Imagine your perfect nursery. Does it include a sturdy crib nestled with a sleep-inducing crib mattress, a dresser filled with precious baby clothes, a book basket brimming with bedtime stories, and a glider tucked in the corner ready and waiting for daytime and nighttime snuggles?
We have to agree with that vision of the perfect nursery and a nursery glider is definitely a place where you will spend hours as a new mom–rocking, snuggling, and gliding your baby into (hopefully) peaceful slumber.
You may play, feed, or read together in that little nook too. And, no matter what you do, that chair will become home to countless memories. From birth to the day when two of you barely fit, your glider will no doubt feel part of the family by the time it graduates to another room in the house.
Truly Mama has rounded up the best nursery gliders for you to consider as you piece together that memory-making corner in your child’s nursery. After all, your nursery glider will soon be the most frequently used chair in your home.
And we promise we won’t judge if you need to sneak a few zzzz’s for yourself in it too.
- Glider vs. Rocker
- What to look for
- Do you need a glider?
- Best Overall Nursery Recliner Glider: Nurture&
- Best Rocker: Lily Glider Chair
- Most Comfortable Glider: Dutailier Glide with Ottoman
- Best 3-in-1 Glider: Addison Rocking Recliner
- Most Unique Glider: Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider
- Best Glider with Storage: Carter's by Davinci Adrian Swivel Glider
- Most Stain-Resistant: Kai Rocker
- Best High-Back Glider: Cali Pillowback Swivel Glider
Nursery Glider vs. Rocker: What’s the Difference?
You may be wondering if you should choose a rocker or glider for your nursery, and the answer is: it’s totally up to you!
Some prefer the movement and comfort of a rocker while others prefer a glider which moves forward and backward on a fixed track. It’s completely up to you.
Personally, I prefer rocker recliners, only because I like the extra room they provide and I like the option to put my feet up and use it as a regular chair when I’m done with the baby stage.
However, a glider or rocker with an ottoman would also serve that function.
What to Look for in a Nursery Glider
Start by checking if any or all of the upholstery is removable for washing, because yes, it will encounter breast milk, formula, and spit-up. If not, be sure to check out how it should be cleaned.
Another feature many parents appreciate is a compatible stool or ottoman. Some gliders come with this accessory, others have to be purchased separately.
Last, but not least, know the back height you prefer. I have found that it is most comfortable to have full head and neck support versus the back of the chair ending at shoulder height.
Do You Really Need a Nursery Glider?
Technically, no. But while a nursery glider is not necessarily an essential, we definitely think that a rocker or a glider of some kind is pretty important. Not only is it a place where you can comfort your baby, get them to sleep, feed them, but it’s a place to just enjoy some snuggle time together.
You deserve a place to rest comfortably with your baby–and chances are, you’ll use it long after the baby stage has passed too.
Best Overall Nursery Recliner Glider
Nursery Glider Recliner from Nurture&
This nursery glider recliner has tons of features made just for tired parents: a spacious seat that is both firm yet inviting and a tall back so your head is supported. The headrest even adjusts for optimal comfort. Its power recline is whisper quiet—a must for those chair-to-crib transtions, along with a very gentle glide motion. Non-toxic, spill proof fabric makes The Glider from Nurture& is a prime purchase for families who are looking for a cozy yet chic piece of furniture that is sure to be withstand years of baby, toddler, and big kid snuggles.
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Best Rocker
Lily Glider Chair
Technically called a glider, this chair is a rocker with movement from two beautiful wood arcs. It’s gorgeous and definitely one to consider, especially in the bright pink or deep blue colors. The Lily Glider Chair also comes in a neutral buckwheat and granite if that is more your jam. With a budget-friendly price and comfort features like a foam cushion seat and wingback design, the Lily Glider Chair is a wonderful piece to consider for your nursery that will easily transition to a playroom or living room when nursery days have passed.
Most Comfortable Glider
Dutailier Glider with Ottoman
This glider is a nursery classic for a reason: it's both stylish and incredibly comfortable, with extra padding on the head and back and arm rests that stay put, even as you have to move positions to settle a fussy baby. Plus, it features a padded ottoman as a place to rest your weary feat in the middle of the night. Thanks to sealed ball bearings, you get an ultra-smooth gliding motion and lumbar support avoids compression on your back. The seating area is 19" and the backrest with cushion is 27". You can also be assured of safety with this glider, with non-carcinogenic materials.
Best 3-in-1 Glider
Addison Rocking Recliner
With near countless fabric color and texture options, you cannot get more custom than products from La-Z-Boy. Their structure and stability is unmatched too. You might invest a bit more in the Addison Rocking Recliner, but you’ll get definitely get your money back in longevity. The Addison Rocking Recliner is a nursery glider, rocker, and a recliner for ultimate comfort and features a plush back and rounded armrests. Just be sure not to get too comfortable! The Addison Rocking Recliner also comes with La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty so you can invest without worry.
Most Unique Glider
Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider in Blush Pink Velvet
With a chic, almost vintage-inspired look, this glider will no doubt be a timeless piece of furniture that begins in the nursery and grows with your child. The Madison Swivel glider comes in five different colors and can swivel a full 360 degrees so if you happen to fall asleep with a baby in your arms and forgot your phone on the side table–you're just a swivel away. Plus, it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and tested for low emissions, so it's perfect for parents looking for a higher safety profile in their baby's environment.
Best Glider with Storage
Carter’s by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Glider
With a matching pillow and ottoman, the Adrian Swivel Glider offers a lot of bang for your buck. Best of all, the ottoman doubles as storage, so you can always have a blanket or two close at hand for snuggling with your baby. The Adrian Swivel Glider will swivel a full 360 degrees while gently gliding so you can sway your baby to sleep any which direction. Available in a moisture-wicking charcoal, grey, or beige, this chair is often positively compared to higher priced ones. Plus Buy Buy Baby has a Price Match Promise that guarantees you get the best price.
Most Stain-Resistant
Kai Rocker
I couldn’t help but add a true rocking chair into the mix of glider considerations. A classic rocking chair is truly a stunning design, natural finishes of the arms and the rocking arches that add a clean and modern touch. Despite its homage to classic design, however, this modern-day version thankfully offers comfort in the cushioned seat and back. It’s the perfect merge of an old school wood rocker and a more modern, plush design. Of all the chairs featured here, I think this one would make the most perfect seat for taking baby’s monthly milestone photos. Plus, it's eco-friendly and made from recycled plastic.
Best High-Back Glider
Cali Pillowback Swivel Glider
If you prefer a higher back glider for a place to rest your weary head, the Cali Pillowback Swivel Glider has got your back--quite literally. It features a high plush back for head and lumbar support, along with stain-resistant, water-repellant features. Plus, it's made with 30% recycled materials, so you can feel good in and about your purchase. You'll also be glad to hear that this chair is Greenguard Gold Certified and emissions-tested. We love the fact that it can swivel and rock all to your heart's content.
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