Is a glider or rocker better for a nursery?

Both gliders and rockers perform the same back-and-forth movement, but gliders often operate more smoothly and have additional features. Many gliders can lock in place for extra security, swivel, and recline. While the range of motion on a glider is typically smaller, they also have a smaller footprint than your average rocker unless you opt for a double glider, like the Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker .

Are nursery gliders worth it?

Nursery gliders are not a requirement, but to say they're helpful would be an understatement. The swivel, glide, and recline capabilities are handy when soothing a crying baby or needing a place to relax comfortably for feedings.

How much should you spend on a nursery glider?

How much you'd like to invest in a nursery glider is ultimately up to you and your family's budget. Brand and style factor into price, as you may spend more on a swivel or reclining glider for those extra operations. Overall, however, nursery gliders typically range from $150 to $800.

The 9 Best Nursery Gliders of 2023

A nursery glider is a helpful addition to a baby’s nursery worthy to be on your baby registry, thanks to its smooth back-and-forth movement. While both rockers and gliders provide comfortable places to feed, soothe, snuggle, or read to your baby, gliders have a few handy features, like swiveling, reclining, or locking in place. After your little one grows out of the nursing and rocking stage, a glider can still be a cozy spot to cuddle together and read for years to come.

When buying a nursery glider, you're essentially investing in a new piece of furniture, so read the specs to ensure that it fits where you envision it. Check out the weight limit to ensure that everyone in the family can safely use it. We carefully considered design, product weight, material, ease of cleaning, weight limit, and value when reviewing products.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Swivel Glider and Ottoman at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best Budget:

Ikea Poang Chair Armchair at Amazon

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Best Classic:

Viv + Rae Griffin Glider and Ottoman at Wayfair

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Best Swivel:

Delta Children Harper Glider Swivel Rocker Chair at Amazon

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Best Upholstered:

Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider at Thetot.com

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Best Rocker:

Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker at Amazon

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Best Reclining:

DaVinci Piper Recliner and Swivel Glider at Amazon

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Best Oversized:

Babyletto Tuba Swivel Glider at Modernnursery.com

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Best for Twins:

Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Nursery Gliders
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

View On Potterybarnkids.com

Pros

Comfortably swivels and glides
Eco-friendly construction
GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Cons

Glider and ottoman are purchased separately

The Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Swivel Glider and Ottoman rank first on our list, because they can be used for a long time, thanks to their durable construction. Made from eco-friendly construction, the fabric is available in over 40 styles, so you can pick one that matches your nursery and the rest of your home.

Choose just the chair or the chair, plus a matching ottoman, for total comfort. The splurge-worthy chair silently swivels 360 degrees and glides back and forth, but note that there is no lock function, in case that’s important to you.

Price at time of publication: $449

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 85 pounds | Product Dimensions: 36 x 37.5 x 41.5 inches | Weight Limit: Not listed | Material: Choices include twill, canvas, linen, and chenille}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Padded headrest
Fits in smaller spaces
Removeable machine washable cover

Cons

Requires assembly

If you’re decorating on a budget or unsure whether a nursery glider is right for your room, this IKEA classic is an affordable option. Made with a birch wood frame, the arms and high back support your arms, neck, and back.

Sleek and comfortable, these chairs rock with the weight of your body, providing a subtle but easily achievable movement. The variety of fabric options gives you plenty of options for styling this seat.

Price at time of publication: $179

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 21.4 pounds | Product Dimensions: ‎32.25 x 26.75 x 39.38 inches | Weight Limit: 375 pounds | Material: Wood and polypropylene}

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

This glider and ottoman set is a perfect all-in-one buy. The classic style glider is inviting and comfortable. The solid fabric upholstery covers the seats, arms, and back, and the button-tufted details add texture. Full assembly is required, but reviewers note that it’s pretty easy to put together.

This chair doesn't include a locking mechanism, so keep that in mind if that is a necessary feature for you. This chair is available in 15 colors and patterns to blend perfectly with your nursery decor.

Price at time of publication: $170

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 48 pounds | Product Dimensions: 24.75 x 25.75 x 39.5 inches | Weight Limit: 250 pounds | Material: Rattan and wicker}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair

Pros

Has locking mechanism
Seat cushion has pocketed coil support
Durable and easy to clean

Cons

Low back offering no head support

A well-made, well-priced, and attractive chair, this upholstered glider swivels 360 degrees and glides back and forth, making it the perfect place to soothe your baby. Three color options, a modern design, and tufted buttons will look just as good in a nursery or living room. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the locking mechanism to prevent movement, which can be helpful if young toddlers are near the chair.

Price at time of publication: $364

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 24.2 pounds | Product Dimensions: 33.5 x 32 x 35.5 inches | Weight Limit: Not Listed | Material: Alloy Steel}

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Thetot.com

Pros

No assembly required
Stain-resistant and water-repellent
Made from recycled materials

Cons

Not returnable

Relax and lull your baby in this stylish seat upholstered by hand in an ultra-soft fabric that’ll be the perfect companion to your nursery. This chair is compact and a great space saver without sacrificing style or comfort.

Parents appreciate that it comes fully assembled and ready to go straight out of the box. Rest easy with a 360-degree swivel and a gentle back-and-forth glide. Choose from five color fabrics, with options in velvet and microsuede.

Price at time of publication: $500

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 62 pounds | Product Dimensions: 29 x 31 x 31.5 inches | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Material: Wood and polyester}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On 2modern.com

Pros

Constructed of sustainable FSC Certified Wood
CertiPUR-US Certified
Removable lumbar support pillow

Cons

Pricey

For a more modern style, this leather rocker is a timeless piece that will look good anywhere in the house. Constructed and upholstered by hand, the seat rests upon ash hardwood rocking legs, so it’s more of a classic rocking chair than a glider.

Available in taupe or tan leather tones, the seat has a removable lumbar pillow to support (if needed).

Price at time of publication: $500

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 48.4 pounds | Product Dimensions: 34 x 30.5 x 34.75 inches | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Material: Wood and leather}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair

Pros

High-back head rest
Roomy seat
Easy to assemble

Cons

Material attracts dust, lint, and hair

Designed for ultimate comfort, this seat does it all. The upholstered seat can swivel 360 degrees, smoothly glide back and forth, and fully recline. In reclining mode, parents can lean back to rest while the plush leg rest pops up.

Although the reclining mechanism is hidden, it is thoughtfully within reach for grown-ups, so it won’t be tempting for toddlers to play with this chair. A bonus lumbar pillow provides extra support if desired but is also easily removed. The polyester fabric comes in four color choices to match your nursery.

Price at time of publication: $399

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 110 pounds | Product Dimensions: ‎31 x 36 x 40 inches | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Material: Metal and polyester}

Courtesy of Modern Nursery

View On Modernnursery.com

Pros

360-degree swivel
Durable, eco-performance fabric
Stylish look

Cons

Not for smaller spaces

This uniquely styled, oversized seat is perfect for larger parents, big families, or those who want a larger seat. Resting upon a brushed stainless steel base, this seat swivels 360 degrees and glides back and forth.

Available in just one color, the seat has a removable lumbar support pillow. Use the pillow under the arm for feeding time, as a headrest, or for extra lumbar support. A matching ottoman (sold separately) goes with the chair for even more support.

Price at time of publication: $799

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 91 pounds | Product Dimensions: 39.8 x 35 x 38 inches | Weight Limit: Not Listed | Material: Polyester-polyfiber weave and stainless steel}

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Homesquare.com

Pros

Great to curl up in
Works well with any decor
Solid wood rocker feet

Cons

Doesn't glide

Parents of twins will appreciate this “chair and a half” seat that’ll give you and your bundles of joy plenty of room for feeding, snuggling, or reading. Available in two color options, this seat has two-toned welting, so the upscale style will complement any nursery. This seat rests on solid wood rockers that’ll provide a smooth rocking motion.

Price at time of publication: $350

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 83 pounds | Product Dimensions: 40.5 x 36.5 x 36.5 inches | Weight Limit: 225 pounds | Material: Wood}

How We Selected the Best Nursery Gliders

We chose the best nursery gliders by studying the design and features of dozens of nursery gliders on the market and researching reviews from customers and competitors. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on nursery gliders. We considered dimensions, product weight, ease of cleaning, weight limit, material, and value when reviewing products. We chose nursery gliders that are stylish with handy features for any parent and caregiver.

What to Look for in a Nursery Glider

Size

When you purchase a glider, you’re investing in a piece of furniture, so you’ll want it to be the right size. Always check the glider measurements and ensure that the chair will fit where you envision it. Read the specs to find out how much the chair glides, since a moving chair takes up more space than one that doesn’t. Some gliders come with an ottoman (a place to prop your feet up), and you’ll want to accommodate that extra piece.

Weight Limit

Whether it’s just you or everyone in the family who plans on using the rocker, checking the weight limit is vital. The weight capacity lets you know how much weight the glider can hold safely. Most nursery gliders have a weight limit between 200 and 375 pounds. Opt for a piece with a higher weight limit to ensure that each family member can use the glider safely.

Features

Gliders don’t just move back and forth smoothly—they sometimes swivel, recline, and lock in place. A swivel nursery glider turns 360 degrees, while a reclining glider features a piece that pops out to prop your feet up (like a standard recliner chair). Some gliders have a locking mechanism that keeps the chair in place if you don’t want to glide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a glider or rocker better for a nursery?

Both gliders and rockers perform the same back-and-forth movement, but gliders often operate more smoothly and have additional features. Many gliders can lock in place for extra security, swivel, and recline. While the range of motion on a glider is typically smaller, they also have a smaller footprint than your average rocker unless you opt for a double glider, like the Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker.
Are nursery gliders worth it?

Nursery gliders are not a requirement, but to say they're helpful would be an understatement. The swivel, glide, and recline capabilities are handy when soothing a crying baby or needing a place to relax comfortably for feedings.
How much should you spend on a nursery glider?

How much you'd like to invest in a nursery glider is ultimately up to you and your family's budget. Brand and style factor into price, as you may spend more on a swivel or reclining glider for those extra operations. Overall, however, nursery gliders typically range from $150 to $800.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a ten-year-old son, a seven-year-old son, and a three-year-old daughter. Maya had a traditional glider for her two older kids and then got a comfy hand-me-down chair reupholstered for her daughter’s room. It’s one of her favorite spots in the house. While her days of nursing a baby are gone, the cozy chair is still her nightly reading spot.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages.