Choosing a children's rocking chair can be a fun experience for the parents and even the child. The children's rocking chair is unlikely to bear any heavy loads, so sturdy construction is less vital than it would be on a full-sized rocking chair, though you will want to check for quality construction anyway. The children's rocking chair is likely to be a keepsake for the parents or the child, so a well-constructed chair is likely to last through the years. Before settling on a chair for purchase, be sure to consider how the chair is likely to be used.
If you expect your child to use the children's rocking chair for play regularly, be ready for the chair to take some serious abuse. This means you must make a decision between purchasing a well-constructed chair that may be able to take the abuse, or purchasing a light duty play chair made from plastic or other inexpensive materials. That way, if the child manages to break the chair, a minimal investment has been made and the chair can be replaced quickly and easily. It is not likely to be a keepsake, but it is also not going to cost the parent a significant amount of money.
For a children's rocking chair that will be a showpiece, consider purchasing a chair that mimics the design and construction of full-sized chairs. The overall stature of the chair should be significantly smaller than that of a full-sized chair to allow a small child to use the rocker safely and easily. Consider purchasing a wood children's rocking chair for aesthetics; the wood can be stained to make a beautiful finished product, or it can be painted a custom color. Wood can also be soldered or painted with the child's name or birth date.
Most importantly, make sure you purchase a children's rocking chair that is constructed with safety in mind. The rockers should be built in such a way that the child will not be able to tip over backward, and the construction of the chair should be solid enough to support the weight of the child until he or she outgrows it. Check the joints of the chair to make sure they are screwed, nailed, glued, or otherwise secured properly for strength as well as aesthetics. Choose hardwoods over composite woods that are likely to chip and cause sharp or ragged edges.