Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker and Storage Ottoman Bundle

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Best Nursery Gliders and Rocking Chairs

Updated: December 17, 2021

What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents; learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

Are you torn about adding a glider or rocking chair to your baby registry? You might be wondering if you need or even have space for one. And let's face it — they can be pricey.

But there's nothing sweeter than feeding and bonding with your baby in the nursery. If you're daydreaming about reading, snuggling and singing to your bundle of joy while rocking the day (and night) away in one of these chairs, read on for everything you need to know about nursery gliders and rocking chairs.

Do I need a glider or rocking chair for my baby's nursery?

Although gliders and rocking chairs certainly aren't must-have items, they can come in handy.

These nursing chairs let you rock back and forth, and this gentle movement can help soothe baby to sleep. They're also gloriously comfortable; a nursing chair is the perfect place to feed baby or simply sit when you're up with your little one during the night.

What is the difference between a glider and a rocking chair?

When you're choosing a dedicated nursing chair for baby's nursery, you're probably deciding between a rocking chair and a glider.

Traditional rocking chairs have two curved bands at the base, while gliders let you move back and forth on a stationary frame base. If you're not sure which style you prefer, it can be helpful to visit a store to test out different models in person.

How to choose a glider or rocking chair for your nursery

Keep the following in mind when shopping for a nursery glider or rocking chair:

Is it easy to clean? Rocking a freshly fed baby can be messy. Choosing a nursery glider or rocking chair with detachable and washable cushions or with stain-repellent fabrics is smart.
Is it comfortable for your neck and back? It's best to test gliders and rocking chairs out first, and price-compare later. Remember, you'll be holding your bundle of joy a lot, and you'll need a supportive option.
Does it have enough padding? You could be gliding or rocking for hours. Make sure there is adequate and comfortable padding for the seat and armrests. You'll appreciate the extra cushion.
Does it squeak? Trust us, that's the last thing you'll want your baby to hear in the middle of the night.
If you're choosing a glider, is it on a 360-degree base? If not, that's okay. It isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. However, it's a nice feature that allows you to spin around to get a quick visual on your other children if you have them.
Does it recline? Rocking baby isn't all singing and reading fairy tales. At some point, you may be pulling an all-nighter in the nursery. A reclining glider lets you catch some shuteye while baby sleeps nearby in the crib.

How we chose the best nursery gliders and rocking chairs

We considered the above recommendations when sorting through picks that members of the What to Expect community and our editors love. We also focused on products that have innovative and safe features to help make bedtime stories, middle-of-the-night feedings and all other kinds of snuggles cozier for parents. Check out our list of the best nursery gliders and rocking chairs below.

Best Nursery Glider Overall

Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner

Best Nursery Glider Chairs - Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner

Pros: Easy to clean, 360-degree swivel

Cons: Some parents say it's difficult to close from the reclined position

Why We Love It

This beautiful nursing chair made it to the top of our wish list. It's nicely upholstered, and by that we mean it can be easily spot-cleaned.

This glider also has a slim, cushioned back with added head and neck support, and it swivels and glides 360 degrees on its base. Our favorite feature is that it reclines for naps between late-night feedings.

Dimensions: 41.75 x 30 x 37 inches

Weight: 89 pounds

Best Nursery Glider With Storage

DaVinci Owen Glider and Storage Ottoman

Best Glider - Davinci Owen Glider Chair

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Pros: Greenguard Gold certified, comes with ottoman

Cons: Not ideal for taller parents

Why We Love It

What this glider takes up in space, it gives back in hidden storage. This gorgeous nursery glider has a convenient side pocket and upholstered ottoman with a removable top that hides a secret storage bin for toys (or extra diapers).

In addition to soft and durable fabric that will last you through the toddler years, it also features 360-degree swivel motion. It's also Greenguard Gold certified, which means it's been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals, so you can feel rest assured that it's safe for your babe.

Dimensions: 39 x 25.5 x 34 inches

Weight: 99 pounds

Best Nursery Glider With Lumbar Support

Storkcraft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman With Lumbar Pillow

Best Nursery Glider Chairs - Storkcraft Tuscany Glider and Ottoman

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Pros: Comes with ottoman, has side pockets for storage

Cons: On the small side

Why We Love It

It feels great to get off your feet and relax in a nursery glider. This stylish nursing chair comes with a lumbar pillow that offers additional support for your lower back.

Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy, and using a lumbar pillow can help improve your posture by keeping your hips, pelvis and shoulders aligned.

Dimensions: 41 x 28 x 19 inches (glider); 14.5 x 20.25 x 16.75 inches (ottoman)

Weight: 45.5 pounds

Best Rocking Chair for Small Spaces

Delta Children Blair Slim Nursery Glider

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Pros: Rocks and glides, easy to clean

Cons: Some parents say it creaks after a while

Why We Love It

This smaller rocking chair is a solid option if your nursery's already full to the brim with the crib, dresser and changing table.

This slim glider has a 360-degree swivel and easy-to-clean fabric. It can rock as well as glide, and since it comes in at just over 2 feet wide, it can fit in nearly any size nursery.The armrests also have thick padding to ensure you stay comfy while rocking your baby to sleep.

Dimensions: 36 x 26.5 x 31.5 inches

Weight: 62 pounds

Best Nursery Glider for Breastfeeding

Graco Parker Semi-Upholstered Glider and Nursing Ottoman

Best Nursery Glider Chairs - Graco Parker Semi Upholstered Glider and Nursing Ottoman

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Pros: Comes with stool that pulls out from ottoman, comfortably padded

Cons: Not as roomy as some other gliders

Why We Love It

When it comes to feeding baby, having a soft, padded place to sit and rest your arms is important. This Graco glider has that covered, and also offers a cleverly designed nursing stool that pulls out from the ottoman.

You can rest your feet to get the angle for feeding baby just right. Once you're done nursing, the stool folds up under the ottoman for easy storage.

Dimensions: 40.75 x 33.1 x 26.75 inches

Weight: 32 pounds

Best Classic Rocking Chair

Coaster Home Furnishings Rocking Chair

Best Rocking Chair - Coaster Home Furnishings Rocking Chair

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Pros: Beautiful design

Cons: Some customers had parts arrive damaged

Why We Love It

If you're a fan of old-fashioned styling and quality, the Coaster Home Furnishings Rocking Chair has a look that has stood the test of time, with sturdy construction, a sleek walnut finish and cool hand-carved details. A wooden chair like this can be easier to clean than the upholstered variety, and easily transitions to the living room once you no longer need it in the nursery. This is a chair for those who like firm support, but if you want a softer seat, you can also always add a tie-on cushion.

Dimensions:44.75 x 26.5 x 35.75 inches

Weight: 48 pounds

Easiest-to-Clean Nursery Glider

Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker Chair

best nursery glider chairs

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Pros: Thickly padded, comes in a variety of neutral colors

Cons: Doesn't recline

Why We Love It

We love this glider because it's beautiful, easy to clean and practical. Plus, the sleek design will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your home furnishings. (There's no rule that says you have to keep your glider in the nursery!)

We also like how quietly this nursing chair glides — and love how long it'll last, thanks to its high-quality upholstered material.

Dimensions: 39.25 x 24.75 x 35.75 inches

Weight: 95 pounds

Best Souped-Up Recliner and Glider

Nurture& The Glider

Pros: Stain-resistant fabric, smooth gliding motion, USB port

Cons: More expensive than other gliders

Why We Love It

This glider is pricier than others, but it comes with all the bells and whistles that will make you never want to get up. It features an electric-powered recliner, adjustable headset and liquid- and stain-resistant fabric.

As an added bonus, it has a USB charging port on the side so you can scroll through social media during those late-night feedings without worrying about your phone losing too much charge. Plus, we love the chair's sleek design that will stay in style long after your baby is out of diapers.

Dimensions: 33.3 x 38.2 x 42.1 inches

Weight: 112.5 pounds

Best Glider for Tall Parents

Pottery Barn Comfort Swivel Glider & Recliner

Pros: Customizable, taller/longer than many other recliners

Cons: Pricier than other gliders

Why We Love It

If you're on the taller side, a chair with a higher back can offer good support — it's nice to have somewhere to rest your head during late-night feedings with your little one. Parents in the What to Expect community who are gifted in the height department recommend Pottery Barn's gliders, including this one, which gives your nursery a refined look but also extends to 66 inches long when fully reclined.

Dimensions: 40 x 38 x 38.5 inches

Weight: 101.5 pounds

Best Rocking Chair for Multiple Kids

Baby Relax Hadley Microfiber Double Rocker

Best Rocking Chair - Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker

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Pros: Smooth rocking motion, ample room

Cons: Not ideal for small nurseries

Why We Love It

Expecting twins? Or does baby have an older sibling who will want to cuddle while you're rocking her? If so, then you may want a rocker big enough for multiple children. The Hadley rocker is one-and-a-half times wider than a standard rocker, giving your child(ren) plenty of room to stretch out. Just make sure you have the space for it — since this rocker is bigger than others, it might not fit well in smaller nurseries.

Dimensions: 36.5 x 40.5 x 36.5 inches

Weight: 70.5 pounds

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