These recliners are built on a smaller scale and usually do not have the same reclining mechanism that an adult recliner has. Many adult recliners have spring loaded reclining systems that are operated by a handle that protrudes from the right hand side of the chair. Pulling back on the handle and leaning back in the chair causes the mechanism recline. Child recliners generally do not have such a mechanism.

The child recliner mechanism functions in conjunction with the footrest. The child, or an adult if the child is very small, must pull up the footrest from the bottom. Pulling up the footrest causes the recliner to lay back. Kids are very nimble, probably more so than Grandpa J, and usually have no problem climbing in and out of the recliner even when it stays in it’s reclined position. Bigger kids will be able to recline and sit up in the recliner simply by pushing their backs against the seat back. They will be able to get up by sitting forward and pushing down on the footrest.

To my knowledge all child recliners work in this manner. Manufacturers tell us that the lever mechanisms aren’t currently made for small chairs and that they would increase shipping costs due to the need for larger boxes. If you find one with a handle mechanism, please let me know! craig@wcteam.com