Rocking chairs have been a nursery essential for generations because babies find the back-and-forth motion soothing and sleep-inducing. They’re also a comfortable place to cuddle, feed, and read to a child.Today’s rockers have plenty of padding and often come with an ottoman for resting your feet. Some super-stylish versions look more like a cushy living-room chair.Gliders come in a variety of styles, from traditional to sleek and modern. Instead of rocking, they slide back and forth on a fixed track. The motion requires almost no effort, which is particularly nice when you’re too tired to rock.Rockers and gliders are often pricey, but will be part of your house for many years.fort: Your rocker should offer plenty of back and head support, give you room to change position easily, and be the right size for your body. You'll want your feet to reach the floor at an angle that feels good. Pockets to hold baby gear like burp cloths are in handy, and can hold your phone, TV remote, or magazines down the road.
Wide padded armrests: Your arms will need plenty of support as you hold your child or it will get uncomfortable. If you'll be using a nursing pillow, check that it comfortably fits over or next to the armrests (consider bringing yours to the store for a test-drive).Sturdy frame: Since a glider or rocker is an investment, be sure that the frame is solid. Check for sharp edges, exposed moving parts that could pinch fingers, or gaps in the framework that could trap a child.Easy to clean: Drool, spit-up, and diaper overflow are common in your baby's early months, and kids of all ages can be messy, so a removable, washable seat cover is a plus.Versatility: Consider how you might use your rocker or glider after your child has outgrown it, and choose the fabric and style accordingly. Some rockers can be converted to stationary chairs with the purchase of separate feet. Or, consider a different kind of comfortable chair that’s not explicitly made for nursery furniture.Locking mechanism: Some gliders have built-in locks to keep them from moving back and forth;
this makes it easier to stand up with a baby in your arms. It also avoids hurt fingers and toes once your little one becomes an active, curious toddler.Recline: Some gliders recline for greater comfort, which can come in particularly handy when you’re comforting a sick child.Swivel: Rockers can easily move to face whatever direction you prefer, while gliders are heavier and harder to adjust. If you want a glider but think you'll want to change its positioning, consider a model with a 360-degree swivel.Matching ottoman: It may come with your rocker or glider, or be sold separately. Using an ottoman made just for your glider works well because it moves with the same motion.You'll pay anywhere from $100 to $800 or more for a glider or rocker. Some high-end models cost up to $2,000. Expect to pay more for better types of wood (oak and maple, for instance) and finishes, fancy fabrics, and modern styling. Ottomans sold separately range in price from $50 to $350.Some companies sell the frame for the glider or rocker separately from the chair's cushions, and the ottoman frame separately from its cushion.
Keep that in mind when determining your budget.It’s 2 a.m. and you look through bleary eyes at your wee one wedged against you, on the brink of nodding off. Sleep will come soon, but for now there’s you and your baby, warm and cozy, slowly rocking in the deep quiet of night. For centuries, moms have used a rocking chair to soothe babies to sleep and share special snuggles. These days the traditional rocker has a major competitor: the glider. Instead of rocking in an arc-like of motion, the glider has a fluid back-and-forth slide and requires less effort to keep the momentum going (good for those half-awake nights). Gliders and rocking chairs are niceties, not necessities. A glider in the nursery is the perfect spot to cuddle, feed and read to your little one. 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 being in the womb and helps babies settle into sleep. Which glider is dreamiest depends on your family’s budget, space and decor.
To start, take a look at these options that received the highest ratings from BabyList parents. Reasonably PricedStorkcraft Hoop Glider ProductWHY WE LOVE IT With a classic, rocking chair look, the Storkcraft does one better than old-timey finds. You’ll get plush seat and back cushions, padded arms, and a smooth motion. Don’t expect this chair to last, because while it’s super affordable it’s not the most durable. Tip: Don’t screw it together too tight or it’ll make a creaking noise. WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY “It has side pockets to store a book or tablet. I would stash a water bottle in one side during nursings and a book in the other.” -Adriana “The glider we have is absolutely wonderful. The lumbar pillow is a dream and is very comfortable. It’s very easy to get in and out of the glider with a baby in arms and there are no issues whatsoever. The price is the icing on the cake for this glider because we only spent around $200 at the time on it.” -Elizabeth
Comes With an OttomanDutailer Ultramotion GliderWHY WE LOVE IT In one word: the ottoman. The Ultramotion’s price includes the glider and gliding ottoman (so nothing messes with your sleepy-time rhythm). It’s a godsend for weary moms who just need to put their feet up. Having an ottoman or footstool makes breastfeeding easier too. Plus, this glider has a solid maple frame that should hold up for years. This wooden glider might not be as comfortable to snuggle in when your baby grows bigger (versus an oversized, upholstered glider).So comfortable for those late nights and early mornings when he was an infant.” -Denelle Cushy ArmchairLittle Castle Glider ProductWHY WE LOVE IT Plush upholstery, a bunch of different styles and fabrics to choose from, and a 360-degree swivel, all make this glider a favorite among BabyList parents. It’s five-inch-thick, seat cushion means you can rack up a lot of rocking hours without losing any fluff. Little Castle basic glider models don’t recline or have a footrest, but for $200 more you can get a both in their higher-end versions.
You can also purchase the basic model’s coordinating ottoman. “This is one of the most comfortable chairs I have ever had - great purchase!” -Maureen 360° MovementMadison Swivel GliderWHY WE LOVE IT This chair has built in 360° swivel action, so it’s great when you need to reach for the shelf or plug in your phone or turn to talk to another child. And it is oh-so-comfortable and stylish enough to live in your living room not just the nursery Some parents lament that it does not have enough head support so you may need an extra pillow for long nursing sessions or cuddle fests. “It was affordable and more sophisticated-looking than other options” -Hillary “Very comfortable, small size is great for smaller rooms, and microfiber makes it easy to clean” - Lisa A Relaxing ReclinerBest Chairs Kersey Upholstered Swivel Glider Recliner ProductWHY WE LOVE IT The mack daddy of gliders, this upholstered chair swivels, glides, reclines (hello naptime!), and has a pop-out footrest.
Perfect for nurseries where there’s just not enough space for both a chair and an ottoman. If you are less than 5 foot-6-inches tall, your feet might not touch the ground when sitting in this chair, which would make it impossible for you to glide. “It is more like a sofa chair. Very plush and comfy.” -Paula Timeless StylePottery Barn Kids Merced GliderWHY WE LOVE IT Pottery Barn took the comfy, club chair we’ve been yearning for our whole lives and turned it into a glider. Made from water repellent and fade-resistant fabric, the Merced also swivels. Given the price, we’d love to see this chair recline. But alas, it doesn’t.Can’t count the hours logged in this over three kids and two-and-a-half years. So glad we invested in such a great one.” -Caroline Now that you’ve had a chance to review some of the gliders out there, you probably have in mind what matters most to you when it comes to balancing cost, comfort, quality and style. Obviously, comfort is key when it comes to any nursery chair, but we’d also encourage you to consider how easy the fabric is to clean (yes, there will be spit up and spills).