Fact-checked by Joyce Slaton, Commerce editor and CPST
Written by
Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt | Apr 12, 2023
BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.
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BabyCenter
- Best nursery glider overall: Carter's by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Gilder with Storage Ottoman
- Best affordable nursery glider: Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
- Best classic nursery glider: Delta Children Middleton Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
- Best rocking chair for petite parents: La-Z-Boy Casey Rocking Recliner
- Best versatile nursery rocker: Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker
- Best 3-in-1 nursery glider: Evolur Raleigh Glider, Recliner and Rocker
- Best nursery glider for babies: Babyletto Kai Rocker
- Best swivel nursery glider: DaVinci Piper Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman
- Best nursery glider with storage: DaVinci Owen Swivel Glider
- Best nursery glider for multiples: Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker Chair
- What to know about rocking chairs and sleep
Simply put, rocking chairs and gliders, rock back and forth, moving in a smooth motion that is soothing for a baby and oftentimes helps to induce sleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, rocking chairs can calm and soothe your baby, “calming motions remind babies of movements they felt in the womb.” Not only are rocking chairs great for babies, but parents also find themselves enjoying the soothing motion of a rocker as well.
What is the difference between a glider and a rocker?
Nursery gliders slide forward and backward on a fixed track. They move without much effort, which is a bonus for exhausted parents. Nursery gliders are a great choice for families with pets, as you’re less likely to catch little paws. Some people, however, prefer the deep up-and-down swing of a rocker to the flat back-and-forth of a glider; try both and you’ll soon see which you like best.
Both rocking chairs and nursery gliders come in many different styles, colors, and price points. And speaking of which, although a nursery chair is an investment, most can be used for many years after the infant stage, transforming from a nursing/feeding spot to a place for bedtime stories and sweet cuddles.
A nursery rocker or glider is also the emotional heart of your nursery, where you spend time bonding, feeding, and snuggling with your baby, oftentimes in the wee hours of the night. It’s lovely to have a cozy place where you rest and tend to your baby, and where both you and your baby can feel comfortable and safe together.
What type of baby rocker or glider should I choose?
Consider the following:
- Size: Take note of the space in which you want to place the chair. If you have a small nursery, you might consider opting for a more narrow and sleek style. If you have a larger room, consider opting for a large, more cushioned chair.
- Looks: Consider your decor style, where you intend to place your chair, and what other spaces in your home might house the rocker in the coming years. Will the chair be in a space that you will be looking at often? Will it be tucked away in a corner where nobody will see it? Is this the main decor piece in your nursery? You can choose a basic model or a high-end rocking chair or glider; there are modern styles and more traditional looks. Find the look that fits your style.
- Movement: What type of movement do you prefer? Do you like a back-and-forth glide or do you prefer an actual rocking movement? Not sure? Go to a store and try a few out.
- Cost: There are options out there to meet every budget. Consider what price is affordable for you and stick to it. This item is an investment; it also makes a great big ticket item on a baby registry that friends and family can go in together to purchase.
- Ease of cleaning: If it’s a pain to clean, consider another option. Babies are cute, but they also have blowouts and spit up all the time. You will want to make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean the chair properly to see if it makes sense for you. A white chair looks great, but is it practical for this season of life?
- Comfort: Your ideal chair has plenty of support for your back and head and allows your feet to comfortably touch the floor. Your body should fit comfortably within the chair, and it should be easy to recline, rock, and adjust.
- Armrests: You will be holding a child or two in this chair; the armrests should be comfy. If you will be using a nursing pillow, try it out in your chair of choice if you can.
- Frame: Check out the sides, back and front for edges and spaces that can pinch little fingers.
- Versatility: Keep this in mind for longevity sake. Sure you will likely use this in the nursery when your baby is an infant, but once you move out of the stage, you might move it into the living room, making it visible to everyone. Pick out a style and fabric that works with the style of your home.
- Locking mechanism: Some chairs have a mechanism you can lock to keep it from gliding or rocking. This can help when you’re standing with a sleeping baby and can keep little fingers and toes from getting accidentally pinched.
- Recline: Finding a chair that can recline can be nice when you feel like taking a snooze. Note that sleeping with your baby in your nursing chair is not safe: the AAP says that the risk of sleep-related infant death could be up to 67 times higher if you sleep with your infant on a couch or soft chair. If you fall asleep with your baby in a rocking chair, move them to a firm, flat, safe sleeping surface as soon as you can.
- Swivel: A chair with a 360-degree swivel allows you to easily change directions and positioning.
- Matching ottoman: In many cases ottomans are sold separately, but are made to match the chair of your choosing. Ottomans are nice to have if you have the space in the nursery because they allow you to put your feet up. Oftentimes, an ottoman will be built to match your glider so that it moves in the same gliding motion as your chair.
How we chose the best nursery gliders and rockers
No matter what chair you pick, chances are it will be around for years to come. It will also be an integral part of your life with your children, so the best glider or rocker is one that works in your space, is comfortable for everyone who uses it, and is nice (or at least not painful) to look at. Ideally the chair should look good with your other nursery furniture too like your crib and changing table.
Though that’s a pretty personal choice, inevitably some chairs are more popular with parents. BabyCenter’s Community has several decades’ worth of posts from real parents, so we performed our preliminary scouting there, searching for chairs with positive recommendations from many different sources over a period of time, particularly over the last few years.
Since we know that parents value different qualities in chairs, we also looked for particular attributes: space-savers, swiveling chairs, chairs with storage, and so on. Once we had a list of likely suspects, we were able to research each to find the chairs that are well-reviewed, fairly priced, comfy, and widely available.
Why trust us?
BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family.
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Best nursery glider overall
Carter's by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Gilder with Storage Ottoman
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| AmazonOpens a new window |
The Adrian glider is sleek and modern-looking, glides forward and back, and swivels 360 degrees so you can feed and snuggle your baby with ease. Parents say it's very comfortable for both shorter and taller moms and dads. The performance linen fabric is pretty and practical (it's water-resistant and stain-repellent.) And the chair and ottoman are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning they've been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and are certified as low-emitting.
Heads up
The ottoman provides storage, but doesn't glide back and forth with the chair.
Parents say
"I got my glider and I love it! Our nursery space is very small, so we needed something that wasn't going to take up a lot of room. The glide is smooth and it seamlessly rotates all the way around. The chair is comfy and super supportive. It's narrow, but once you're in there you don't feel limited."
Specs
- Ottoman and lumbar pillow included
- No assembly required
- Dimensions: 32 x 25 x 37.5 inches
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Colors: Cream, charcoal, gray, khaki, navy
- Maximum weight recommendation: 300 pounds
- Material: Polyester blend (95% polyester, 5% nylon), metal base
Best affordable nursery glider
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| AmazonOpens a new window |
| TargetOpens a new window |
If you're looking for comfort on a budget, the Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman may be your best bet. It has generous seating room and padded arm cushions with storage pockets for your favorite bedtime story or feeding essentials. Both the chair and the ottoman glide back and forth to soothe you and your baby.
Heads up
Some parents say that this glider doesn't hold up well in the long run.
Parents say
"We got the Storkcraft and I love it. It seems no less sturdy than the $400 ones. We didn't want to pay an arm and a leg because we weren't too sure how much use it would really get. But we are happy with it!"
Specs
- Ottoman included
- Some assembly required
- Glider dimensions: 25.75 x 24.75 x 39.5 inches; ottoman dimensions: 19 x 14.5 x 14 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Wood colors: Espresso, black, white, gray, pebble gray
- Cushion colors: Beige, gray, light gray, slate gray swirl, pink, gray chevron, pink swirl, taupe swirl
Best classic nursery glider
Delta Children Middleton Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| WayfairOpens a new window |
If you like traditional furniture with a bit of glam, this glider's wingback style, rounded roll arms, and nail head trim will appeal. Parents say this chair is comfortable, supportive, and easy to clean. It glides back and forth and swivels 360 degrees.
Heads up
Some parents say this glider starts to make a squeaking sound after a few months of use.
Specs
- Ottoman sold separately
- Some assembly required
- 35.3 x 30 x 34.1 inches
- Weight: 85 lbs
- Colors: Blush, charcoal, cream
Best rocking chair for petite parents
La-Z-Boy Casey Rocking Recliner
Photo credit:
La-Z-Boy
Buying options:
| La-Z-BoyOpens a new window |
Rocking chairs are essential when your baby's small, then gather dust until you eventually get rid of it, right? Wrong! Because instead of buying a rocking chair that's only at home in the nursery, you can get a stalwart rocking recliner chair that's soothing for little ones. Then it’s perfect for every member of the family to relax, and even to comfortably nap in the family room. La-Z-Boy recliners are classic for long-lasting comfort, and the Casey is a smaller, sleeker model that fits into most spaces.
Heads up
The chair's fabric parts are not removable or washable— consider paying a bit more for La-Z-Boy's stain-repelling iClean fabric.
Parents say
"I don't think anyone uses their glider after the baby is 6 months or so. Then it's just a useless piece of furniture. Recliner is much more practical in my opinion, and more comfortable for mom during late nights!"
"We have always had the best experience with fluffy La-Z-Boy type rocker recliners. All of the nursery-specific recliners I tried were barely padded and not too comfy. Plus when baby is older you can use the recliner for reading to toddlers, snuggles, etc."
Specs
- Adjust rocking footrest to three positions with side handle
- Choose between a recliner or rocking motion
- 36 x 33 x 40.5 inches
- Double-picked blown fiber fill, foam seat cushions
- Customizable with choice of fabrics and leathers
Best versatile nursery rocker
Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| AmazonOpens a new window |
| TargetOpens a new window |
Parents love the look of this sleek, modern rocker – and say it's plenty comfortable, too. The Sleepytime Rocker can fit well in a modern nursery or in any room in your house, making it a versatile pick that can grow with your child.
Heads up
If you're tall, the back rest may not be high enough to rest your head on comfortably.
Specs
- Lumbar pillow included
- 31 x 35 x 32.5 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Colors/fabrics: Blush velvet, ivory boucle, cream, navy velvet, tan leather, taupe PU leather, gray
- Wood colors: Light, dark, walnut
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Best 3-in-1 nursery glider
Evolur Raleigh Glider, Recliner and Rocker
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| WalmartOpens a new window |
What we love about the Evolur Raleigh glider, recliner and rocker is how multifunctional it is designed to be. Not only can you use it to nurse and rock your baby, but when the time comes it transitions beautifully into a comfortable, relaxing recliner. The ergonomic backrest, multiple reclining positions and side rests and 360 degrees of swivel and rocking motions will provide you comfort for years to come. This chair is covered with an easy-to-clean polyester material and a comfortable and durable foam filling. Our favorite feature is the side pockets, because who doesn’t love pockets?
Heads up
This seat is not wide, which some parents have said makes it harder to hold your baby comfortably.
Parents say
“It’s the Evolur Raleigh Basic Glider, Recliner and Rocker and we can’t wait to have it in our new little ones room!”
“My favorite item on our registry is the Evolur Raleigh Basic Glider, Recliner and Rocker.”
Specs
- No-tool assembly
- Dimensions: 31 x 32 x 39 inches
- 84 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 250 pounds
- Colors: Storm gray, charcoal, fawn, light gray, luxe gray, rustic gray, misty gray,light blue, pink, lilac, shell
- Material: Polyester
Best nursery glider for babies
Babyletto Kai Rocker
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| AmazonOpens a new window |
| TargetOpens a new window |
Made with 30% recycled materials (think: used plastic water bottles), this mid century modern chair is a feel-good choice, with fabric that’s free of chemical flame retardants and other toxins, as well as being water-repellent and stain-resistant. And just look at it! Gorgeous!
Heads up
This chair isn't suitable for small spaces. Without ample room, the legs can be a tripping hazard.
Specs
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 28 x 37 inches
- Weight: 56.8 pounds
- Material: Eco-performance fabric with 30% REPREVE recycled yarn
- Colors: Gray, dijon, natural
Best swivel nursery glider
DaVinci Piper Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| AmazonOpens a new window |
| TargetOpens a new window |
Another glider that can serve your family well beyond those newborn years, the Piper recliner and glider has a cool 360 degree swivel motion as well as the forward and backward gliding that rocks babies to sleep. While the reclining function is thoughtfully hidden, it is still within reach so parents needn’t disrupt their babies to add to their own comfort.
Heads up
A matching gliding ottoman is available, but must be purchased separately.
Parents say
“We have the DaVinci Piper from Amazon and love it!!!!!”
“I have the DaVinci Piper and it’s worked great for the past few years.”
Specs
- Dimensions: 30.5 x 34 x 39.5 inches
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 300 pounds
- Colors: Gray with cream piping, cream, navy, dark gray
- Material: Polyester
Best nursery glider with storage
The Owen glider has a classic style, with button tufting that has a luxury look and provides lush padding. It glides and swivels, making smooth, easy movements, and the bonus ottoman has hidden storage with a removable top: Space to hold your baby gear, then, later, a hiding place for your child’s treasures.
Heads up
Many parents have found that this chair makes noise while rocking.
Parents say
“I did a lot of research and ended up choosing the Davinci Owen Swivel Glider and Ottoman.”
Specs
- Ottoman included
- Dimensions: 34 x 25.5 x 39 inches
- Chair weight: 99 pounds; ottoman weight: 10 pounds
- Material: Upholstered polyester fabric, metal base
- Colors: Gray and cream, dark gray and cream
Best nursery glider for multiples
Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker Chair
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
| WalmartOpens a new window |
Whether you are looking for a larger sized rocker or you are expecting multiples, the Baby Relax Hadley Double rocker chair is for you. Spacious enough to feed multiple babies at once, the Hadley allows you to relax comfortably with its thickly padded seat cushions and back. The solid wood rocking feet and its sturdy construction ensures that your family will enjoy this rocker for years to come.
Heads up
Some parents have reported assembly challenges.
Specs
- Minimal assembly required
- Dimensions: 40.5 x 36.5 x 36.5
- Weight: 70.5 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 225 pounds
- Colors: Taupe, beige
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What to know about rocking chairs and sleep
It is important to note that the AAP warns against sleeping with your baby on chairs. The risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) increases 67 times when falling asleep with a baby on a couch, soft armchair or cushion.
In order to create a safe sleeping environment, it is important to follow the AAP’s guidelines:
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface
- Never sleep with your baby
- Instead of bed-sharing with your baby, room-share instead
- Keep objects, blankets and loose bedding out of the sleeping area
- Regulate your baby’s temperature; don’t let them get overheated
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Our research
[2022] AAP. American Academy of Pediatrics, "A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep."https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx [Accessed September 2022]
[2022] AAP. American Academy of Pediatrics, "How to Calm a Fussy Baby: Tips for Parents & Caregivers."https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Calming-A-Fussy-Baby.aspx [Accessed September 2022]
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Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt
Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt are the authors of the book,You Can Two: The EssentialTwinsPreparation Guideand cofounders of parenting siteTwo Came True.
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