdly expensive. Many parents use the couch or their bedroom.

Plus, there’s a good chance you will use it only in the beginning. It might be collecting dust in the room after a while.

Some kid never stays still long enough for a bedtime story.

You have other options for seating in a nursery

Some people prefer a glider chair or a recliner. They tend to be more comfortable a spacious. They also don’t make noise will rocking.

A typical rocking chair could make a squeaking sound if you have an old hardwood floor. This could become irritating. Trust me 😉

That antique rocker from your grandparents sound like a good idea at first, but it could squeak. So, you might want to upgrade to a modern glider.

If you have carpet in the room, depending on the thickness of it, your rocking chair may not rock as smooth as a glider.

Bottom line is you don’t absolutely need a rocking chair. Especially if you have insufficient space. But, all those hours, snuggling with your baby into that rocking chair will be part of your memories forever. It’s an exceptional moment between you and your baby.

Are rocking chair safe for babies?

A rocking chair seems to be hazardous for babies. With all the small parts and the wobbliness, it just looks so easy for a kid to get his finger pinch. It’s also effortless for kids to climb on it, so falling is a potential accident.

We had 2 kids, 14 months apart, who had both a rocking chair in their bedroom. We let them play in their room alone. No accident occurred whats so ever. Plus, in my group of friends, I never heard a story of a kid who got seriously hurt because of a rocking chair.

Of course, every parent should be careful and evaluate the situation for them self.

If you want to take extra precaution, there are different options you could go for. Like, don’t place the rocking chair beside a window. That way your kid will not climb on the chair to reach the window. Use rocking chair stoppers on the arc of the chair. This will avoid the chair to rock all the way to the back or the front.

I mean, anything is a possibility with kids, so I would just be extra careful about those possibilities.

My kids get hurt all the time while playing while learning to bike while doing many things. What I always do, is let them explore and teach them to know their limit.

Are gliders chair more safe for babies?

Glider chair doesn’t have the possibilities for your kid’s fingers to get crush by the weight of the chair, plus the person who sits on it. But they have another type of mechanism that still has ways to hurt.

I have discovered different stories of babies who got a finger pinch in the gliders.

Kids can whack themselves in the face while playing with a glider chair. They merely have to push them away, and then the chair will swing back.

It like any other furniture, nothing is 100% safe.

Are recliner chair safe for babies?

A recliner chair usually is as safe as the rocker and glider. But, some version of recliner has a footrest that pull-up by using a side handle. Those could be dangerous. From knocking your kid while opening to pinching fingers while closing. I would not suggest having this type of recliner in a nursery.

How to childproof a rocking chair?

Rocking chairs have been around children for centuries, and they are safe when used appropriately. But you are right to be worried about their little fingers getting squeezed under the chair.

Plus did you know there are more severe injuries which can occur because of the rocker? If they are placed close to a window with curtain, there’s a risk of strangulation. If place to close to a heater, your child could get burned.

A rocking chair could be seen as a toy for kids. When you are not around, they could want to climb up in the chair. Still, climbing could lead to injuries, because the rocker could fall on top of your kid.

The chair could be used by your kid to climb onto and reach an object on shelves or desks.

To childproof a rocking chair, you will need something that is easy for you to undo but not for your kid.

I did search the internet, and I found different products or gadgets to lock the chair in place or minimize the risk of squeeze fingers or falling off.

Rocking chair stoppers

If your rocking chair tends to tilt too far back or forward, you could add 2 rubber stoppers at both ends. Those stops are made to shorten the rocking motion.

Plus, adding stoppers to your rocking chair will minimize the surface of the rocker where you kid could squeeze his fingers.

Rocking chair wedge

A wedge would do the same thing to your rocker than those blocks we put under a trailer wheel. It will block the chair from moving.

You can buy rubber wedge made especially for a rocking chair. But, you could also use the same rubber wedge you could be already using at your home to block doors from closing.

Just put 2 wedges under both arcs of the rocker, and your chair will be locked in place.

This is not really childproof because your kid could take them off, but it can help.

You could also build your own DIY version using wooden shims. You stack 4 and glue them together. To make them blend more with your decor, you could stain or paint them the same colour as your floor.

Cover your rocking chair

Some parents have a cover they put on the chair when they are not using it. It looks like a bbq cover.

How to stop a rocking chair from rocking?

If you want to stop a rocking chair from rocking permanently, you have two options.

Sand the arc of the rocker

Place the chair on the floor and find the balance point. This is the point touching the floor while the chair is not moving. After, using a level, trace a vertical line on both arcs under the chair. This will mark the portion you need to take off. After sanding this portion of the arc, you will have a chair that lay flat on the floor. It will stop the rocker from rocking while keeping the rocker look of the chair.

Take the arc off the chair

This operation is probably easier than sanding the arc. Simply remove the arc from the chair. Sand all legs, so they lay perfectly, without moving, on the floor.

8 different types of recliners

Maybe a recliner chair is more what you are looking for. The recliners tend to be more expensive than the good old rocking chair. Make sure you understand the different types of recliners before ordering one. Some recliner chairs are safer for a nursery.

1. Rocker recliner

Most of the model of rocker recliners have various reclining angles. The footrest can be pull up while the back doesn’t have to inline all the way back like it’s the case with the two-position recliners. This option makes the rocker recliner way more appropriate for nursing your baby. They are also great in a small room because you can place it close to the wall.

2. Two-Position recliner

The two-position recliners have only 2 positions. The upright position or the fully reclined. Many La-Z-Boy chairs are made this way. You have to release the footrest using the side handle to recline the chair. If you have enough space, I would suggest going for it because they tend to be the cheapest type of recliner to buy.

3. Push-Back recliner

The push-back recliners are not equipped with a built-in footrest. You have to push back into the seat to recline. The back portion is the only part moving of the chair. They need less room space than the rocker or the two-position recliner.

4. Riser recliner

The riser recliners are motorized reclining chairs. Made especially for people with injuries or physical disabilities.

5. Swivel recliners

The swivel recliner lets you turn 360 degrees, like an office chair. You can find swivel recliners that have the rocker features. This type of recliner is handy in a nursery. You can reach things on your side without getting up. You put the baby bottle on one side, and you can take a book from the shelves on the other side. This is my favorite type of recliner chair.

6. Wall hugger recliners

The wall huggers work great in a small room. They have been designed to save space by needing a tiny space to full recline.

7. Lift recliners

The lift recliner is a specialized chair for back problems. It helps you to get off the chair with a lifting motion that will guide on your feet. Could be called the ejectable recliner 😉

8. Massage recliner

This type of chair is specially designed to give a massage. Could be nice to get a message when you have to sit for an extended period of time with your baby. Could be a little pricey for a nursery chair.

How to make a recliner into a rocker?

If your recliner doesn’t rock, it will be almost impossible to modify the mechanism to turn it into a rocking chair. However, many recliner manufacturers have different models (rocker, push-back, wall hugger, etc.) and you could probably call them and ask for a replacement mechanism.

How to lock recliner chair?

Many modern recliner chairs have a built-in lock mechanism. Similar to an office chair, you have to switch it on/off.

If your recliner doesn’t have a built-in lock feature, you will have to use your DIY skills to lock it.

Depending on the mechanism under, you could use a custom shaped piece of wood that you could insert in the mechanism. Or you could use a rope to tie a loop around the recliner mechanism.

How to baby proof a glider?

A glider rocker could be a danger to your kid while it’s moving. That’s why lock comes very helpful.

Locking Mechanisms

Most of the time these type of locks are optional hardware built-in the chair. That important feature blocks the chair from moving when you are not around. Always put lock the chair when you’re not using it. Also, It’s helpful when you have to stand out of the seat of the chair without disturbing your sleeping baby.

Some manufacturers are taking your kid safety seriously. Rather than having to lock the glider manually, some will lock automatically. That way even in the case you forget to put the lock on, maybe because its the middle of the night and you are so tired, it will do it for you.

DIY locking mechanisms for a glider chair

If your glider doesn’t have a locking mechanism, you need to find a DIY solution to lock the moving frame.

A simple zip tie that you can undo would do the trick.

Also, you could drill a tiny hole through the two part of the moving frame. Let the glider chair rest and choose a spot that its easy to reach. Don’t drill a large hole, because you could weaken the glider structure and make it unsafe. You will need a small metal rod or a bolt from the hardware store. This rod will lock the moving part of the chair by inserting it through the hole. Make the hole exactly the size you need to fit the rod.

To make it entirely baby proof I would suggest you get a small chain to attach the rod to the chair. This will avoid having a small piece of metal loose in the nursery. This could be a severe choking risk for your baby.

Moving mechanisms

The glider rocker comes with a moving mechanism under. It allows the chair to glide back and forth. This particular spot is a danger to your kid. Some glider model has solid sides that are shielding the mechanisms from your little explorer fingers.

Completely enclosed bases

If you want a baby proof chair, you can get one with the base fully enclosed. This means that the moving portion is 100% protected.

Rocker vs glider for the nursery

For your information, the most important difference between the rocker and the glider is the way they move. The rocking chair will rock in an arc, while the glider glides back and forth.

A glider chair offers a smoother ride. Also, they were designed to avoid trapping toes underneath vs what the rocker can do. Many glider models have a matching ottoman available.

Rocker vs recliner for your nursery

While the rocker always has the ability to rock, most of the time recliner only recline. Some baby doesn’t like the back and forth movement of the rocker. Some parents prefer the comfort of a recliner.

A recliner could be a better option if you value more comfort than movement.

Glider vs recliner for nursery

Similar to the comparison of the rocker and recliner, the most important difference is the movement. But, most of the modern glider specially made for a nursery, can offer the comfort of a recliner while having the ability to rock.

If my budget has not been a show stopper for me, I would have bought a glider for my kid’s room.

The safety of a nursery is important

This means that before putting something more inside your baby’s room, you should always ask yourself if you really need it. The less things, clustering the room, the less danger there is for your kid. Plus, they will have more space to play.

For me, the rocking chair saves my life.

Here’s the list of items I’ve used to childproof my home and keep my babies safe. By installing the essential childproofing items, you’ll create a safe home for your family.


Watchful Dad

HI, I'm the Watchful Dad, and I have two precious monkeys at home that I love with all my heart. I will share with you the tips to keep your kids safe while letting them be the little explorers they should be.

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