There are countless options on the market, and they all offer something unique. From swivels and gliders to full recliners, finding the perfect fit is crucial because you will spend hours here rocking your baby.
We tested top-rated gliders and analyzed reviews to help you find the most suitable, comfortable, and practical chair for your nursery.
- Swivels smoothly in 360°
- Has head, neck, and lumbar support
- Bonus ottoman included
- Elegant and intricate design
- Reclines and swivels for maximum comfort
- Reasonably priced
- Affordable
- Padded arms and with storage pockets
- Material can be spot cleaned
- Easy assembly
- Comfortable for parents of all sizes
- Durable solid wood feet
- Added lumbar support
- 360-degree swivel
- Glides smoothly when not reclined
- Includes removable lumbar support pillow
- Easy to assemble
- Nine color options
- Ultra-plush microfiber cushions
- Fully upholstered sides
- Nursing stool provides supportive base
- Removable lumbar support pillow
- Constructed and upholstered by hand
- Made with durable materials
- Steel mechanisms ensure quiet movements
- Gentle glide motion
- Thickly padded armrests
- 360-degree swivel
- Easy to wipe clean
- Ultra-soft material for ultimate comfort
Why Is Nursery Seating Necessary?
You will spend a massive amount of time in the nursery with your baby.
Whether you are feeding, reading bedtime stories, or rocking a fussy infant to sleep, you need a spot where you can relax. If you aren’t comfortable, those long nights feel even longer.
Nursery seating is a game changer because babies find the back-and-forth motion soothing. A smooth glider or rocker is often the secret weapon for getting your baby to drift off to dreamland.
Factors to Keep in Mind
This chair is an investment, so you want to ensure it has the right features, not just a cute fabric pattern.
While style matters, you are going to care much more about lumbar support during a 3 a.m. feeding than how well the grey piping matches the curtains.
Comfort
Your glider must be supportive. Look for a chair with a backrest high enough to rest your head. You will appreciate that neck support during those exhausting late-night feedings.
Cost-Effective
Nursery gliders range from budget-friendly to incredibly expensive. Set a firm budget before you start shopping, and stick to chairs that offer the features you need without breaking the bank.
Construction
Durability is key. A good nursery chair should last through your child’s toddler years and potentially be used for future babies or transition into a comfy living room reading chair.
Ease of Movement
You need to get in and out of the chair easily without using your hands, as your arms will be full. Nothing is worse than finally getting the baby to sleep, only to wake them up because you struggled to stand up from a deep seat.
Easy to Clean
Babies differ, but spit-up and blowouts are universal. Look for a chair with stain-resistant fabric or removable, washable covers (1). Microfiber and leather-like materials are often the easiest to wipe down.
Arm Support
Your arms are going to be tired from carrying the baby, pushing strollers, and lifting car seats. The best gliders have wide, well-padded armrests to support your elbows while you hold your baby, which helps prevent shoulder strain.
Safety Features
Check the construction to ensure no moving parts are exposed. The best gliders have locking mechanisms to stop the rocking motion, which is a fantastic feature to prevent pinching little fingers once your baby starts crawling.
Noise Level
Some chairs develop a squeak over time. If you do not want your child waking up every time you rock, look for a glider known for its silent, enclosed ball bearings.
How To Pick Proper Seating
Start your search by listing the features that matter most to you, how you plan to use the chair, and your price limit.
Prioritize your must-haves. If you have to compromise to stay within budget, you will know exactly which features you can live without.
The market is flooded with options, so having a plan makes the process less overwhelming.
Here are the primary features we look for when comparing nursery seating:
- Lumbar support: Crucial for back health.
- Recline function: For napping with the baby.
- Ottoman: To rest tired feet.
- Swivel base: For reaching items easily.
Product Reviews
We compared dozens of nursery gliders and rockers to find the best options based on durability, cost, comfort, and parent-friendly features.
DaVinci Swivel Nursery Glider
Best Nursery Glider Overall
If you are a shorter parent looking for excellent support, this gorgeous nursery glider is a top contender. It sits lower to the ground and features a designated lumbar pillow to ensure your lower back stays happy.
This glider swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to turn effortlessly to grab a burp cloth or reach your phone without disturbing the baby.
The chair arrives fully assembled, which is a massive relief if you are making a last-minute purchase before the due date.
Safety is built-in, as the metal base is mostly hidden to keep little fingers away from the mechanism. The fabric is free of chemical flame retardants and formaldehyde, giving you peace of mind.
This chair is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both mom and baby during feeding time.
Pros
- Swivels smoothly in 360 degrees.
- Includes lumbar, head, and neck support.
- Delivered fully assembled.
- Bonus ottoman included.
- Available in multiple colors to fit your nursery aesthetic.
Cons
- Some users report squeaking over time.
- No protective slipcover included.
Our Ratings
Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Nursery Glider
Most Comfortable Rocking Chair
This rocker is fantastic for parents who want a universal chair that does it all. It offers nearly every feature we look for in nursery seating.
Not only does it swivel 360 degrees and glide seamlessly, but it also reclines. This is perfect if you need a chair that accommodates different positions, whether you are upright for feeding or kicking back for a nap.
The supportive spring core and foam-filled seat provide extreme comfort. Plus, the backrest features intricate button tufting, making it a stylish addition to any nursery.
We love that this chair gives you the option to glide, swivel, or recline. It is an incredibly cozy spot to feed the baby, read a book, or just catch up on some rest.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Elegant tufted design.
- Reclines and swivels for maximum versatility.
- Sturdy construction feels secure.
- Reasonably priced for the features.
Cons
- No protective cover.
- Lumbar pillow is not removable.
- Maximum weight capacity is 225 pounds.
Our Ratings
Windsor Nursery Glider and Ottoman
Best Value Nursery Glider
If you need a reliable nursery glider that won’t destroy your budget, this is our favorite inexpensive choice. This classic wood-frame rocker with a matching ottoman is a staple in nurseries everywhere.
The Windsor is affordable and looks great with almost any decor. It offers generous cushioning on the back, armrests, and seat, ensuring you stay comfortable during long sessions.
We found the padded armrests surprisingly luxurious for the price point.
Enclosed metal bearings ensure a smooth glide to soothe your little one. Both the glider and ottoman feature solid wood frames for stability.
The ottoman is a huge plus because it rocks in sync with the chair, letting you keep the motion going while resting your feet. With several color options, you can easily match your nursery vision.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Padded arms with convenient storage pockets.
- Fabric is easy to spot clean.
- Classic design fits small spaces well.
Cons
- Frame feels less sturdy than premium gliders.
- No protective cover included.
- Requires regular lubrication to prevent squeaking.
Our Ratings
Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker Chair
Easiest to Assemble Rocking Chair
Preparing for a baby is busy enough, so make life simpler with this easy-to-assemble rocker. The seat is about 1.5 times wider than the average rocker, giving you plenty of room to maneuver as your baby grows.
Once assembled, it rocks smoothly and quietly. The chair is covered in a soft, plush fabric, and the wide, modern design looks beautiful in any room. The neutral taupe color is versatile, and the style works well in the living room long after the diaper days are over.
We love the generous size. Both moms and dads, regardless of height or build, can relax comfortably here. If you want a durable, roomy rocker that doesn’t require a degree in engineering to build, this is the one.
Pros
- Assembly takes just a few minutes.
- Extra-wide seat accommodates parents of all sizes.
- Deep seat allows for comfortable positioning.
Cons
- Only one color option.
- Does not come with a footrest.
Our Ratings
DaVinci Ruby Recliner and Glider
Best Glider for Bad Back
This is a smart pick if you need a supportive chair that won’t aggravate back pain.
It features a firm high back and includes a separate lumbar pillow for targeted support. The plush armrests make holding the baby easier, keeping your shoulders relaxed.
Sitting upright constantly can strain your spine, but this chair reclines to offer relief. The recline function is a lifesaver for parents with back issues. It also features a pop-out leg rest and a leaning backrest for full relaxation.
You get 360-degree swivel motion and a smooth glide when upright. The upholstered polyester is soft yet durable enough to handle nursery life.
Pros
- Full recline function.
- Includes a lumbar support pillow.
- Easy to spot-clean.
- 360-degree swivel base.
- Smooth gliding motion when upright.
Cons
- Limited color options.
- Padding is firm, which some may find too hard.
- Closing the leg rest can be tricky while holding a baby.
Our Ratings
Stork Craft Glider With Ottoman
Best Nursery Glider for Tall Parents
Finding a comfortable glider is tough for taller parents, but this Stork Craft model has a high back to accommodate most heights.
It fully supports your head, neck, and shoulders. The chair features padded arm cushions to ensure comfort whether you are nursing or rocking. A lumbar support pillow is included to help prevent lower back ache.
The polyester fabric is soft to the touch but durable. The solid wood construction adds stability, meaning it should last well beyond the infant stage.
We appreciate the matching gliding ottoman, which lets you stretch your legs out fully, a must for taller users.
Pros
- Cushions are spot-cleanable.
- Available in a wide variety of colors.
- Includes ottoman for leg support.
- Easy assembly process.
- Enclosed ball bearings for smooth gliding.
- Great ergonomic support for breastfeeding.
Cons
- No protective cover.
- Exposed moving parts require caution with toddlers.
- Cushions may thin out over time with heavy use.
Our Ratings
Graco Parker Glider
Best Nursery Glider for Breastfeeding
If you plan to breastfeed, a comfortable chair is vital. The Graco Parker was clearly designed with nursing mothers in mind.
It features a unique pull-out nursing stool that angles your feet to lift your lap, creating a better position for the baby. When you don’t need it, the stool folds neatly under the ottoman.
The armrests are higher than average and fully padded, helping you support the baby’s weight without straining your shoulders.
This chair makes the breastfeeding journey smoother, but it’s great for bottle-feeding parents too. The high arms and smooth glide are perfect for anyone soothing a fussy baby.
Pros
- Ultra-plush microfiber cushions for maximum comfort.
- Nursing stool provides a supportive base for feeding.
- Fully upholstered sides prevent drafts.
- Classic wood finish coordinates with many crib styles.
Cons
- Weight capacity is lower than others at 250 pounds.
- Cushions attach with ties, which can stretch or break.
Our Ratings
Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker
Best Plus-Size Nursery Rocker
If you need a rocker with extra room, the Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker is a fantastic choice.
It features a broad base and a wider seat structure. You won’t feel squeezed in; instead, you have plenty of space to get comfortable or add a supportive pillow.
The chair is hand-upholstered with soft, high-quality materials designed for comfort. With multiple color options, it’s easy to match your nursery theme.
The wooden legs allow for a seamless, quiet rock. If you want a larger chair that offers style and space without bulk, this is the one.
Pros
- Hand-constructed and upholstered.
- Durable materials ensure stability.
- Extra-wide seat offers superior comfort.
- Upholstery is free of chemical flame retardants.
Cons
- No footrest included.
- It is a rocker, so it does not glide or swivel.
- Cleaning requires solvents or foam-based cleaners (check the code).
Our Ratings
Delta Children Nursery Glider
Best Nursery Glider for Small Spaces
Short on square footage? This Delta Children glider delivers big comfort in a compact footprint.
Designed for smaller nurseries, it still offers full functionality, including a 360-degree swivel and a gentle glide. It fits into tight corners where a bulky recliner simply wouldn’t work.
There are three neutral color options, making it easy to coordinate with your nursery decor.
Despite its smaller size, the chair is built to last and is lightweight enough to move easily if you rearrange the room. The curved seat and thick padding ensure you stay comfortable during feedings.
Pros
- Durable steel mechanisms ensure quiet movement.
- Whisper-quiet gliding motion.
- Thickly padded armrests.
- Removable cushion makes cleaning easier.
- Sleek design fits small rooms perfectly.
Cons
- 225-pound weight limit.
- Material feels thinner than premium options.
Our Ratings
Babyletto Swivel Nursery Glider
Best Modern Nursery Glider
If you prefer modern aesthetics over traditional ruffled rocking chairs, the Babyletto Madison is for you.
This glider is compact, hip, and incredibly stylish. It allows you to maintain a chic nursery vibe without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Despite the sleek profile, it offers spacious seating with a rounded back that hugs you comfortably. The smooth gliding mechanism helps soothe your baby quickly.
The 360-degree swivel gives you excellent range of motion. It is hand-upholstered in ultra-soft microsuede that is water-resistant and stain-resistant, a huge plus for messy baby days.
Because it doesn’t look like a typical nursery chair, it transitions perfectly into a living room or office once your baby grows up.
Pros
- Modern, stylish design.
- 360-degree swivel base.
- Water- and stain-resistant fabric.
- Ultra-soft material feels great against skin.
- Compact footprint saves space.
Cons
- No footrest included.
- Backrest is lower than traditional gliders (less head support).
Our Ratings
Safety Notices
Always prioritize stability when choosing a nursery chair. Ensure the frame is sturdy; you do not want to feel like you are tipping over while holding your newborn.
Watch out for exposed gears or gliders with large gaps where little fingers could get pinched. This becomes especially important once your baby starts crawling and exploring.
Check the materials. Whenever possible, choose chairs free of harsh chemical flame retardants.
Finally, always check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for recalls before buying secondhand or older models (2).
FAQs
How Much Should You Spend on a Nursery Glider?
It depends on your budget, but remember this is furniture you will use daily. While you can find decent gliders for $200, high-end models with power recline and stain-resistant fabric can run over $500. Aim for the best quality your budget allows.
Can You Use a Nursery Glider in the Living Room?
Absolutely. Many modern gliders are designed to look like regular armchairs. If you choose a neutral color and a stylish silhouette, it will transition seamlessly into your living area once the baby outgrows the nursery.
Are Glider Rockers Good for Your Back?
Yes, if they have proper support. Look for a firm backrest and, ideally, a lumbar pillow. Slouching in a soft chair for hours can cause strain, so ergonomic support is vital for nursing mothers.
Which Is Better: Glider or Rocker?
It comes down to preference. Rockers move in an arc (heads goes down, feet go up), while gliders move horizontally back and forth on a track. Gliders tend to be smoother, while rockers offer that traditional feel.
What is the Difference Between a Baby Glider and a Baby Swing?
A nursery glider is a chair for the parent to sit in while holding the baby. A baby swing is a gear item where you strap the baby in, and the machine rocks them automatically.
Do I Really Need a Locking Mechanism?
Yes, a locking mechanism is highly recommended. It stabilizes the chair so you can stand up easily without the chair sliding out from under you. It also prevents the chair from moving when a curious toddler is playing nearby.
What Fabric Is Best for a Nursery Chair?
Microfiber and performance weaves are excellent choices because they are durable and easy to clean. Avoid delicate fabrics like silk or light-colored linens that stain easily unless they have a removable, washable slipcover.
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best nursery chair is the DaVinci Swivel Glider.
It keeps both mom and baby comfortable with a mix of soft fabric and firm, supportive padding. The 360-degree swivel makes it easy to grab what you need without getting up, and the included lumbar pillow saves your back.
Plus, the hidden metal base keeps tiny fingers safe, giving you one less thing to worry about in the nursery.
