Best Nursery Glider to Rock Baby to Sleep
Last Updated on January 7, 2021
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Middle of the night feeding or crying sessions (mostly baby and sometimes parent) in the nursery are the most trying times for new moms and dads. Your eyes are bloodshot and you’re half asleep doing everything in your power to help your baby sleep.
In the first 6+ months with your baby, you’ll be spending countless hours in the nursery sitting in these glorious gliders. These nights may involve holding them while they cry, reading them a book, singing them a lullaby, or just providing comfort while they fall asleep.
This is when having a glider chair in the nursery to gently and silently soothe your baby is critical. However, these chairs aren’t just for the baby’s benefit.
Gliders are also important to keep you comfortable (and sane) during these often extended periods.
So, which is the best baby glider for the nursery?
Too busy loving your little one? Here’s our top pick.
Our top pick for the best nursery glider is the DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Ottoman.
This is our favorite glider due to its incredibly comfortable padding, smooth rocking motions, good build quality, and included ottoman & lumbar support pillow. This baby glider is great for the nursery to help make those long nights much more comfortable for baby and you.
Best Nursery Gliders
- DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Ottoman (Best Nursery Glider)
- Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider (Best Nursery Glider Recliner)
- Forever Eclectic by Child Craft Cozy Glider and Ottoman Set (Best Budget Nursery Glider)
- Graco Parker Semi-Upholstered Glider and Nursing Ottoman
- Windsor Glider and Ottoman
Top Reasons You Need a Baby Glider for the Nursery
- You’ll be spending way more time in the nursery than you think. Even in the first 6-12 months when the baby is sleeping in your room, a comfy glider in the middle of the night will be your best friend.
- Standing for HOURS holding your crying baby or trying to feed them just won’t work. Your legs will start to get weak, arms will fall asleep, and back will be screaming after 30-60 minutes.
- Stationary chairs or recliners are not as effective as a rocker glider at soothing babies. Some newborns can’t fall asleep without the rocking or swinging motion they got used to while in the womb.
How to Pick the Most Comfortable Baby Gliders
Smooth backward and forward gliding motion. You want a gliding/rocking motion that keeps the baby mostly level rather than dipping forward and backward. This also helps your body relax after a stressful crying session with your baby.
Wide and thick padding on the armrests. This provides a good surface to rest your arm while holding the baby for potentially several hours. Without this support, your arms are likely to fall asleep.
Reclining glider backrest that takes little effort. If you need to forcefully push back or use a lever to recline, chances are good you’ll wake the baby. The glider reclining motion must be smooth and simple to gently move into a more comfortable position.
Matching ottoman to elevate your tired feet. You’ll want to put your feet up after sitting for long periods of time. Some ottomans also rock to provide even more movement.
High backrest or padded headrest. You’ll need a place to rest your head at 2am when you have pain shooting down your neck or back.
Finally, don’t go for the cheapest baby glider out there. You’ll regret not splurging a little on a high-quality glider after spending many hours on an uncomfortable chair. A cheap nursery glider will make you even more grumpy than the thought of being up after midnight.
Nursery Glider Safety Precautions
While it may happen occasionally, it’s recommended to not fall asleep with a baby in your arms due to the risk of baby falling out. As tempting as it is during the early morning hours, do what you can to stay awake. It’s time to put your baby in the bassinet or crib if you’re starting to doze off.
Best Nursery Glider Reviews
1. DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Ottoman (Best Nursery Glider)
Pros
- Smooth and extremely quiet gliding motion
- High backrest to provide the support your head and neck need
- Upholstered polyester fabric is comfortable and easy-to-clean
- Stylish looking glider that will fit the decor of just about any room
- Durably and high-quality material used for chair construction
- Comes with a matching ottoman to kick your feet up and lumbar support pillow
- Greenguard Gold certified which tested the glider for over 10,000 chemicals (many brands don’t have this certification)
Cons
- Backrest does not recline
- Chair may be too high or deep for shorter parents (under 5 foot 4 inches)
- Backrest may be too short if you’re taller (over 5 foot 10 inches)
- Depending on how much you rock the chair, it could make some clunking or squeaking noises
- Ottoman does not rock with the glider chair
2. Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider (Best Nursery Glider Recliner)
Pros
- Quiet electronic/motorized reclining function for maximum comfort
- Smooth reclining and rocking motions
- Best glider for small nurseries with the retractable footrest where ottomans are not ideal
- Chair stays reclined rather than relying on bodyweight to stay back (not common and may be a negative for some)
- Backrest is perfect for people of average height (roughly 5 foot 2 inches to 6 foot 2 inches)
- Stylish glider that can be used outside of the nursery
- Includes a soft lumbar support pillow to save your lower back
- Quick assembly as it comes in two parts (base and top/back)
Cons
- USB charger outlet should have been on the outside of the chair to prevent poking you in the leg
- Reclining doesn’t rely on bodyweight which can help reduce the likelihood of falling asleep
- Heavier to move than non-recliner chairs due to the electric motor
- Considerably higher cost than other nursery gliders
3. Forever Eclectic by Child Craft Cozy Glider and Ottoman Set (Best Budget Nursery Glider)
Pros
- Ottoman glides back and forth with the chair
- Good cost-to-value if you’re sticking to a set baby budget
- Storage pockets on the side for easy access to burp cloths, pacifiers, books, or anything else you may need
- Wider seating area provides plenty of space to get comfy
- Arm covers and the seat can be removed for easier cleaning
Cons
- Backrest may be short for taller parents over 6 foot
- Could use a little more padding in the seating area
- Does not have a locking mechanism to prevent rocking
- Not a recliner glider
4. Graco Parker Semi-Upholstered Glider and Nursing Ottoman
Pros
- Plush microfiber cushions provide a comfortable and soft feel
- Ottoman includes a pull-out footstool which is great for nursing
- Both the glider chair and ottoman have a smooth gliding motion
- Bigger seating area if you’ve got a wider bottom or need extra room for a pillow
- Quick and easy glider assembly
Cons
- Microfiber can be difficult to spot clean for any messes
- Wood framing not as durable as other brands so take care when assembling
- Backrest may be too short to rest your head if you’re taller than 5 foot 6 inches
- Padding is a little light on the seat
5. Windsor Glider and Ottoman
Pros
- Smooth gliding motion using metal bearings
- Thicker fabric used on cushions and armrests
- Side pockets for storing books and other baby essentials
- Removable seat cushion for easier cleaning
- Super quick and easy to assemble the pieces
Cons
- Chair construction not as durable and sturdy as other brands (common issue with lower cost gliders)
- Increased potential for tipping over backward or forward due to smaller base
- May begin to squeak when rocking after using for a period of time
Conclusion
When it comes to the best nursery glider chair, the DaVinci Olive Swivel Glider and Ottoman is our top pick after comparing over 50 highly rated glider chairs.
This chair has an incredibly smooth gliding motion to soothe your baby. For mom and dad, it has a high back to rest your head and matching ottoman to kick your feet up for longer sessions holding or feeding your baby.
If you’re looking for a reclining glider chair for the nursery, then you’ll want to go with the Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner Glider. The electronically operated reclining back and footrest put this chair on another level from any others in the category. This is a quality chair you’ll want to move into your family or entertainment room once your little ones are old enough.
On the other hand, if you want a basic and low-cost glider then you should go with the Forever Eclectic Glider and Ottoman Set. This is the best budget-friendly glider for the nursery that provides essential functionality most parents will need.
The DaVinci Olive Glider and Babyletto Kiwi Electric Glider may cost more than some of the other nursery gliders we reviewed, but you can easily tell the difference in build quality and comfort. These are the best gliders out there to meet your particular needs in the baby nursery.
Let us know how your experience has been with these or other nursery glider chairs.
