Best Nursery Gliders and Rocking Chairs, According to Moms and Tons of Reviews
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
- Best Nursery Glider Overall : Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner
- Best Nursery Glider With Storage : DaVinci Owen Glider and Storage Ottoman
- Most Durable Nursery Glider : Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
- Best Rocking Chair for Small Spaces : Delta Children Blair Slim Nursery Glider
- Best Nursery Glider for Breastfeeding : Dutailier Sleigh Glider and Ottoman
- Best Classic Rocking Chair : Coaster Home Furnishings Rocking Chair
- Easiest-to-Clean Nursery Glider : Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
- Best Souped-Up Recliner and Glider : Nurture& The Glider
- Best Glider for Tall Parents : Pottery Barn Comfort Swivel Glider & Recliner
- Best Rocking Chair for Multiple Kids : Baby Relax Hadley Microfiber Double Rocker
Are you torn about adding a glider or rocking chair to your baby registry? You might be wondering if you need or even have space for one. And let's face it — they can be pricey.
But there’s nothing sweeter than feeding and bonding with your baby in the nursery. If you’re daydreaming about reading, snuggling and singing to your bundle of joy while rocking the day (and night) away in one of these chairs, read on for everything you need to know about nursery gliders and rocking chairs.
Do I need a glider or rocking chair for my baby's nursery?
Although gliders and rocking chairs certainly aren't must-have items, they can come in handy.
These nursing chairs let you rock back and forth, and this gentle movement can help soothe baby to sleep. They're also gloriously comfortable; a nursing chair is the perfect place to feed baby or simply sit when you're up with your little one during the night.
What is the difference between a glider and a rocking chair?
When you're choosing a dedicated nursing chair for baby's nursery, you're probably deciding between a rocking chair and a glider.
Traditional rocking chairs have two curved bands at the base, while gliders let you move back and forth on a stationary frame base. If you're not sure which style you prefer, it can be helpful to visit a store to test out different models in person.
How to choose a glider or rocking chair for your nursery
Keep the following in mind when shopping for a nursery glider or rocking chair:
- Is it easy to clean? Rocking a freshly fed baby can be messy. Choosing a nursery glider or rocking chair with detachable and washable cushions or with stain-repellent fabrics is smart.
- Is it comfortable for your neck and back? It's best to test gliders and rocking chairs out first, and price-compare later. Remember, you’ll be holding your bundle of joy a lot, and you'll need a supportive option.
- Does it have enough padding? You could be gliding or rocking for hours. Make sure there is adequate and comfortable padding for the seat and armrests. You’ll appreciate the extra cushion.
- Does it squeak? Trust us, that's the last thing you'll want your baby to hear in the middle of the night.
- If you're choosing a glider, is it on a 360-degree base? If not, that’s okay. It isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. However, it's a nice feature that allows you to spin around to get a quick visual on your other children if you have them.
- Does it recline? Rocking baby isn't all singing and reading fairy tales. At some point, you may be pulling an all-nighter in the nursery. A reclining glider lets you catch some shuteye while baby sleeps nearby in the crib.
How we chose the best nursery gliders and rocking chairs
We considered the above recommendations when sorting through picks that members of the What to Expect community and our editors love. We also focused on products that have innovative and safe features to help make bedtime stories, middle-of-the-night feedings and all other kinds of snuggles cozier for parents. Check out our list of the best nursery gliders and rocking chairs below.
Best Nursery Glider Overall
Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner
Love it
Reviews
This beautiful nursing chair made it to the top of our wish list. It’s nicely upholstered, and by that we mean it can be easily spot-cleaned.
This glider also has a slim, cushioned back with added head and neck support, and it swivels and glides 360 degrees on its base. Our favorite feature is that it reclines for naps between late-night feedings.
Dimensions: 41.75 x 30 x 37 inches
Weight: 89 pounds
"I got [the Baby Relax Mikayla Glider Chair] from my mom as a gift — it is AWESOME. Super comfortable, really easy to recline and sit back up, and it reclines almost to a full flat position. Awesome sleeping and feeding chair."
Best Nursery Glider With Storage
DaVinci Owen Glider and Storage Ottoman
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Reviews
What this glider takes up in space, it gives back in hidden storage. This gorgeous nursery glider has a convenient side pocket and upholstered ottoman with a removable top that hides a secret storage bin for toys (or extra diapers).
In addition to soft and durable fabric that will last you through the toddler years, it also features 360-degree swivel motion. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified, which means it’s been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals, so you can feel rest assured that it’s safe for your babe.
Dimensions: 39 x 25.5 x 34 inches
Weight: 99 pounds
“The Davinci Owen Glider. I absolutely LOVE it. Comfy, not too big, not too small. It glides, rocks and swivels smoothly. It has wings off the side you can rest your head on. And the ottoman has storage space. It's on the shorter side so if you're a taller person your head might be taller than the back of the glider but overall I’d give it a solid 4.9/5.”
Most Durable Nursery Glider
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
Love it
Reviews
It feels great to get off your feet and relax in a nursery glider — especially when you can do so for years to come. This stylish nursing chair is easy to clean, and tons of reviewers praise how long it's lasted them. (One even said they've been using it for nearly a decade!)
It's also super comfortable, thanks to plenty of seating room and padded arm cushions. There's plenty of storage, too, with side pockets on each arm. Don't love the espresso color? No problem: The brand offers tons of cushion and wood color variations to get the perfect match for your nursery.
Dimensions: 25.5 x 21.5 x 38.5 inches (glider); 14.5 x 19 x 14 inches (ottoman)
Weight: 45 pounds (glider); 14.3 pounds (ottoman)
"This is what we have and I really like it. Contemplating getting another one rather than moving our current one out of my son’s room"
"I have two of this glider and it’s phenomenal for breastfeeding."
Best Rocking Chair for Small Spaces
Delta Children Blair Slim Nursery Glider
Love it
Reviews
This smaller rocking chair is a solid option if your nursery's already full to the brim with the crib, dresser and changing table.
This slim glider has a 360-degree swivel and easy-to-clean fabric. It can rock as well as glide, and since it comes in at just over 2 feet wide, it can fit in nearly any size nursery. The armrests also have thick padding to ensure you stay comfy while rocking your baby to sleep.
Dimensions: 36 x 26.5 x 31.5 inches
Weight: 62 pounds
“I got this glider, swivel, rocker from Delta Children. I have been sitting on it last week. So comfy!”
Best Nursery Glider for Breastfeeding
Dutailier Sleigh Glider and Ottoman
Love it
Reviews
When it comes to feeding baby, having a soft, padded place to sit and rest your arms is important. This Dutailier glider has that covered, plus the addition of a comfortable ottoman. You can rest your feet to get the angle for feeding baby just right. While this glider is on the pricier side, it offers an extra-long gliding motion, and reviewers praise this chair for its exceptional comfort. The foam cushions and padded arms are also removable, which should make cleaning a bit easier, too.
Dimensions: 27 x 31 x 42.50 inches
Weight: 49 pounds
"I have the Dutailier and I love it. I still rock my 2.5 year old to sleep in it and will be using it for my next angel :)"
"I have that exact dutailier glider and I absolutely love it ... I used it for nursing and I still rock my toddler in it...I plan to use it for this baby too and when they are grown I'm keeping it to just rock in. it's super comfortable and reclines (I've fallen asleep in it with a sick toddler on me)... its the best thing I got with my first kid."
Best Classic Rocking Chair
Coaster Home Furnishings Rocking Chair
If you're a fan of old-fashioned styling and quality, the Coaster Home Furnishings Rocking Chair has a look that has stood the test of time, with sturdy construction, a sleek walnut finish and cool hand-carved details. A wooden chair like this can be easier to clean than the upholstered variety, and easily transitions to the living room once you no longer need it in the nursery. This is a chair for those who like firm support, but if you want a softer seat, you can also always add a tie-on cushion.
Dimensions: 44.75 x 26.5 x 35.75 inches
Weight: 48 pounds
Easiest-to-Clean Nursery Glider
Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
We love this glider because it's beautiful, easy to clean and practical. Plus, the sleek design will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your home furnishings. (There's no rule that says you have to keep your glider in the nursery!)
We also like how quietly this nursing chair glides — and love how long it'll last, thanks to its high-quality upholstered material.
Dimensions: 39.25 x 24.75 x 35.75 inches
Weight: 95 pounds
Best Souped-Up Recliner and Glider
Nurture& The Glider
Love it
Reviews
This glider is pricier than others, but it comes with all the bells and whistles that will make you never want to get up. It features an electric-powered recliner, adjustable headset and liquid- and stain-resistant fabric.
As an added bonus, it has a USB charging port on the side so you can scroll through social media during those late-night feedings without worrying about your phone losing too much charge. Plus, we love the chair’s sleek design that will stay in style long after your baby is out of diapers.
Dimensions: 33.3 x 38.2 x 42.1 inches
Weight: 112.5 pounds
Best Glider for Tall Parents
Pottery Barn Comfort Swivel Glider & Recliner
Love it
Reviews
If you're on the taller side, a chair with a higher back can offer good support — it's nice to have somewhere to rest your head during late-night feedings with your little one. Parents in the What to Expect community who are gifted in the height department recommend Pottery Barn's gliders, including this one, which gives your nursery a refined look but also extends to 66 inches long when fully reclined.
Dimensions: 40 x 38 x 38.5 inches
Weight: 101.5 pounds
"We got the Comfort swivel rocker from pottery barn. ... Honestly it was the most comfortable glider we tried and I know it is pricey but just having the washable slipcover was worth it, and the ottoman wasn't a big deal for us. Plan on using it on living room later on."
Best Rocking Chair for Multiple Kids
Baby Relax Hadley Microfiber Double Rocker
Love it
Reviews
Expecting twins? Or does baby have an older sibling who will want to cuddle while you're rocking her? If so, then you may want a rocker big enough for multiple children. The Hadley rocker is one-and-a-half times wider than a standard rocker, giving your child(ren) plenty of room to stretch out. Just make sure you have the space for it — since this rocker is bigger than others, it might not fit well in smaller nurseries.
Dimensions: 36.5 x 40.5 x 36.5 inches
Weight: 70.5 pounds
"I love this one! I have it in my daughter’s room. Super roomy for 2. Even cuddling 2 littles. There’s a matching storage ottomaman too!"
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