Dutailier Alice Glider

Settling on a Cozy Spot to Bond with Baby

As a soon-to-be first time mom, I’ve been spending countless hours researching all the essential baby gear I’ll need for my new bundle of joy. One item that has consumed a lot of thought is finding the perfect nursery glider to use for those late night feeding and bonding sessions. I had heard great things about Dutailier gliders and how incredibly comfortable and supportive they are. So when I came across the Dutailier Alice Reclining Glider, I was immediately intrigued by its stylish design and generous proportions.

In this blog, I’ll take you through my full buying journey – from deciding if the Alice was the right fit for my needs, to assembling it, to seeing how it looks in the nursery now. I’ll also share honest reviews from other moms who have used this glider for their own babies. Hopefully this guide gives you all the details to determine if the versatile and comfortable Dutailier Alice is the right pick for your family too!

What Exactly is the Dutailier Alice Glider?

The Dutailier Alice is a high-end reclining glider specifically designed for nursing and soothing baby for long stretches during those sleepless newborn months and beyond. It features thick padded cushions that fully recline back over a wide 67 to 106 degree range with a smooth and quiet gliding mechanism.

This allows tired moms and dads to put their feet up andeven nap themselves as baby snoozes in their arms. The wider, more reclined position also makes nursing easier by properly supporting mom’s back, arms, and wrists while cradling baby comfortably at the breast.

The frame itself is made from a combination of high-quality wood and metal to ensure maximum durability over years of frequent use. The cushy seat, backrest and arm pads are stuffed with plush foam and covered in your choice of machine-washable polyester, microfiber, or premium fabrics like velvet.

Many optional accessories are also available to customize your experience, like lumbar pillows for extra back support or a matching ottoman to prop up your tired feet. Read on for all the details of what makes this such a popular premium nursery glider for discerning parents!

A Reclining Mechanism Perfect for Soothing & Feeding Baby for Hours

Unlike traditional rockers or basic gliders that only slide back and forth across a fixed base, the Dutailier Alice sets itself apart with its multi-position recline capability. The backrest gradually reclines from a more upright 67 degrees all the way to a laid-back 106 degrees, with locking points at 5 different angles in between.

This allows you to shift positions depending on your needs – sit more upright for active playtime with an older baby, then recline back fully to cradle a sleeping newborn or make late-night nursing sessions more comfortable. The mechanism operated by an easy-to-reach lever, letting you quickly pop the backrest between angles with one hand.

Complementing the recline feature is an exceptionally smooth gliding motion enabled by theQuiet Comfort Gliding SystemTM. The chair glides along a sturdy steel ball bearing track for seamless, continuous motion rather than rocking in short bursts back and forth.

Users love how quiet these glides are – no creaking to accidentally wake the baby as mom’s foot pushes off for another soothing ride to dreamland! Dutailier really thought through all the little details to create the ultimate nursery chair for those long days and nights keeping baby relaxed, fed, and happy.

Reviewing the Key Features of the Dutailier Alice Glider

Here is an overview of some of the most helpful features this glider has to offer both parents and baby:

• Fully padded cushions – The seat back, armrests, and headrest feature plush multi-density foam padding for superior comfort and support in all sitting and reclining positions.
• Wide weight capacity of 300 lbs – Sturdy wood and metal frame along with high-density foam allows the glider to accommodate heavier weights, making it perfect for both petite moms and tall, large dads.
• Recline range from 67 to 106 degrees – Find the perfect position with 5 lockable angles to choose from for feeding, putting baby to sleep, or simply putting your feet up as baby snoozes.
• 360° rotation swivel capability – Easily rotate a full circle to face any direction without needing to move the entire chair. Great for having access to nearby tables for diaper changing essentials, burp clothes, nursing pillows and more.
• Smooth gliding on steel ball bearings – Glide effortlessly on sturdy metal tracks for that peaceful, soothing motion to lull baby fast asleep. Much quieter than rocking chairs with no annoying creaks!
• Machine washable cushion covers – When inevitable accidents or spills happen, the soft microfiber or velvet fabrics can be easily removed and thrown in the wash, leaving cushions good as new.
• Easy assembly with all tools & hardware included – Assemble the chair in less than 30 minutes thanks to pre-drilled wood pieces, numbered hardware, and multi-lingual instructions with pictures for each step.

With all of these family-friendly and functional features built in by a company specializing in nursery furniture for over 65 years, it’s easy to see why Dutailier gliders like the Alice have earned so many rave reviews from grateful parents getting the rest they badly need!

Ideal for Baby Nurseries & Private Breastfeeding

With its cozy yet spacious proportions and adjustable positions, the Dutailier Alice Reclining Glider is ideally suited for any baby nursery or private breastfeeding nook. Unlike some more clinical “nursing gliders” that look like hospital chairs, the Alice has an attractive, transitional style with gracefully curved arms and clean lines that fits right in with most nursery designs.

It doesn’t scream “nursing chair” so dad and older kids will feel comfortable sharing it for reading bedtime stories too. And speaking of stories – its generous size leaves plenty of room to cuddle up with even big kids for cozy lap reading sessions.

For breastfeeding moms, the amply padded cushions make it much more comfortable to sit for extended periods feeding baby compared to stiff dining room chairs or couches. Finding the right recline angle makes all the difference as well. More upright positions are great for active alert babies that like to gaze up at mom and play as they eat. But fully reclining that backrest lets tired moms relax as baby falls asleep satisfied at the breast in those late night hours.

The 360 degree swivel rotation and large side panels give easy access for overnight diaper and clothing changes too. It’s truly an all-purpose command center putting everything you need for baby care right at your fingertips!

Breaking Down All the Available Options

One great perk of Dutailier gliders is just how customizable they are to match personal styles and spaces. Here are all the great color, fabric, and accessory options on offer with the Alice model:

Upholstery Fabrics

• Brezze – Soft 100% polyester microfiber with stain guard coating resists liquid absorption – 11 color choices
• Ultra Microfibers – Plush microfiber with tightly woven fibers prevent pilling or fraying – 16 colors
• Velvet – Elegant cotton-polyester velvet with rich depth of color – 7 colors
• Vinyl – Easy-wipe faux leather upholstery in 5 colors

Cushion Styles

• Smooth, tuftless surface
• Single box tuft down center
• Double box tufts

Wood Finish Options

• Espresso
• Grey woodgrain
• Antique (light brown)
• Cherry wood finish

Optional Accessories

• Ottoman – Matching stationary or gliding ottoman for kicking feet up
• Lumbar pillow – Extra lower back cushioning
• Side bolster pillows – Supportive back & arm coverage for nursing
• Cup holder – Convenient built-in drink holder accessory

The free swatch samples Dutailier provides make it easy to coordinate your glider fabric perfectly with existing furniture and nursery decor. Mix and match from a range of classical to modern looks to create a chair that reflects your unique style.

Reviewing Weight Limits, Dimensions & Safety

When investing in a higher end nursery chair you plan to use for years to come, it’s important to note key specifications related to durability, dimensions, and safety:

• Weight capacity of 300 lbs – Sturdy frame and dense foam supports even heavier adults without concern
• Seat width of 25″ – Roomy interior leaves space for larger persons or baby and toddler together
• Seat depth of 21.75″ – Amply sized to sit comfortably without hips or knees hanging off the edge
• Seat height of 20″ – Makes sitting down and standing up easier for those with mobility issues
• Arm height of 28″ – High armrests provide ample support leveraging yourself in & out of seat
• Assembled dimensions: 29″D x 33″W x 38″H – Compact footprint fitting in cozy nurseries
• ** JPMA certified** – Rigorously tested to meet all safety standards for trusted durability & reliability

Note that unlike some competing gliders, the Alice does NOT require unsightly holes drilled into the chair frame or floor to anchor it in place. The weighted base is low to the ground and designed for stability without tipping even when fully reclined. So no need to worry about securing it to protect curious crawling babies!

Step-By-Step Assembly Process Breakdown

I’ll admit that as a busy, pregnant mom I was a bit nervous taking on assembling this chair solo. But Dutailier’s easy-to-follow instructions combined with pre-cut parts and labeled hardware made it a breeze to put together the glider in under 30 minutes.

Here’s a quick overview of the full assembly process:

1. Unpack all parts – backrest with arm pads attached, weighted base with track, seat frame with foam cushions. Hardware pack includes pre-labeled bolts, washers, etc.
2. Use included Allen wrench to securely bolt base of backrest frame onto the steel swivel plate on chair base.
3. Next insert seat frame onto same swivel plate and line up bolt holes underneath. Tighten bolts securely through bottom of base into seat rails on both sides.
4. Check that smooth gliding mechanism works properly and add optional accessories like lumbar cushion or pillows.

And…done! Couldn’t be simpler thanks to Dutailier’s thoughtful design clearly developed to make assembly straightforward for the average person. If I can put it together solo as an 8 months pregnant beginner, anyone can!

Best Places to Purchase This Luxury Glider

As a mid to high end specialty chair focused on comfort and quality, the Dutailier Alice Reclining Glider generally sells between $899-999 depending on the options selected. Here are some of the best places to purchase it:

• Direct from Dutailier.com – Offers custom configuration with fabric/finish samples & seasonal sales
• Premium department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales – May carry floor models to test in person
• Speacialty baby stores – Buy Buy Baby, Posh Mommy Boutiques
• Select online retailers like Walmart.com, BedBathBeyond.com, and Wayfair.com

Dutailier only sells through authorized retail partners, so purchasing directly from them or legitimate major retailers ensures you receive authentic merchandise covered by the manufacturer’s warranty versus potential knock-off chairs with questionable quality sold through unauthorized third party vendors.

As far as sales opportunities – Dutailier does offer seasonal discounts around major holidays like Black Friday and Christmas, so sign up for email alerts on their site for notifications on the best deals!

Choosing From Timeless Style Options

The Alice glider is already designed in a beautifully timeless style that suits a range of home aesthetics from traditional to contemporary. So you really can’t go wrong with the chair’s gently curved silhouette and clean lines no matter your decor.

That said, selecting the right upholstery color and fabric will let you customize the look to perfectly coordinate with your existing furniture. Go classic with rich hues that won’t go out of style like deep Cabernet or Chocolate brown velvets. Creamy latte and dove grey microfibers offer lighter neutrals fitting girl or boy rooms.

If you want to infuse more personality, vibrant Brezze polyester fabrics come in gorgeous brights like coral pink, aqua, sunny yellow and more pastel hues to liven things up. Modern graphic patterns like subtle chevrons or menswear plaids offer bolder prints for fashion-forward nurseries.

Just choose options aligning with YOUR style sensibilities – not overthinking resale value years from now. You want to enjoy using this cozy glider right from the start!

Comparing to Other Top Nursery Glider Brands

While Dutailier is known for their exceptional craftsmanship and luxury comfort, a few other brands offer noteworthy nursery gliders in a similar tier. Babyletto and DaVinci make popular mid-range gliders between $300-700 providing solid quality for lower budgets. And classic designer names like Ethan Allen sell premium chairs retailing around $1,000-1,500 for those wanting true heirloom furniture.

So how does the Dutailier Alice stand up against the competition? It really hits that sweet spot blending superb COMFORT with durable quality construction for a reasonable price point starting under $900. Value-wise it feels like you get more “chair” for your investment vs the lower end options. And while spending over $1,000 brings more ornate woodworking details, the core seating experience itself often isn’t more supportive.

At the end of the day, you can’t beat the buttery smooth glide motion on ball bearings Dutailier offers that high-end brands can’t replicate at ANY price point!

Assessing Available Safety & Support Features

When you’re going to trust your precious little one’s safety to a chair night after night, peace of mind matters. Here are some key things to note:

• Dense foam meets flammability standards without concerning chemical flame retardants
• JPMA certified to meet safety standards for stability, durability and materials
• No anchoring hardware needed as weighted base keeps it stable even fully reclined
• Attached velcro straps neatly secure dangling electrical cords out of baby’s reach
• Locking positions on backrest prevent positional slipping or collapse

The amply padded, protective sides cradle baby even if they fall asleep curled up sideways. And smooth surfaces limit areas for extremities to get caught.

Moms also praise the ample arm support making it easy to safely transfer baby in and out of the cushioned seat one-handed. So both baby AND mom’s joints stay well supported through months of repeated use!

Accommodating All Body Shapes and Sizes

A key reason the Alice scores big points for comfortable functionality is its extra-generous proportions suiting taller/wider adults that struggle to fit well in many petite nursery chairs.

With a wide seat breadth of 25 inches, even bigger guys over 6 feet tall don’t feel squished shoulder to hip. And the recessed arm design leaves a spacious 21.75 inches clearance inside the posts. Smaller moms can sit cross legged if desired, but lankier dads fit without knocking knees.

The super plush foam extends head to toe too – supporting upper back/neck AND leaving ample depth for long thighs to extend forward without dangling legs. Both short & tall owners agree it simply “swallows you up” in cushioned comfort!

Matching that adjustable backrest with a nice high seat height around 20 inches makes it far easier getting in and out of than lower nursery chairs or even typical dining seats. This takes pressure off swollen postpartum organs and knees for exhausted new moms. No more struggling to stand after prolonged sittings!

All in all, the Alice accommodates an exceptionally wide range of builds, which extends its usability well beyond the baby years since almost ALL family members can lounge comfortably. Pretty great given its reasonable cost compared to full-on recliner chairs!

Easy Maintenance Between Messes & Spills

Let’s face it – life with a baby in the house can get pretty messy at times! Luckily the Alice offers easy-clean features from accidental tummy time rolls to late night nursing spray-outs.

The Breeze polyester and microfiber covers simply zip off so you can promptly toss them in your home washing machine as needed. Dutailier recommends a gentle cycle using cold water and air drying, but customers report even warm washes don’t damage the fabrics.

For quick spot cleaning, some dish soap and warm damp cloth easily lifts away dribbled milk stains without harsh scrubbing. The fabrics are treated to resist absorbing moisture too.

Under those machine washable layers, the interior foam fill is also resistant to liquids thanks to its high density construction. So any messes stay neatly contained on surface fabric rather than seeping deep inside – a handy advantage over lower grade foam options.

Easy cleaning and family-life durability make the Alice the ideal pick for messy phases from teething to potty training and more!

What Do Real Parents Think After Extended Use?

Beyond all the technical specs and sales copy, I wanted the real scoop from veterans who have used this glider for multiple kids over years. Here’s some genuine feedback from actual buyer reviews:

“I’m still using this glider for baby #3…and it looks/feels brand new! SO worth the money.”

“We fight over who gets the glider when putting baby down – it’s that comfy!”

“This chair saved my back and sanity those first months. Couldn’t live without it!”

“Buttery soft but gives great support in any position – I’ve even napped in it myself many times!”