The Best Nursery Gliders and Rockers

You might not think you need a glider or rocker in the same way that you need diapers or a car seat, but they are actually an excellent nursery addition.

Picture it – your baby is hungry and fussy, and you’ve been on your feet all day taking care of your parental duties. Doesn’t a luxuriously cushioned place to calm and feed your infant sound like the perfect refuge? The best nursery gliders and rockers provide just that haven.

There are more things to take into consideration as you shop for a glider or rocking chair than you might realize. Comfort is a factor for sure, but there are countless other things to contemplate. Is it easy to clean? Will it recline to your liking during long nights spent next to the crib? Can it charge your phone while you relax (yup, we’re being serious!)?

Let’s go over the different available features, then I’ll give you a rundown of my all-time favorite gliding and rocking furniture.

Nursery glider vs. rocker

The fundamental difference between a glider and a rocker is how they move. A rocking chair is simply a seat affixed to two curved base pieces that serve as legs. It can only move in a backward and forward arc, though it does tend to take up less space. Plus, there are generally no squeaking noises to worry about.

A glider is a moving seat attached to a base. This base piece does not move, but the seat itself can gently glide to and fro, and sometimes even swivel up to 360 degrees. Gliders tend to offer a smoother motion and often include more comfort and convenience features than a rocking chair.

Seat size

You want to make sure that the seat is wide enough to fit not only yourself and your child, but also any necessary breastfeeding equipment (such as a nursing pillow). The perfect chair will also be able to accommodate all your preferred breastfeeding positions.

When scoping out seat sizes, be sure to take the arms into consideration, as these can impede on the available amount of space in a seat. High arms might make it harder to have certain things on your lap or make for poor armrests if you are on the shorter side.

Cushioning

While it’s tempting to look for a cushion you can melt into, remember that you will (alas!) have to get back up at some point. An overly soft seat can make this difficult, especially if trying not to rouse a sleeping infant or are still recovering from childbirth.

Ideally, you want something firm enough to make getting up easy and which provides plenty of ergonomic support for your back. However, you don’t want to feel like you’re sitting on bricks after a few hours of gliding time, so be sure there is enough give to meet your comfort level. Dense foam and spring-supported cushioning can offer you the best of both worlds.

And again, don’t forget to make sure the padding on the arms is also comfy!

Upholstering

We can’t talk about cushions without also talking about upholstery. Or, more specifically, about how easy that cushion material is to clean. Needless to say, anything your baby is around will ultimately be the victim of one mess or another. Choose a fabric that is easy to clean without having to resort to harsher chemical cleaners.

Of course, you’ll also want to be aware of any fabrics that irritate your skin. You don’t want your “perfect” glider to end up making you itch or break out in a rash!

Low back vs. high back

A low-back glider can often blend in with ‘normal’ furniture better than its high-backed counterpart but, let’s face it, once you become a parent, you tend to opt for function over form.

A high-back chair gives you the great option of resting your head. Remember what that feels like? Yeah, pretty nice. As your infant grows into a toddler and wants to lean against your chest while being rocked, you’ll find that a high back enables you to offer lots of cuddles to a bigger child without straining your neck.

Safety features

By design, gliders can create a pinching risk for fingers, toes, paws, and tails. The best way to prevent accidents is by purchasing a model with a locking mechanism. This prevents the chair from being jostled by a child or pet (or you, as you’re cleaning), and reduces the risk of someone getting a painful pinch. Furthermore, locking mechanisms make standing up from a glider much safer, so you’re less likely to fumble your baby or trip while exiting the sanctuary of your comfy seat.

Squeaking

While you’re busy checking out cushions and their ‘cleanability’, squeaking is a consideration that can easily be overlooked. And, trust me, you don’t want to do that! Always check to see if the glider you are interested in has a history of incessant squeaking while it moves. Not only will the noise drive you “round the bend” eventually, but will compromise that peaceful environment your baby requires to nurse or nap.

Pro Tip:

If you do end up with a glider that develops a ‘soundtrack’ to its movement, check to make sure any screws are tightly secured. If the noise persists, break out a silicone-based lubricant spray (e.g. WD-40) and apply it to the area generating the noise.

Ottoman empire

Some glider models come with an ottoman included for resting your feet. While this might seem like over splurging, I can assure you it’s not. Not only will you experience the magical relief of having those tired feet off the ground, but an ottoman can also help improve your circulation and reduce swelling. Returning blood flow to the heart is important following pregnancy, especially if you suffer from any type of diabetes.

The result will be that, ultimately, when you do have to stand up to resume more mobile duties, you’ll feel much more comfortable. In short, an ottoman is definitely a worthwhile addition to your nursery throne.

If you’re feeling unsure about how any of these features will affect your comfort level, don’t be afraid to take a few gliders and rockers for a test drive in a store. For some great examples of how to try before you buy, check out this video.

And the winner is…

The DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman (check price on Amazon) is definitely my number one choice. I loved being able to choose from a wide variety of colors to ensure my nursery had just the ambiance I wanted, while the included ottoman and lumbar support pillow helped my body decompress every time I used it. Trust me, when Mama is relaxed, so is Baby! Nor is there any need to worry about having the proper tools to assemble this glider, as it comes ready to use straight out of the box. I consider it to be the best all-round nursery glider I’ve come across.

Even though a rocker or glider may seem like an indulgence, in my experience, it has proven to be one of the most rewarding investments I’ve ever made. The memories I have through bonding with my baby in our glider are precious! I hope you find your own little piece of nursing heaven on my list of favorite nursery gliders and rockers.