There are two things that you should consider when you first receive your child recliner. First is the fabric type. If you have a cloth type recliner you will want to consider applying a scotch-guard type product to the recliner before allowing kids to use it. Scotch-guard can protect the fabric from minor stains and spills. It's easy to find, easy to apply and inexpensive. You can get fabric protector from any supermarket and most of the superstores that abound. Applying the fabric protector is simply a matter of spraying the product onto the chair and letting it dry. If you have vinyl, faux-leather or micro-fiber cover on your recliner then there is no need to apply fabric protection, as these covers do a good job of resisting stains and spills.

The second thing you should look at is how difficult it is to raise the footrest in your recliner. The footrest controls the reclining mechanism and on occasion can be too tight for your child to raise on their own. To correct this, place a drop or two of oil on the hinge joints. Some hinges are hidden behind a fabric or plastic covering. This covering can usually be pulled back easily to allow access to the hinges. In most recliners there is no covering on the hinges and applying oil is a simple matter.

Ah, but what do you do when little Johnny spills that Hawaiian Punch all over the chair? Well, if you've applied your fabric protection, then most of the spill will glide right over the material and make it all the way to the floor. In this case, just use a damp rag to wipe down the chair. Let dry and you should be in business. However, if the spill has soaked into the cover, then I recommend using one of the little steam cleaning tools that are now available. If you don't have one of these, then use carbonated water with a rag. The carbonation in the water brings out the stain, allowing you to wipe most of it up. Be sure to let the recliner dry fully after a soaked in spill. The foam underneath the covering can become wet and may need some extra time to dry.

With a little prevention your child recliner should make it through your child's formative years and will be a great source of pride and joy.