The 10 Best Nursery Gliders That Are Sure To Create A Cozy Room

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Jessica Booth Contributor Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Aug 31, 2023, 05:10pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Whether you’re feeding your baby or snuggling together for story time or during a middle-of-the-night wake-ups, the best nursery gliders can prove invaluable in soothing babies and toddlers. Personally, I’ve found a glider indispensable to my parenthood journey.

The best nursery gliders are stylish, comfortable, functional—and often safer than the rocking chairs of old—all while offering the perfect spot for you and your baby to relax. The best nursery gliders are more than décor. This comfortable seat is where you’ll likely feed and .

. . [+] soothe your new baby.

Illustration: Forbes Vetted / Photo: Babyletto “Choosing a comfy chair for the nursery can be a big bonus when it comes to your [child’s] bedtime routine,” explains Amber LoRe, pediatric sleep consultant at Huckleberry , a baby sleep service. “Calm feedings in a cozy spot lead to drowsy babies with full tummies. In other words, it’s the perfect mix for a good night’s sleep.

” And a “consistent bedtime routine” often turns into a “valuable tool” for parents as it can help to set the course for healthy sleep habits for the whole family, she adds. As parents ourselves, we’ve rounded up the 10 best nursery gliders to help make feedings and meltdowns a little more manageable. When you’re finished picking out your perfect chair, read about more of our top nursery picks like tested diaper pails , the best baby books and white noise machines ideal for babies and kids.

Best Nursery Glider Overall : Babyletto Kiwi Glider Best Nursery Glider Recliner : Pottery Barn Kids Charleston Glider Best Nursery Glider With A Wide Seat : Nursery Works Sunday Power Recliner And Swivel Glider Best Nursery Glider For Extended Use : Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider Best Nursery Glider For Tall Parents : West Elm Graham Glider Best Nursery Glider For Multiples: Babyletto Tuba Extra Wide Swivel Glider Best Splurge Nursery Glider : Pottery Barn Kids Paxton Power Recliner Most Versatile Nursery Glider: Nurture& The Glider Best Nursery Glider For Small Spaces : Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider Best Affordable Nursery Glider: DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider Best Nursery Glider Overall A Chair That Does It All At A Reasonable Price Target Babyletto Kiwi Glider Recliner Materials: Wood frame, recycled yarn, polyester, foam cushions | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified | Key features : Stain-resistant, USB port, reclines, glides When it came time to select the best nursery glider, there was no competition. Of all the parents I spoke with, a majority named the Babyletto Kiwi Glider as their absolute favorite. It reclines with the touch of a button, glides and swivels effortlessly and includes a charging port to keep your pump and phone fully operational.

It’s also Greenguard Gold certified and uses FSC-certified wood for the frame, as well as eco-performance fabric, so you know it’s sustainably crafted and free of harsh chemicals. What the reviews say : Reviewers love the comfortable seating, high-quality construction and smart features this glider and recliner offers. One mom called it “the perfect pregnancy and nursery chair,” explaining that, “the auto recline makes it easy to stand up and transfer baby to the crib without jolting him awake like with a manual recline.

The USB plugs have also come in handy to charge our baby monitor and phones. ” Pros: Reclines, swivels and glides Charging port Sustainably made Stain and waterproof Cons: Limited colors Some reviewers say it’s too reclined, even when upright Best Nursery Glider And Recliner A Chic Power Recliner That’s Extra Comfortable MOST POPULAR Pottery Barn Kids Pottery Barn Kids Charleston Power Swivel Glider Recliner Buy From Pottery Barn Kids Materials: Plywood and pine frame, polyester wrapped cushions | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications : Greenguard Gold certified | Key features : 3 reclining options, power recline, USB If you’re looking for something elevated and traditional that reclines at the touch of a button and has a built-in footrest, the Charleston is for you. This glider and recliner is specifically designed for use in a nursery, so you can maneuver in it while holding a baby.

For example, the chair locks in place while in recline mode. It’s crafted with longevity in mind to prevent sagging, wood splintering and stains. It also negates the need for an additional ottoman, which allows for more space.

What the parents say : Carlene Forkel, a teacher and mom to a 2-year-old, called this glider “expensive but so chic and worth the splurge. ” She went on to say, “I like that it rocks, swivels and reclines,” and that while it doesn’t get as much use now that her son is a toddler she “will keep it for baby number two” because of the quality. Her one hangup with the chair is “the white has gotten dirty, so I need a good performance fabric cleaner.

” Pros: Three recline levels, swivels and rocks Firm and supportive USB plug Cons: Expensive Best Nursery Glider With A Wide Seat A Luxurious Recliner With A Seat Wide Enough For Siblings 2Modern Furniture & Lighting Nursery Works Sunday Power Recliner and Swivel Glider Materials: Polyester, plywood, rubber wood base | Type of movement: Swivel glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certified wood | Key features : Multiposition power recline, swivels 270 degrees, USB, As someone who writes about baby gear for work, selecting the ideal recliner for my second boy’s nursery was admittedly challenging. Ultimately I went with the recently-released Nursery Works Sunday Power Recliner because the seat is wide enough to accommodate myself and my toddler son while I’m holding the baby. This way, there’s room for everyone as we navigate the shift to family of four.

The chair is also stunning, exceptionally comfortable, reclines seamlessly, uses non-toxic materials and only required two steps to assemble. While it’s costly, I know it will look equally as chic in our living room down the line. What the reviews say : Because this recliner just hit the market, there are not yet any reviews.

I can verify that the chair is so comfortable I’ve set up camp in it in my third trimester and have taken several naps in it. It’s also high quality enough to survive my toddler’s incessant pressing of the recline button. The charger works well and the fabric is easy to clean.

Pros: Beautiful craftsmanship and design An extra wide seat Greenguard Gold certified Reclines and swivels Cons: Expensive Fabric is not performance or stain-resistant Limited colors Best Nursery Glider For Extended Use Incredibly Plush And High-Quality Pottery Barn Kids Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider Buy From Pottery Barn Kids Materials: Kiln dried wood frame, down-blend cushions, polyester, foam | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified | Key features : Down filling, 360-degree glide and swivel, extra comfortable For those looking for a stunning nursery glider that works alone or with a matching ottoman, the Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider might be the answer. Not only is it beautifully designed, but it’s unbelievably comfortable and comes in 38 color and fabric combinations so it suits any style of nursery, or—down the line—living area. It also swivels 360-degrees, glides silently and is made from sustainably sourced materials.

What the parents say : Edward Ahn, dad to a 1-year-old, told me that “the padding is down filled so that it feels like a pillow. ” While it does come with the option to add an ottoman , Ahn’s wife, Annelise Bamberg, points out that it provides enough leg support that you don’t really need one. I first spoke with the Ahn-Bamberg family in regards to their glider when their daughter was 3 months old.

Many months later, Bamberg assures me she “still loves it” and uses it constantly. Pros: Extra plush and comfortable Thoughtfully crafted Plenty of fabric options Cons: Expensive No recline No USB port Best Nursery Glider For Tall Parents A Taller Back To Keep Everyone Comfortable West Elm West Elm Kids Graham Glider Buy From West Elm Materials: Foam, polyester, engineered hardwood frame | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified wood | Key features : Extra tall back support, lumbar cushion included, 360-degree swivel There’s no shortage of comfortable and beautifully made gliders on the market. However, if you’re especially tall, some of them may not be long enough to support your head and neck.

The West Elm Kids Graham Glider has a higher than average 42-inch seat that allows moms and dads to fully sink in even if they’re on the taller side. It’s also handcrafted, comes in 21 fabric and color choices (with performance options available) and has a 360-degree swivel. It’s also helpful to note that it comes with in-room delivery and full assembly, plus it’s far lighter than other options at just 60 pounds.

Although it doesn’t recline, there is a matching ottoman available to put your feet up. What the parents say : As one happy parent told me, the West Elm Kids Graham Glider is optimal for taller parents. “It has a high back so you can actually rest your head while seated.

Way more important than a full recline,” they explained. Pros: Extra tall back Smooth glide and 360-degree rotation Plenty of fabric and color options Cons: Doesn’t recline No USB port Best Nursery Glider For Multiples Extra Room For Extra Comfort 2Modern Furniture & Lighting Babyletto Tuba Extra Wide Swivel Glider Materials: Wood, steel, spring coil and foam cushions, recycled yarn, polyester| Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB Port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, FSC-certified wood, CertiPUR-US-certified | Key features : Extra wide seat, performance fabrics, conscious The Babyletto Tuba Extra Wide Swivel Glider offers an extra wide seat (35 inches) for maximum comfort and space, allowing some movement and plenty of cuddle room, no matter how many little ones you’re trying to corral. It’s 6 inches wider than our top pick for the best glider overall: the Babyletto Kiwi Swivel Glider.

The wide arm rests provide adequate support for dual nursing but are still cushy enough to accommodate you, a toddler and a baby if need be. The textured fabric is stylish and functional. Plus, its eco-conscious credentials are clear: in addition to its various green and forest-friendly certifications, the performance fabric makes use of recycled plastic bottles.

What the reviews say : Reviewers love the extra wide construction of this chair. One called it “comfortable, sturdy, and wide enough for me and my 1 or 2 year old. ” Another mom shared: “We’re having twins, and I’m confident I will be able to rock at the same time comfortably with all the extra space.

” Pros: Extra wide seat Water- and stain-resistant fabric Sustainably sourced Cons: Limited color options Doesn’t recline No power Best Splurge Nursery Glider A Luxe Addition To Any Room Pottery Barn Kids Pottery Barn Kids Paxton Power Swivel Glider Recliner Buy From Pottery Barn Kids Materials: Polyester-wrapped cushions, pine and engineered wood, steel springs | Type of movement: Glider and recliner | Recliner: Yes | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified | Key features : Power recline, 240-degree swivel, 3-recline positions, plenty of fabric choices Nursery gliders are generally expensive, but the Pottery Barn Kids Paxton Swivel Glider Recliner is more of a splurge than others. Parents who’ve made it a part of their household, however, say its well worth it. Not only is it luxurious in appearance and comfort, but it’s available in a manual or power recliner, has 45 color/fabric options and is complete with a 240-degree swivel and 3-recline positions.

It’s also tall enough to accommodate taller parents and has no-sag steel springs in the seat so it’s a forever chair. Parents also love the white glove delivery but note that some of the fabrics have an extremely long lead time. What the parents say : Two moms I chatted with spoke highly of the Paxton glider and said it was worth the cost.

It’s “beyond comfortable. Certainly the best we sat in,” said one. But another, who opted for the manual recline, admitted that it “became a little tough to recline” after several years of use.

Pros: Swivels, glides and reclines Made to last Tons of performance fabric options Cons: Expensive Longer lead time for some fabrics No USB port Most Versatile Nursery Glider A Recliner With Serious Customization Options Nurture& Nurture& The Glider Buy From Nurture& Materials: FSC-certified Birchwood, poplar plywood, polyester, nylon | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: FSC-certified wood | Key features : Reclines almost flat, adjustable headrest, power recline, performance fabric The Glider from Nurture& is meant to do it all. The chair reclines to an almost flat position so that you can lay down if you need to, which will come in handy in the middle of the night. The adjustable footrest and headrest are a rare addition, and yet they feel so necessary to avoid any extra strain.

The fabric is stain-resistant and easy to clean, and you can choose upgrades like a matching pillow and storage ottoman if need be. Further customize your pick by choosing from The Glider (it reclines and glides), The Glider Plus (it reclines, swivels and glides) or the Swivel Glider (it swivels only). What the reviews say : This glider has over 300 reviews and a 5-star rating on Nurture&’s website.

One review reads ‘My back was destroyed by all the funny positions I sat in for the first 6 months of my child’s life, but this chair is SO much better [than the Delta Children rocker] and has amazing lumbar support…I expect to have this chair for life (it’s not just for nursing, it will be a great chair for the living room one day). ” Pros: Reclines Built-in USB port Adjustable headrest Stain-resistant fabric Cons: Limited color options Add-on options increase the price Some light assembly Best Nursery Glider For Small Spaces Easily Fits Into Most Spots Wayfair Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider Materials: Wood frame, recycled polyester yarn | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certified wood | Key features : Rocks and glides, 360-degree swivel, stain-resistant fabrics available It’s not often that you can find a glider for the nursery under $500, let alone an attractive one. That’s exactly why mom and fashion entrepreneur Elianna Peak was drawn to this Babyletto swivel glider in the first place.

Peak says she likes that “it rocks, glides and rotates and is aesthetically pleasing. ” Plus, the rounded back and wide seat allows for plenty of room for a parent and baby or toddler. It’s also compact (29 inches wide) without compromising craftsmanship.

What the reviews say : With over 2,000 reviews on Wayfair and an overall 4. 7 rating, it’s safe to say this Babyletto swivel glider is a favorite of parents. One wrote, “Love this armchair! It’s just great for my 5’3 height—not too tall and not too deep.

It swivels and glides beautifully. ” Pros: Affordable Compact and cute Variety of colors/fabrics available Cons: No recline No footrest or headrest Best Value Nursery Glider A Sturdy, Comfortable Chair For Just $299 Amazon DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider Materials: Polyester, polyurethane foam, metal base | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certified | Key features : Headrest, optional ottoman available The DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider looks a lot like some of its higher-end competition but without the price tag. Of course, it doesn’t recline or include the favored USB port, but reviewers say that it’s durable (holding up sans stains through multiple children) and comfortable.

I like that there’s an optional ottoman to add to it (a footrest is truly a must when feeding or hanging out with little ones in the chair), and the Greenguard Gold certification is an unexpected perk in a more affordable nursery chair. What the reviews say: With over 1,100 reviews on Amazon and a 4. 5 average rating, this affordable DaVinci glider is quite popular.

It has a 4. 7 rating on Wayfair with about another 500 reviews. “.

. . Super comfortable for my husband and I who are 5’9 and 5’10,” wrote one happy buyer.

“Rocking is quiet, no squeaking and I really like that you can swivel 360 making it easily accessible to your surroundings. The size of the chair works perfect for smaller rooms but does not comprise how comfortable it is. ” Pros: Affordable Comfortable Nice looking Cons: No power options No recline Limited colors/fabrics MORE FROM FORBES VETTED The Best Label Makers To Keep Your Home Organized And Efficient By Camryn Rabideau Contributor Save Up To 50% On Gear During REI’s Labor Day Sale By Jordan Thomas Forbes Staff Why Trust Forbes Vetted? When it comes to choosing the best items on the market as far as baby and nursery gear is concerned, Forbes Vetted writers complete a great deal of research.

I not only spoke to pediatricians and pediatric sleep experts for this piece, but also a great number of parents to help determine which gliders are really the best. I also tested gliders in friends’ homes as well as my own and checked in with parents as their children got older to see if they still loved their gliders as much as they did when their babies were younger. In addition to first person accounts, I pored through online reviews of gliders and polled parents in my network to ensure the chairs that were chosen for each designation were worth it.

We regularly update this article to maintain accuracy. It was most recently updated in August 2023. The editors at Forbes also have deep roots in the baby and home spaces, including reviewing and testing baby and kids’ furniture.

We care deeply about choosing safe, quality items for families. How We Chose The Best Nursery Gliders As a mother, I have tried many gliders over the years, but I also relied upon experts, health professionals and real parents to help flesh out this list. After compiling a list of the most popular and well reviewed options, I carefully analyzed the features of each glider and pored over customer to ensure this list has a chair to fit every type of family.

Ultimately, those who came most recommended, had the highest value, best reviews and fit unique family use cases were chosen. I considered whether the chair had a recline or just gliding; if performance fabrics were available; and what other extra features made it worth of inclusion like a higher back or wider seat. I looked for power reclines and USB ports where available, and then I balanced all of this against the chair’s price.

How Do I Choose A Nursery Glider? As any seasoned parent will tell you, you’ll spend more time than you think in the nursery glider during the first few years of your child’s life. For that reason, you’ll want a comfortable glider above all else. Look for gliders that offer plenty of back support and are made of an easy-to-clean material.

The footrest of a nursery glider recliner can help you relax more, especially during nursing. Swivel chairs are convenient and USB ports will also come in handy. Julieta Hernandez, a NICU nurse at Northwell Health’s Cohen’s Children Medical Center notes the benefits of creating a serene environment and how a comfy chair can help with that, even promoting that all important skin-to-skin contact.

“Babies experience stress just like adults do and rely on their caretakers to regulate their environment,” she explains. In order to cultivate a serene environment for your child, Hernandez says it’s imperative that the caretaker feels comfortable and calm. She notes that getting skin-to-skin time in, especially in the beginning, is a good practice “to help families bond, thermoregulate babies and stabilize their heart and respiratory rates.

” Hernandez adds, “When doing this at home, it’s important to have a good nursery chair that you and baby are comfortable in. ” Hernandez most values, “a chair that reclines with good leg support can aid in comfortable positioning for maximum cuddles. ” In addition to leg and back support, she also maintains that it’s important the parent is comfortable so that the baby can remain calm.

A proper nursery chair should allow “either parent to sit back, relax and place baby skin-to-skin on your chest” so that the whole family can truly enjoy the experience. Comfort And Support Comfort is key when it comes to choosing a glider or chair. You’ll spend a lot of time in that chair, especially in the early months, while breastfeeding and during sleep regressions or cluster feeding.

Separate of that, a great chair will offer comfort even as your child becomes older and story time becomes an even more important aspect of the bedtime routine. A footrest can really bump up your comfort level, so if a recliner isn’t built into it, you may want to seek out an ottoman. Versatility While it depends on your space and your family’s needs, it’s optimal if a nursery glider is versatile in its movement options (who knows which sensation your baby will best respond to).

If it reclines, glides or rocks and swivels, then you’ve checked all the boxes. Functionality Similar to things to keep in mind in terms of versatility, you should note the functions your family requires. Do you need a charging port? Do you need performance fabric or a slipcover to make cleanup easier? (That’s a trick question; every parent needs it.

Consider darker fabrics, too. You’ll thank me later. ) Be sure to ask yourself these important questions before investing in a glider just because it suits your nursery’s style.

If you’re breastfeeding, a footrest and padded armrests become important as well, helping you get into the right position over and over again. Are Gliders Necessary? Of the 18 parents that I spoke with when researching for this story, only one said she didn’t think a glider or nursery chair was worth the investment. Most parents, however, maintain that it’s an integral part of a fully-functional nursery.

The right chair provides a comfortable and safe place to feed an infant, lull a child to sleep or read a story. “Gliding, rocking and swaying all provide a similar sensation to what babies experienced in the womb, which is why these motions are used universally by people to soothe and settle babies,” Shapiro says. They can also be used beyond infancy, making them a lasting addition to a child’s room for storytimes, for example.

Of course, “necessary” is a strong word. Can you get by without one? Sure. But, “Gliders make it easier for parents and caregivers to rock their baby in a comfortable, relaxed way,” says Shapiro.

Having made the mistake of purchasing a traditional rocking chair without padding or a footrest myself, I can attest that the most comfortable nursery gliders take stress off your legs and back, making soothing your child far easier. Are Baby Gliders Safe? Baby gliders are like a modern version of a rocking chair and they glide more smoothly and seamlessly than rockers. Thanks to their stable base, as opposed to the curved legs of a rocking chair, they are generally considered safe.

“If used properly, gliders are considered safe,” says Jada Shapiro, founder of Boober , childbirth educator and lactation counselor. “As babies begin to crawl, be mindful of any moving parts in the base which could pinch fingers. ” Like any other piece of furniture, baby gliders have the potential to be unsafe if babies are left with them unattended.

Some gliders have a locking feature to prevent such accidents. How Do You Breastfeed In A Glider? Gliders are an excellent spot for breastfeeding. They offer enough room for a parent and baby, and the arms and high backs give great support.

You can breastfeed in a glider just like you would on a bed or a couch. Some gliders recline to make you feel more comfortable, while others offer footrests or come with ottomans that can elevate your feet, easing the pressure on your back while holding baby for breastfeeding. Consider adding a nursing pillow to improve the experience even more.

If you’re using a breast pump , some gliders offer USB and charging ports to keep items fully charged. More Baby Nursery Stories To Shop Best Bassinets Best Humidifiers For Baby Best Toddler Beds Best Changing Tables Best Bunk Beds Best Twin Mattresses For Kids Coupons Southwest Link to Coupon Lex Goodman Jessica Booth Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.