Whether it's keeping yourself comfortable during middle-of-the-night feedings or gently soothing your baby to sleep, a nursery glider is a worthwhile investment. A nursery glider is similar to a rocking chair in that it moves back and forth; however, a glider doesn't tilt back like a rocking chair does. Instead, it sits on a fixed track that gives it the gentle gliding motion for which it's named. Many gliders can swivel, recline, or lock in place, and come with bonus features like a USB port or lumbar pillow.
When picking out your nursery glider, your best bet is to choose one you can comfortably sit in multiple times a day. It should also meet your specific needs, such as reclining to various positions or having a wide enough seat to accommodate twins. You should also consider how well the glider blends in with your home decor and if you'd like it to be sustainably made with non-toxic or recycled materials.
We spoke with two lactation experts about the benefits of owning a nursery glider and what to look for when purchasing one. We then researched the top gliders on the market and identified the features we should consider when choosing one. After narrowing down our list of gliders to test, we sent them to our editors totest at homewith their children, along with detailed instructions. Upon completing our testing, a family physician on ourMedical Review Boardreviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding nursery gliders and how parents can safely use one while holding, feeding, or rocking their baby.
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DaVinci Penny Recliner and Swivel Glider
No assembly required
Water- and stain-resistant fabric made from eco-friendly materials
Reclines with a leg rest
Fits well in small spaces
Shorter people may have trouble reaching the floor
We chose the DaVinci Baby Penny Recliner and Swivel Glider as our top choice because it comes fully assembled, is made from water- and stain-resistant material, and has a clean, modern aesthetic. Our editor reported that she and her husband are very happy to have it and that its sturdy, cushioned frame makes it much easier to feed her baby.
Because this glider reclines and is so comfortable, you may find yourself falling asleep in it (we did!). If that's the case, you'll be pleased to know its fabric has the perfect level of softness but is also quite durable. We were impressed to see that its stain-resistant finish even withstood a smear of ketchup, which came right off with a wet wipe.
我们的投诉这个滑翔机能源部sn’t appear to be designed with shorter people in mind. Our editor, who stands 5 feet 1 inch tall, can’t touch her feet to the floor when she leans against the backrest. This makes it somewhat uncomfortable to rock her baby since she has to sit all the way forward in order to plant her feet on the ground. However, we like that this glider fully reclines and has a comfortable built-in footrest.
At $449, this glider is at the low end of the price range for the products we tested, and yet it’s made with quality, eco-friendly materials. Its fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it has been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has passed strict chemical emission requirements. Moreover, it’s stuffed with CertiPUR-US foam, which contains no toxic flame retardants, heavy metals, phthalates, or formaldehyde.
Price at time of publication: $449
Key Specs:
Dimensions:35.5 x 30 x 38 in |Product Weight:96.8 lbs |Weight Limit:300 lbs |Material:Moisture- and stain-resistant performance fabric |USB Port:No
Most Comfortable
Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Swivel Glider and Ottoman
Plush seat cushion and large armrests
360-degree swivel
Removable, washable slipcover
Made from recycled materials
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Comfort is one of the most important factors when choosing a glider, since you’ll likely spend lots of time in it when your baby is young. We chose the Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Slipcovered Swivel Glider & Ottoman as our most comfortable pick because it has an ultra-plush seat cushion, thick, round armrests, and comes with a matching ottoman (sold separately) to give your feet a rest. Unlike other gliders on our list, this one swivels 360 degrees and is virtually silent when it glides.
While this glider is stylish, it’s one of the most expensive items on our list. However, we appreciate that Pottery Barn made this glider practical for parents by giving it a removable, washable slipcover. We like that it’s available in a range of different fabrics, including chenille and a soft performance velvet, and comes in a variety of colors ranging from oatmeal to blush.
Most importantly, we like that parents can feel safe sitting with their child on this glider since it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It’s also eco-friendly, since it’s made from recycled metal and hardwood certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Price at time of publication: $999-$1,300
Key Specs:
Dimensions:38.5 x 38.5 x 41 in |Product Weight:85 lbs |Weight Limit:300lbs |Material:basketweave slub, velvet, chenille tweed, linen, or brushed crossweave |USB Port:No
Best Budget
Naomi Home Nursery Glider
360-degree swivel and 135-degree recline
Great value at a low price
Tufted design with soft microfiber finish
Weight limit is 250 pounds
Although the Naomi Home Nursery Glider is the least expensive glider on our list, its features offer great value. First, it reclines 135 degrees (and has a built-in footrest), which is the ideal position to alleviate back pain and reset the spine to neutral.Second, it swivels a full 360 degrees, which makes it convenient to grab just about anything within reach while sitting on it.
This glider is covered with a microfiber material that is soft and smooth to the touch. It has a classic tufted design and is available in six different colors.
In addition to the competitive price, we think parents will appreciate that this glider comes with a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty. We also like that it’s easy to assemble and can be put together in about five minutes. However, at 250 pounds, its weight limit is lower than most other gliders on our list, which is an important factor to consider before purchasing.
Price at time of publication: $290
Key Specs:
Dimensions:30 x 29 x 42 in |Product Weight:97 lbs |Weight Limit:250lbs |Material:Microfiber |USB Port:No
Best Neck and Lumbar Support
Nurture& The Glider+
Built-in targeted lumbar support
Firm cushions help with posture
Adjustable headrest helps with neck pain
Large seat with lots of elbow room
Seat may be too firm for some
Some say you can’t put a price on comfort, and this couldn’t be truer for the Glider Plus by Nuture&. While it is the most expensive glider on our list, one of our editors calls it a “game changer” and raves about its power recline, comfortable headrest, and ample elbow room. She also likes the large seat because it has enough room to hold both of her children.
While back pain is common for new moms, The Glider Plus helps prevent it with its targeted lumbar support and firm cushions. Although it feels a bit hard to sit on, we like that the firm support encourages good posture and helps us keep our shoulders back. However, if you’re looking for a glider that makes you feel like you’re sitting on a cloud, this one probably isn’t for you.
Assembling this glider requires two people and takes about 30 minutes. Our editor calls it a sleek, beautiful, and modern piece of furniture that elevates her home decor. We love that its moisture-wicking fabric feels just like velvet and doesn’t cause us to sweat during nursing sessions. It even has a USB port tucked away into the armrest to keep your device charged at all times. However, we wish the armrests were positioned higher since we can’t rest our elbows on them without the extra support of a nursing pillow.
Price at time of publication: $1,399
Key Specs:
Dimensions:38 x 33 x 42.5 in |Product Weight:124 lbs |Weight Limit:250lbs |Material:96% polyester and 4% nylon |USB Port:Yes
Best Rocker
Delta Children Ella Rocker with LiveSmart Evolve Fabric
Made from recycled materials
Removable lumbar cushion
Stain-resistant and water-repellent fabric
Not ideal for resting
If you’re looking for a classic nursery rocker with a sustainable twist, the Delta Children Ella Rocker is for you. You’d never guess that this beautiful chair is made from 30% polyester yarn derived from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, or that its fabric repels water and resists stains. We love that it feels soft and comfortable and its metal and wood base gives it a modern flair.
Assembling this chair can be done by one person, but plan that it will take around 40 minutes to do so. You should also keep in mind that it comes in a large, wide box, so make sure you have enough space to store it before you put it together.
我们的一个编辑s who tested this rocker with her baby deemed it Pinterest-worthy and says it is “perfect” for her posture. She likes that there’s enough room to cross her legs while sitting and feels like she’s being cradled by its large, cushioned seat. It also comes with a lumbar pillow to support your lower back, but we like that it can be removed if needed. However, it’s not likely that you’ll truly rest in this rocker since its armrests are thin and it doesn’t recline or come with an ottoman.
Price at time of publication: $400
Key Specs:
Dimensions:37.75 x 25.75 x 39.5 in |Product Weight:48 lbs |Weight Limit:225lbs |Material:RecycledPolyester |USB Port:No
Best Recliner
Delta Children Emmie Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider
Electronically reclines to any position
Wide seat gives extra room for parent and baby
Stain-resistant and water-repellent fabric
Difficult to assemble
After spending many hours cuddled up in this glider, we can confidently say that sitting in it with your baby is something you will look forward to doing. Its seat cushion and armrests are thickly padded, which explains why our muscles never feel stiff or tight after sitting in it for an extended period of time. We especially love that it’s available in a soft, velvet fabric and that the seat is wide enough to get comfy while cradling your baby in either arm.
This glider earned a spot on our list due to how easily and smoothly it reclines. While most recliners tilt back to one position, this one allows you to recline to any position you find comfortable and does so with the touch of a button (and without a sound). It also has a convenient USB port to charge your device and is upholstered in stain-resistant, water-repellent fabric.
Assembling this glider was more difficult than we expected. While there are only two pieces to put together, we struggled to fully align the backrest with the seat, even after multiple attempts. Once we finally got it right, we were pleased to see it offers great stability. Overall, we think it has great value, especially because the recline setting is customizable to any person who uses it.
Price at time of publication: $600
Key Specs:
Dimensions:35 x 36.75 x 39.25 in |Product Weight:108 lbs |Weight Limit:225lbs |Material:High-performancepolyester |USB Port:Yes
Best Swivel
Babyletto Tuba Swivel Glider
360-degree swivel base
Stain-resistant, water-repellent, and eco-friendly upholstery
Spacious enough for twins
Armrests are a bit low
Takes up a lot of space
We chose the Babyletto Tuba Glider as one of our top picks because it swivels a full 360 degrees and does so extremely easily. This makes it fun to use with children of all ages, whether it's breast or bottle-feeding your baby or reading books to your toddler. We also love that it has an extra-wide seat (26 inches, to be exact), which makes it very comfy and spacious enough for feeding twins. However, we don't feel as supported when using the armrests because they're positioned quite low.
Our editor who tested this glider calls it "well designed" and "beautiful." She loves that its fabric repels water, resists stains, and is incredibly soft. Another great feature is that this glider is built with CertiPUR-US certified foam and FSC-certified wood, which indicates that the wood is harvested to benefit communities, wildlife, and the environment. It's also GREENGUARD Gold Certified and its fabric is made from at least 45 recycled plastic bottles.
Our editor also likes that this glider comes with a lumbar pillow because it supports her back and keeps her posture upright while nursing her baby. However, the glider is quite large and feels like a tight squeeze in her small nursery. Before purchasing this glider, we recommend measuring your room to ensure you have enough space for it. If you do, you'll be pleased to know that it arrives fully assembled.
Price at time of publication: $799
Key Specs:
Dimensions:39.75 x 35 x 38 in |Product Weight:91 lbs |Weight Limit:300lbs |Material:Eco-performance fabric |USB Port:No
Best for Small Nursery
Evolur Raleigh Glider, Recliner, and Rocker
Most lightweight glider on our list
Reclines to multiple positions
Large pockets on either side
360 degree swivel
脚凳很难放下
Just because you have a small nursery doesn’t mean a glider is not an option. The Evolur Raleigh Glider is perfect for small spaces because it’s the lightest glider on our list and is just 31 inches wide, making it one of the more slender options we chose. Despite being on the smaller side, this glider swivels 360 degrees, making it convenient for parents to grab nearby items without getting up.
Aside from being an excellent choice for small spaces, we love that this glider can be customized. First, it’s available in seven colors ranging from light gray to lilac. It also reclines to multiple positions, which allows different family members to recline it to their individual needs. However, the footrest can be difficult to put down, which can be problematic for moms who are newly postpartum and rebuilding their core strength.
Another thing we like about this glider is that it easily fits any decor style. It has a clean, simple design with a high back and wide armrests to support you while feeding and rocking your baby. It’s upholstered in a durable, easy-to-clean polyester fabric and has two large pockets on either side to store burp cloths and other necessities.
Price at time of publication: $350
Key Specs:
Dimensions:31 x 32 x 39 in |Product Weight:77 lbs |Weight Limit:250lbs |Material:Polyester |USB Port:No
Best Modern
DaVinci Piper Upholstered Recliner and Swivel Glider
Stylish yet durable fabric
Reclines to a nearly flat position
Easy to assemble with no tools required
Seat may be too deep for some
If you're looking for a glider that will blend in seamlessly with your modern decor, the DaVinci Piper Recliner and Swivel Glider is the perfect fit. We admire the juxtaposition of its metal base and plush fabric and love that the reclining mechanism is hidden to give it a more stylish look.
In addition to being a contemporary piece of furniture, this glider is also quite comfortable. It reclines to a near-flat position and has an easy-to-open footrest, wide armrests, and a bonus lumbar pillow, all features designed to support parents while they feed and rock their baby. It's upholstered in a heathered polyester fabric that makes it look timeless but is also durable enough for everyday use. However, the seat is quite deep and may prevent some people from touching their feet to the floor.
Another thing we like about this glider is that it's easy to assemble. There's only one step to put it together and no tools are required. We also love that it's eco-friendly. Aside from being GREENGUARD Certified, it's built using CertiPUR-US certified foam and FSC-certified wood.
Price at time of publication: $349
Key Specs:
Dimensions:34 x 30.5 x 39.25 in |Product Weight:97 lbs |Weight Limit:300lbs |Material:Polyester |USB Port:No
How We Rated the Nursery Gliders
4.8 to 5 stars:These are the best nursery gliders we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars:这些托儿所滑翔机excellent-they甲型肝炎e minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars:We think these are great nursery gliders, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars:These nursery gliders are just average.
3.4 and below:We don't recommend nursery gliders with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
How We Tested the Best Nursery Gliders
Our research and testing process began by speaking withLeigh Anne O'Connor, IBCLC, LCCE, who has more than two decades of experience providing support and guidance for parents with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and bottle feeding. We also consulted withBrianna Jonsson, CLEC, who has a wealth of knowledge about the latest breast and bottle-feeding techniques and used the same rocking chair to nurse her four children.
We then researched a variety of nursery gliders varying in size, type of movement, features, and price, and picked our top contenders so that our editors could test them at home with their own children. Over the course of several weeks, our editors used the gliders daily to measure the comfort level, stability, durability, and safety of each product. They also tested each glider's features, such as a lumbar pillow or USB port, and paid attention to how smoothly and silently they moved. Finally, our editors provided detailed feedback on how comfortable and supported they felt while using the glider to rock and feed their babies. Our editors continue to use these gliders and rocking chairs to gain further insights into the durability and quality of these products. Their feedback will help us update this list to make sure we recommend only the best gliders and rocking chairs for your family.
What to Look for in a Nursery Glider
Type of Movement
Gliders are known for their smooth, gentle forward and back motion. However, they may also swivel or recline to help you feel more comfortable while seated. TheNaomi Home Nursery Glideris one such glider that swivels 360 degrees and reclines 135 degrees, the ideal position to alleviate back pain. When a glider reclines, it typically has a built-in footrest that will pop out as the glider lowers.
Safety
When choosing a glider, you’ll want to ensure that it’s safe to use with your child. The first way to do so is to inspect the glider for a locking mechanism, which holds the glider in place so that you can get in and out safely. The next step is to determine the glider’s weight limit. We recommend opting for a glider with a higher weight limit to ensure everyone who needs to use it can do so safely. Lastly, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the types of materials with which the glider was made.
Many home products emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are gasses that contribute to indoor air pollution. For example, think of the scent that you’d associate with new carpet, dry cleaning, paint, and even furniture. Many VOCs, both scented and unscented, can cause health problems—especially for infants and children, which is why we recommend choosing a glider that is sustainably made.
Many of the gliders on our list, such as thePottery Barn Kids Comfort Slipcovered Swivel Glider & Ottoman, are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which indicates that they emit low levels of VOCs and are acceptable to use in environments like schools and hospitals. They must also comply with California Section 01350, which is a list of requirements set by the California Department of Public Health to ensure good indoor air quality to protect human health.
Another certification to consider is CertiPUR-US, which recognizes that the foam used to make a glider padded and comfortable is made without a variety of harmful chemicals, flame retardants, or phthalates, and emits VOCs at a level of less than 0.5 parts per million.Many of the gliders on our list, such as theDaVinci Piper Recliner and Swivel Glider, are made with CertiPUR-US foam.
Comfort
On average, abreast or bottle-feeding sessioncan last anywhere from 10-45 minutes. Depending on how many times you feed your baby, this can add up to many hours spent sitting in your glider. Choosing a comfortable glider is essential, especially if your baby needs to be fed in the middle of the night.
After concluding our testing, we have no doubts that the most comfortable glider is thePottery Barn Kids Comfort Slipcovered Swivel Glider & Ottoman. It has an ultra-plush seat cushion, thick, round armrests, and is paired with a matching ottoman (sold separately) to give your tired feet a rest. We also love theDelta Children Emmie Gliderbecause it has a wide, cozy seat and electronically reclines to any position, making it customizable for any member of the family.
Features
Whether it’s a spot to charge your phone or a bonus lumbar pillow, many gliders have extra features that add a touch of luxury to your gliding experience. For example,The Glider Plus by Nurture&has a built-in USB port, an adjustable headrest, targeted lumbar support, and a large seat with lots of elbow room.
Since messes come with the territory when raising children, we also chose a variety of gliders that are made with stain-resistant, water-repelling upholstery, like theDelta Children Ella Rockeror theBabyletto Tuba Glider. With durable gliders like these, spilled milk, occasional spit-ups, and surprise blowouts are much easier to clean up.
When it comes to upholstery, Brianna Jonsson, CLEC, advises parents to choose a dark color, like navy, to help conceal stains. After eight years of use, Jonsson’s Pottery Barn Kids rocking chair still looks new—even after all the breast milk and food stains from her four kids. Pottery Barn Kids has a great selection of gliders and rocking chairs, but our favorite is thePottery Barn Kids Comfort Slipcovered Swivel Glider & Ottomanbecause it’s the most comfortable glider we tested.
From a design perspective, Jonsson recommends choosing a glider that blends in with the style of your home. “It’s a sentimental piece of furniture,” says Jonsson. “Make sure to think about how it will fit in with your overall home decor, too.”
Size
When you purchase a glider, you’re investing in a piece of furniture, so you’ll want it to be the right size. Always check the glider measurements and ensure that the chair will fit where you envision it. Read the specs to find out how much the chair glides, since a moving chair takes up more space than one that doesn’t. Some gliders even come with an ottoman, so you’ll want to accommodate that extra piece.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Laura Lu, MS, is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She is a mom to two young children and is blessed to have found an opportunity at VeryWell Family in which she can combine her personal and professional experience. Although her one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco wasn’t big enough for a nursery glider, she deeply understands and appreciates the value of a well-constructed chair and encourages all parents to invest in products that will keep them and their children comfortable and safe.