Best Nursery Gliders of 2023
Level up from a traditional rocker with these comfortable (and beautiful) gliders.
By Jen LaBracio
If you have to be up all night with a baby, you may as well be comfortable. A nursery glider serves as a cozy, supportive spot to hang with your little one, whether it’s for a 2 am feeding or a pre-bedtime story. Many become a staple in the nursery for years and can even live on in other parts of your house once the baby days have passed you by.
Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Nursery Gliders
- Best with Built-in Charger: babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider with USB Port
- Best for Tall Parents: Carter’s by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Glider with Storage Ottoman
- Best Traditional: Namesake Harbour Electronic Recliner & Swivel Glider
- Best Affordable: Storkcraft Tuscany Glider and Ottoman
- Best Rocker: Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker
- __Best Splurge: __Nurture& The Glider
- Best for Small Spaces: babyletto Toco Swivel Glider and Stationary Ottoman
- Most Customizable: Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Swivel Glider & Ottoman
- Best Sustainable: Delta Children Ella Rocker
- Best Modern: babyletto Madison Swivel Glider
- Best Recliner: Namesake Crewe Recliner and Swivel Glider
- Best for Twins: babyletto Tuba Extra Wide Swivel Glider
- Most Unique: Nursery Works Solstice Swivel Glider
In This Article
Babylist’s Picks for the Best Nursery Gliders
Best Nursery Glider with Phone Charger
If you think you do a lot of late-night scrolling now, just wait… Conveniently located on the inside armrest of this glider, the built-in USB port on this chair lets you rest and recharge—literally. The glider reclines with the touch of a button and the eco-performance fabric is stain-resistant, water-repellent and made from at least 30% recycled yarn. The wingback style fits any nursery aesthetic and the glider’s smooth swivel motion is perfect for soothing a fussy baby.
Just note: The USB port is for charging small devices only, like a phone. Charging a larger device, such as a tablet, can damage the motor and could effect the glider’s charging and reclining capabilities.
Best Nursery Glider for Tall Parents
If you’re a parent who is on the taller side, finding a comfortable glider can sometimes be a challenge. The Adrian from this Carter’s by DaVinci collab checks the tall parent box. It features a high back that’s just right for the more vertical among us. We also love the goes-with-anything style, the smooth glide (it glides forward, backward and swivels), the stain-resistant fabric and the coordinated storage ottoman. You can choose from four neutral shades and the fabric is GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
For two other tall parent favorites, check out the Pottery Barn Kids Modern Wingback Manual & Power Swivel Glider Recliner and the DaVinci Suzy Recliner and Swivel Glider.
Best Traditional Nursery Glider
The tufted back, rolled arms and wingback design of this nursery glider give it a more traditional feel than some of the other chairs on our best-of list, but it’s nowhere near short on modern features. The GREENGUARD Gold Certified fabric is stain-resistant and moisture-repellent, making it a good investment if you need a chair that will go the distance. There’s also an electronic recline and a built-in charging port, plus an effortless glide and a 270-degree swivel. Just keep in mind that like the other phone-friendly chairs on the list, the port is only to be used for small electronic devices.
Best Affordable Nursery Glider
A comfortable design, tons of color options, a coordinating ottoman and a super-affordable price point? Yes, please. Coming in at a price far below many of the other nursery gliders on our list, the Storkcraft easily nabs a spot as the best affordable nursery glider. This popular chair features comfy cushions, padded arms (one with two storage pockets built right in) and an ottoman that glides in tandem with the glider chair. And from dark wood to light and solids, there’s something for every nursery style here.
Best Nursery Rocker Glider
A glider upholstered in vegan leather? Yes, please. This chic rocker will take your nursery style up a notch while also being super functional. The Sleepytime Rocker is hand-upholstered and features ash hardwood legs. The wide seat base allows for plenty of room to comfortably rock, feed and cuddle your little one—and look totally cool while doing it.
Other rockers we love: Storkcraft’s mid-century Northern Lights Nursery Rocker and the simple but stylish Milo Rocking Chair from Second Story Home.
Best Splurge Nursery Glider
This nursery glider from Nurture& is a splurge, but one that’s very much worthwhile since according to the brand’s website you’ll spend over 930 hours in a glider as a new parent. The Glider truly has it all. Created with feedback from real parents, this beautifully designed, premium quality chair has thoughtful features packed throughout like an adjustable head support, power recline, built-in USB port and a smooth glide. It’s made from stain-resistant fabric that’s designed to wick away spills and moisture and has a roomy seat and seat depth for all different types of bodies. You can add an ottoman, too, but it’s sold separately.
If you’re looking for a glider with even more bells and whistles, check out The Glider Plus. It boasts the same features as The Glider, as well as high-quality extras like automated lumbar support and a 200-degree swivel.
Best Nursery Glider for Small Spaces
Lots of parents want the comfort and convenience of a glider but don’t think they have the space. Think again—the Toco boasts one of the smallest footprints of the many nursery glider chairs on the market, but doesn’t sacrifice one bit of comfort. It’s perfect for tight city living or for positioning in a nook of a smaller room that doesn’t have a ton of floor space. The high back and included lumbar pillow and ottoman make for extra support, and the metal base offers a 360-degree swivel for smooth gliding.
Want a similar style and the same compact frame but at a more budget-friendly price? Check out the DaVinci Olive Glider and Ottoman.
Most Customizable Nursery Glider
With over 60 (yup, 60) custom fabrics and colors, your biggest issue with this glider is going to be figuring out which one to choose. The Comfort Swivel from Pottery Barn Kids comes in everything from cozy chenille and vintage velvet to washed linen and performance tweed. Eco-friendly construction includes sustainable hardwood and springs made from 70% recycled steel, and the glider is GREENGUARD Gold Certified to meet strict chemical emissions standards. When the glider is done with nursery duty, simply purchase a new slipcover and use it anywhere else in your home.
Want a similar customization experience but a more modern look? Monte makes a range of modern nursery gliders with LOTS of opportunities to make it your own. The Luca Glider is one of our favorites.
Best Sustainable Nursery Rocker
This mid-century modern-inspired rocker is more than just good looks. It’s upholstered in a performance fabric that’s made with yarn created from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. (The fabric is also water-repellant and stain-resistant.) There’s even a felt strip on the rocker base to protect your floors.
Pro tip: does your glider or rocker not come with an ottoman, or are you looking for something a little fun and different? Lorena Canals makes some of our favorite poufs and floor cushions, many of which can double as an ottoman.
Best Modern Nursery Glider
Babyletto furniture is known for its classic mid-century look, and the Madison Swivel Glider fits right in. The low back and clean, modern lines of this nursery glider make it an ideal choice for any modern nursery. And the chair is made from a water- and stain-resistant microsuede that’s durable and easy to clean, so no need to worry if you have your heart set on one of the lighter-colored fabrics.
Other modern gliders we can’t take our eyes off of: Babyletto’s Nami Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider Recliner (that olive green color gets all the heart eyes) and the refined yet playful Arc Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider from Ubabub.
Best Nursery Glider Recliner
In case smooth gliding isn’t quite comfy enough for you, this nursery glider takes things one step further by adding a recline feature and a pop-up footrest. (Insert contentful sigh here.) The Crewe features water-repellent and stain-resistant eco-performance fabric and a hidden recline mechanism to keep little fingers safe.
Best Nursery Glider for Twins
Expecting multiples? This chair-and-a-half features an extra-wide seat that’s roomy enough for twins (or more!). The chair is constructed and upholstered by hand and the modern fabric comes in a choice of two different colors. The comfy, supportive seat is ideal for nursing or story time and the chair’s stainless steel swivel base has 360-degree motion.
Most Unique Nursery Glider
The Solstice Swivel Glider from Nursery Works looks unique from most other gliders on the market, and that’s exactly what we love about it. The fabric is a rich, textured boucle that’s super soft and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. (Each glider is upholstered by hand.) The wood base adds a stylish design touch and gives the chair a smooth swivel and glide. And the distinctive silhouette is an eye-catching way to add style and character to any nursery space.
How We Chose the Best Nursery Gliders
- We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
- We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many nursery gliders.
- We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
Do I Need a Nursery Glider?
A nursery glider is a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have. But if you have the budget and the space, many parents would consider a glider to be a great investment, especially during those first few years.
A glider chair is a perfect spot to cuddle, soothe and read to your little one. Add an ottoman for extra foot support and it also becomes a comfortable, supportive place to breastfeed or bottle-feed. You could certainly curl up on the couch or on a traditional chair, too, but you’d miss out on the rhythmic motion, which simulates the womb and helps babies settle into sleep, and the back support.
What is the Difference Between a Glider and a Rocking Chair?
The main difference between a glider and a rocking chair is the way they move. A glider moves in a smooth, back-and-forth motion, similar to a swing, while a rocking chair moves in a more traditional rocking motion, with a curved bottom that allows it to rock back and forth. Both types of chairs come in many different styles, including wingback, extra wide, traditional and more.
Another difference is the mechanism of movement. A glider typically has a base that allows it to glide on a track or bearings, while a rocking chair relies on the curved bottom to create the rocking motion. Some rockers have detachable legs that turn the rocker into a stationary chair so you’ll be able to use it after the baby years.
Some parents consider gliders more comfortable and soothing, as they provide a gentle and continuous motion while rocking chairs can be more jarring and have a shorter rocking arc. However, deciding between a nursery glider and a rocker is generally a matter of personal preference. It can also come down to space and what aesthetic you prefer.
What to Look for in a Nursery Glider
Comfort and design are the features that parents tend to think about the most when shopping for a nursery glider, but check this full list of what to consider before you make a purchase.
- Support and comfort. Odds are you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your nursery glider. Look for one that has comfortable cushioning, good lumbar support and an easy, effortless rock or glide. You can also look for nice-to-have features like recline, a built-in charging port or an included ottoman.
- Size. Nursery gliders are on the larger side, but some have much bigger footprints than others. Be sure to measure your nursery space (or wherever you’ll be using your glider) before you buy. Don’t forget to take into account the extra space your glider will need to rock or glide. You’ll also want to consider the glider’s depth, width and back height to see how they measure up to you and your partner’s size. (If you’re tall, for example, you’ll need a glider with a higher back, and if you’re on the shorter side, you may want to make sure the glider you choose isn’t too deep so your feet can still touch the floor.)
- Durable construction. Gliders and rockers can be expensive, so you’ll want one that goes the distance. Ensure that the nursery glider you choose is made of high-quality materials and has a strong frame to withstand regular use and last for years. You also may want to choose a glider that can double as a chair in the long run.
- Easy to clean and maintain. Look for a glider with washable cushions or upholstery that is easy to clean, as spills, spit-up and accidents are inevitable.
Jen LaBracio
Senior Gear Editor
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.