A nursery glider or rocking chair is an essential part of your baby’s nursery. If you’re expecting your first child, you probably don’t yet realize just how much time you’ll be spending in this chair. Whether you’re nursing around the clock or doing bottle feedings, your nursery glider or rocking chair will be the go-to place to comfort your baby when she is fussy or simply to snuggle up with her when you’re both in the mood for a cuddle.
Nursery Glider vs. Rocking Chair
Really the decision between whether to use a nursery glider or a rocking chair comes down to a matter of personal preference. Many mothers I know prefer the gentle gliding motion of a glider to the more traditional motion of a rocking chair, but it’s really all about how you feel. The most important factor here is your comfort, so take the time to head to a store and try out some chairs in person to see what your preferences are.
Ottoman vs. Nursing Stool
Most likely you will also need to purchase an ottoman or nursing stool if the chair you pick up doesn’t include one. You will probably want somewhere to elevate your feet so you can find your ultimate comfortable nursing position. Although we haven’t yet researched the top ottomans or nursing stools, you can peruse nursing stools and nursing ottomans yourself right here (and keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming article on ottomans and nursing stools!).
Complete Your Nursery
While you’re stocking your nursery, you may want to check out some of our other articles, such as our top 10 best changing tables with drawers, top 10 best crib mattresses for babies and our top 10 best nursery hampers.
What you’re looking for in a nursery glider or rocking chair is pretty simple: a place to relax with baby that will be comfortable for you both. Below, we’ve put together a list of the most highly rated, most comfortable nursery gliders and rocking chairs available. Take a look at our faves now or bookmark for later. Happy shopping!
1. Best 360-Degree Swivel Nursery Glider: DaVinci Piper All-Purpose Upholstered Recliner with Cream Piping
The DaVinci Piper All-Purpose Upholstered Recliner with Cream Piping is a stylish, high-backed nursery glider that boasts several nice features. The fabric is a soft and durable polyester in a pretty gray color with cream piping, neutral enough to match most nurseries. This nursery glider has a reclining feature (recline mechanism is hidden for style points) that works smoothly, as well as a pop-up footrest. The metal base allows for a smooth and gentle 360-degree swivel, as well as forward and backward gliding. The firm back is good for posture, and this nursery glider includes a pillow for extra lower back support.
This nursery glider does not come with an ottoman, but you may not need one if you enjoy the footrest feature. Some consumers have complaind that the reclining feature does not stay reclined unless you apply constant pressure to it. There are also some reports that the footrest is difficult to get back into place after it is popped out. Finally, some consumers complain that the armrests are not cushioned enough.
Price: $291
Buy the DaVinci Piper All-Purpose Upholstered Recliner with Cream Piping here.
Pros:
- Very soft and durable fabric
- Smooth recline function with pop-up footrest
- Metal base that allows for a smooth and gentle 360-degree swivel motion and forward and backward gliding
- Firm back with lumbar pillow included for extra lower back support
Cons:
- No included ottoman
- Reclining feature does not stay reclined without constant pressure
- Armrests are not very cushioned
- Some reports that footrest is difficult to get back into place
Find more DaVinci Piper All-Purpose Upholstered Recliner with Cream Piping information and reviews here.
2. Best Rocking Chair for Twins: Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker
The Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker combines the traditional aspect of a nursery rocking chair with clean, modern lines that make for an attractive nursery chair. Its best feature is that it’s one and a half times wider than a regular rocker—41.25 inches wide. Because of this wide aspect, parents loves that it can fit twins while nursing or bottle feeding, or rocking gently to sleep. Additionally, it’s great at accommodating older kids for reading bedtime stories. The chair boasts thickly padded, comfortable seat cushions and back. It comes in two great neutrals: beige and taupe. The Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker has a matching Baby Relax Hadley Ottoman that is sold separately; it’s a storage ottoman, so in addition to being a footrest it doubles as a place to stash blankets, toys or books.
The weight capacity on this rocker is 225 pounds, so even though it could conceivably fit two adults, due to its wide stature using it like this might max out the weight limit. This is a rocker, not a glider, so the only motion it has is a more traditional rock. Some consumers note that it is somewhat difficult to rock.
Price: $338.28 (10 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker here.
Pros:
- One and a half times wider than a regular rocker
- Clean, modern lines
- Thickly padded seat cushions and back
- Comes in two pretty, neutral colors: beige or taupe
Cons:
- Matching Baby Relax The Hadley Ottoman is sold separately
- Doesn’t glide
- Weight capacity 225 pounds
- Somewhat difficult to rock
Find more Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker information and reviews here.
3. Best Petite Nursery Glider: Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider
The Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider is a fun curved nursery glider with a mid century modern design that comes in three colors: white, mocha and slate. The fabric is a stain-resistant and water-resistant microsueude that is very soft. This nursery glider swivels with a 360-degree motion that is smooth and effortless for parents trying to soothe their babies to sleep. This chair has a very small footprint, so it’s great for smaller spaces, such as apartments or small bedrooms.
The Babyletto Madison does not include an ottoman, so you may need to purchase a footrest or ottoman separately. Some consumers note that this chair is on the shorter side and not as comfortable for taller people. The arms are sloped downward, which some consumers find to be uncomfortable. There is a known issue that on some models of this glider the base can crack after extended use—however, the manufacturer knows of the issue and will replace the chair for free if this occurs.
Price: $269.99
Buy the Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider here.
Pros:
- Made with water-resistant, stain-resistant microsuede
- Fun, modern design that looks great in lots of nurseries
- Swivels 360 degrees with a smooth, effortless gliding motion
- Has a small footprint
Cons:
- No ottoman included
- Not great for taller people
- Armrest is sloped
- On some models the base can fracture (though manufacturer will replace)
Find more Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider information and reviews here.
4. Best Bargain Nursery Glider: Windsor Glider & Ottoman
The Windsor Glider & Ottoman set is a nice, affordable option for new parents on a budget. It’s a wood-framed glider and ottoman set upholstered in an attractive gray fabric, and it reclines for comfort. The chair has generous seating room, and the cushions are removable for easy spot cleaning. The arm rests are padded, and there are even handy storage pockets in the side where you can stash magazines, books or remote controls—whatever you might need handy while nursing.
Consumers note that the chair is a bit on the flimsy side, and it tends to creak after repeated use. The front legs can come off the ground if you rock too hard or lean the chair too far back. Finally, though the seat cushions are removable, they are hand wash only, so they may not stand up to tough stains.
Price: $119.98 (17 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Windsor Glider & Ottoman here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Generous seating room
- Removable chair cushions for easy spot cleaning
- Includes matching ottoman
Cons:
- Tends to creak
- Front legs come off the ground when in fully reclined position
- Wood frame is a bit flimsy
- Fabric is hand wash only
Find more Windsor Glider & Ottoman information and reviews here.
5. Most Stylish Nursery Glider: Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner
The Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner is a mid-priced nursery glider with a sophisticated modern-meets-traditional style. It comes in three pretty neutrals (gray linen, gray microfiber and mocha microfiber) and features a tufted back and welt trim design that looks great in any nursery. This nursery glider reclines to three positions, swivels and features track arm design to keep your arms comfortable whatever position the chair is in. It also has an enclosed ball bearing mechanism to achieve both the rotating swivel and the smooth gliding motion.
Though it does not come with an ottoman, it does have a footrest that pops out in the reclined position. But keep in mind that when reclined, the chair does not glide. Some consumers report the footrest/recline feature takes some strength to operate, so it may not be ideal for postpartum recovery, especially if you have had a C-section. Other consumers have noted that the chair tends to creak after a few months of use.
Price: $299
Buy the Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner here.
Pros:
- Stylish tufted back and welt trim design for a traditional-meets-modern look
- Enclosed ball bearing mechanism for both a rotating swivel function & smooth gliding motion
- Reclines to three positions, swivels and features track arm design
- Three attractive neutral colors
Cons:
- Does not include ottoman
- Does not glide in reclined position
- Footrest/recline takes some strength to operate
- Tends to creak after a few months of use
Find more Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner information and reviews here.
6. Best Nursery Glider with Included Ottoman: Stork Craft Hoop Glider & Ottoman Set
The Stork Craft Hoop Glider & Ottoman Set is an affordable glider/ottoman set with generous seating room. It’s built with metal ball bearings to give the chair a smooth, effortless gliding motion for soothing baby to sleep. This glider and ottoman set comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty. The wood frame comes in three colors: black, cherry and espresso. The fabric is a cream/off-white color, and the cushions are removable for easier spot treatment of stains. This chair also includes handy side pockets to stash your nursing necessities.
Although the back and seat cushions are removable, they are hand wash only, not machine washable. Some consumers have noted that the chair isn’t comfortable enough as-is, so they needed to add extra pillows. It tends to start creaking after repeated use. And some taller consumers have reported that the chair isn’t comfortable for them.
Price: $145.49 (19 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Stork Craft Hoop Glider & Ottoman Set here.
Pros:
- Generous seating room
- Contains metal ball bearings for a smooth, effortless gliding motion
- Includes ottoman
- One year warranty
Cons:
- Back and seat cushions hand wash only
- Some consumers note that they need to add extra pillows for comfort
- Tends to creak after repeated use
- Not comfortable for tall people
Find more Stork Craft Hoop Glider & Ottoman Set information and reviews here.
7. Best Reclining Nursery Glider: Baby Relax Rylan Swivel Gliding Recliner
The Baby Relax Rylan Swivel Gliding Recliner is a stylish square silhouette nursery glider in a soft beige color with monochromatic welt trim detailing for a sophisticated look. The microfiber fabric is soft to the touch and easy to spot clean. This nursery glider swivels and glides due to its enclosed ball bearing mechanism. The Baby Relax Rylan has customizable and comfortable reclining positions and a pop-out footrest.
This reclining glider does not include an ottoman, so you may want to purchase one separately if you plan on using that in lieu of the pop-out footrest/recline option. Some consumers have noted that it takes some strength to get the footrest back into position after reclining. Tall users may find the chair is not as comfortable for them because they may not be able to lean their heads back all the way. Finally, a handful of consumers have reported issues with this chair not holding up well.
Price: $300
Buy the Baby Relax Rylan Swivel Gliding Recliner here.
Pros:
- Stylish square silhouette with monochromatic welt trim design
- Customizable reclining positions
- Enclosed ball bearing mechanism for both a rotating swivel function and smooth gliding motion
- Soft-to-the-touch microfiber material
Cons:
- Does not include ottoman
- Some strength required to close footrest
- A few consumers report issues with chair not holding up
- Taller people will not be able to lean head back
Find more Baby Relax Rylan Swivel Gliding Recliner information and reviews here.
8. Quietest Nursery Glider: Delta Furniture Benbridge Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
The Delta Furniture Benbridge Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair is a plush, fully upholstered nursery glider with a swivel mechanism. This nursery glider features a durable steel mechanism to ensure quiet movements and smooth swivel and glide motions. The Benbridge Glider comes in seven colors, including the above featured dove grey, beige, navy, cocoa with beige welt, dove grey with soft grey welt, frozen blue with cream welt and graphite with dove grey welt. Price varies by color. The small footprint means this chair will work great in smaller spaces, though the size may not be large enough for some people’s needs.
This nursery glider does not include an ottoman or footrest. It doesn’t recline, so there isn’t a built-in footrest either. You may want to purchase a separate nursery ottoman to go along with it. Some consumers have noted that this chair can be difficult to assemble.
Price: $259.99
Buy the Delta Furniture Benbridge Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair here.
Pros:
- Durable steel mechanisms to ensure quiet movements
- Thickly padded armrests and plush seat cushion
- Smooth swivel and glide motions
- Comes in seven great colors
Cons:
- Does not include ottoman or footrest
- Does not recline
- Fairly small
- Some consumers note that it is somewhat difficult to assemble
Find more Delta Furniture Benbridge Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair information and reviews here.
9. Nursery Glider with Best Warranty: Dutailier Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Combo
The Dutailier Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Combo is a nursery glider and ottoman set boasting a lot of great features. Dutailier has an exclusive gliding system with top quality sealed ball bearings. It offers a multi-position mechanism that allows you to stop the glider at your desired position for ultimate comfort. The fabric on the chair and matching glider is a durable and soft wool-like 100% polyester. This chair features a durable white wood frame, and the fabric comes in four great neutrals: chocolate, dark grey, light beige and light grey. This chair is on the higher end price-wise, but with the included ottoman you won’t have to spend extra to find a place to rest your feet.
Some taller consumers note that this chair isn’t as comfy for them—the armrests feel too low, and they can’t rest their heads on the top of the back. The cushions are not removable for spot treating or washing. Several consumers have reported receiving a different product than described (for instance one that doesn’t include the ottoman or one that doesn’t recline), so make sure and double check your product when it arrives and contact the manufacturer with any issues.
Price: $549.33 (13 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Dutailier Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Combo here.
Pros:
- Five year warranty
- Features Dutailier’s exclusive gliding system with top quality sealed ball bearings
- Multi-position mechanism allows you to stop the glider at the desired position
- Includes matching ottoman
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as comfortable for tall people
- Cushions are not removable for washing
- Some consumers report receiving a product that is not as described
Find more Dutailier Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Combo information and reviews here.
10. Best Traditional Style Nursery Glider: Naomi Home Deluxe Multiposition Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Set
The Naomi Home Deluxe Multiposition Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Set is a traditional style nursery glider with a wood frame constructed from solid hardwood. It also has soft, luxurious upholstery. The wood frame and fabric come in three neutral color combos to match just about any nursery. The arms are padded, the cushions are plush and there are even storage pockets on the sides of the chair. This product includes a matching ottoman with padded cushion to keep your feet elevated while nursing or relaxing with your baby. This nursery glider has a multi-purpose brake system that is designed to stabilize the glider in different positions with a smooth motion steel ball bearing glide system.
Some consumers note that the cushions are plusher than average but not as plush as they appear in the product photos. You may need an additional pillow for extra lower back support. This chair does not recline. Some consumers note that if you are on the shorter side, it may be harder to get into this chair and your feet may not reach the floor.
Price: $226.79
Buy the Naomi Home Deluxe Multiposition Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Set here.
Pros:
- Solid hardwood constructed frame and soft, luxurious upholstery
- Padded arms and side storage pockets
- Matching ottoman with padded cushion included
- Multi-purpose brake system to stabilize the glider in different positions with a smooth motion steel ball bearing glide system
Cons:
- May need an extra pillow for lower back support
- Does not recline
- Seat cushion not quite as plush as it appears in photos
- A little high for shorter people
Find more Naomi Home Deluxe Multiposition Sleigh Glider & Ottoman Set information and reviews here.