Your First Nursery Chair: A Storytime Series Worth Telling

Hey there, parents! Between picking out swaddles and trying to decode baby monitors, your to-do list is probably overflowing. But one item that should never be an afterthought? The nursery chair.

Whether it’s feeding at 2 a.m., cuddles before nap time, or your own moment of stillness, the right chair becomes a parenting essential. That’s why we love the Best Chairs Storytime Series—a thoughtfully designed line of gliders and recliners built for real life, and crafted right here in the USA.

🇺🇸 Why USA-Made Craftsmanship Matters

In a world of mass-produced baby gear, the Storytime Series stands out for all the right reasons. Every chair is handcrafted in the USA by skilled artisans who get what new parents really need: safety, comfort, durability, and cleanable everything.

Here’s what sets them apart:

  • 🪵 Solid hardwood frames — Built with strength that lasts beyond babyhood

  • 🧵 Expert construction — Mortise-and-tenon joints reinforced with steel truss plates

  • 🧼 Performance fabrics — Stain-resistant, water-repellent, and PFC-free (aka baby-safe)

  • 🌿 Eco-smart materials — Made with intention, not chemicals

From the inside out, these chairs are built to support families for the long haul.

Shopping In-Store? What to Look For & How to Test

So, how do you know which nursery chair is “the one”? Here’s your hands-on guide for testing gliders and recliners in-store—no guesswork required.

1. Do the Real-Life Sit Test

Bring your parenting mindset into our store. Sit like it’s midnight, baby in arms.

  • Can you rock with one hand free?

  • Are the armrests high enough to support your elbow while holding a baby?

  • Is the seat too deep or just right for sitting upright without slouching?

💡 Pro Tip: If you're on the shorter side, test whether your feet can touch the floor while sitting all the way back.

2. Glide, Swivel, Rock—Feel the Motion

The best nursery chairs offer smooth, quiet motion with no wobble or squeak. Try all directions:

  • Forward and back gliding — Should feel smooth, not jerky.

  • Swivel side to side — Ideal for shifting positions or grabbing that pacifier.

  • Rocking motion — Shouldn’t feel loose or creaky.

💡 Pro Tip: Try gliding with your eyes closed. If it feels unstable or noisy, it’s not the one.

3. Check the Recline Mechanism

Recliners are great for full-body rest (especially if you’re recovering from birth). Test both manual and power options:

  • Manual: Is the handle easy to reach without twisting awkwardly?

  • Power: Is it quiet and smooth? Bonus if it includes a USB port!

  • Recline Angle: Can you comfortably nap or nurse in it?

💡 Pro Tip: Try getting in and out with your arms full. You’ll be doing that a lot soon.

4. Feel the Cushions & Support

Soft is nice, but you don’t want to sink like a marshmallow. Look for:

  • Firm back support (especially lumbar)

  • A seat that doesn’t slope too much

  • High-resiliency foam that bounces back, not sags

💡 Pro Tip: Sit for a few minutes and move around. If it stays comfy, that’s a good sign.

5. Test for Quiet Operation

Babies are the lightest sleepers on the planet. Move everything—the glide, the swivel, the recline—and listen carefully.

  • No squeaks, creaks, or metal groans

  • Recline mechanisms should be nearly silent

  • Swivel base should turn quietly and smoothly

💡 Pro Tip: Test it in a quiet part of the store if possible, or ask a staff member for a demo.

6. Play with the Fabrics

You’ll want something soft enough for baby’s skin, but tough enough for spills.

  • Ask to see Revolution® Performance Fabrics

  • Wipe a sample with a wet cloth to see how it holds up

  • Choose darker or textured patterns to hide wear

💡 Pro Tip: Go with PFC-free options for added peace of mind. They’re better for baby and the planet.

7. Check Construction Quality

Even if you’re not a furniture expert, there are things to look for:

  • Solid, heavy frame = stability

  • Tight seams and stitching

  • Smooth base with no wobbles or gaps

  • No shortcuts—like stapled fabric or visible screws

💡 Pro Tip: Ask a Galt Baby associate about the chair’s weight rating and warranty coverage.

A great nursery chair doesn’t just look good—it works hard for you. That’s why we love the Best Chairs Storytime Series. They’re made in the USA, thoughtfully designed, and crafted with the kind of quality that truly supports you through the early parenting years (and beyond).

📍 Come try them out in-store at our Galt Baby shop in Northbrook—we’ll help you find a chair that fits your parenting story, one sit at a time.

 

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