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Crib? Check! Changing table? Check! A zillion teeny tiny hangers to keep the mountain of onesies you’ve amassed in order? Check! But what about a rocking chair or glider?



The rocking chair or glider is a staple of the newborn nursery. And, unlike the other chairs that line your living room, family room, and dining room, these are more than just places to sit. Not only is the glider a comfy place for you to relax, it gives you a way to soothe and calm your baby – minus the need to sway and bounce-walk them around the house constantly.

From full swivel seats to chairs with tech-savvy twists, there are more than a few rockers and gliders to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start or which features you really need, we’ve done the research to help you choose the just-right rocker for your nursery.

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Benefits of rocking and using a chair or glider

Rocking a baby simulates the movement your little one felt in the womb, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The gentle motion of a glider makes it easy to rock your baby to sleep or just help them to relax and de-fuss. With added comfort features, such as cushioned back and ergonomic design, the modern glider makes it possible to rock baby without putting stress on your body.

Along with reducing fussiness and helping baby to sleep, rocking your little one in a glider provides plenty of one-on-one attention and the parent/caregiver bonding time your kiddo needs. Bonding with your baby provides benefits galore. Research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that early bonding had a positive impact on the child’s later social skills.

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Likewise, a study from the University of Cambridge found that bonding in the early years affected the child’s ability to act with kindness and empathy as they aged. While a glider won’t guarantee later prosocial behaviors, the early bonding experiences – such as spending time together rocking in a glider – may make it more likely.

What to look for in a chair or glider for baby’s nursery

Safety:

Safety is crucial when choosing a rocking chair or glider. Look for a chair that is made from quality materials and has a sturdy construction. If the chair feels flimsy or could easily tip, keep searching for a glider made with better construction. A locking mechanism that stops the gliding or rocking motion can make the chair safer for feeding and for getting into/out of the rocker.

Support:

Along with overall safety, the glider should provide a supportive seat for you. Springs under the seat and cushioned backs can alleviate some of the pressure on your body and make rocking your baby easier. A wider seat that doesn’t confine your legs, hips, or arms will make the experience more comfortable.

Additional features:

Other features that may affect your glider choice include USB ports or similar tech add-ons, cupholders, a separate ottoman (included with the purchase), removable/washable fabric covers, and dark or easy-to-clean upholstery.

Here are the best rocking chairs and gliders:

kiwi

Babyletto Kiwi Recliner and Swivel Glider

Best Overall

The Babyletto Kiwi Recliner and Swivel Glider is a power chair that swivels 270 degrees and has a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds. This Greenguard Gold certified glider is made from at least 50 recycled plastic bottles, is water repellent, and is stain resistant.
 

Color
white

Ottoman Included
no

Dimensions
36″D x 29″W x 41″H

Materials
Plastic

Pros

  • Electronic recline feature
  • Built-in USB charger
  • Stain resistant

With features galore, the Babyletto Kiwi Recliner and Swivel Glider is a top choice among parents. This overall winner electronically reclines, swivels 270 degrees, and – possibly the best part – comes completely assembled. This makes the recliner convenient to use and convenient to set up. When it comes to the motion of the chair and the recline itself, parents love just how comfy and easy this chair is, “Both the gliding and reclining function are smooth, effortless, and quiet. The recline is significant – it doesn’t lay totally flat but it reclines enough that it would be easy to sleep in.”

Along with these major convenience features, the Babyletto Kiwi also comes with a built-in USB charger. This means no more having to get up and move baby just to see if your phone is charged.

If eco-friendliness is a priority for you and your family, this recliner is Greenguard Gold certified and has an eco-performance fabric that is made from recycled plastic bottles. But don’t let the good-for-the-environment fabric fool you into thinking it’s hard to care for. This chair is water repellent and stain resistant.

Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman

Best Value

$160 $230 Save $70

The Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman is a two-piece chair set that is made from wood and 100 percent polyester upholstered padded cushions. This rocker has a 250-pound maximum weight limit recommendation.

Color
Gray

Ottoman Included
yes

Dimensions
21.5 x 38.5 x 25.5 inches

Materials
Polyester and hardwood

Pros

  • Two pieces for added comfort
  • Padded armrests have storage pockets
  • Price

The Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman is the perfect pairing for the new parent who is looking for a basic rocker/glider. While this model doesn’t come with fancy techy add-ons or the ability to swivel, it has enough padding and support to keep you comfortable as you rock baby to sleep.

Don’t worry about needing extra storage space near your rocker. This Storkcraft glider has convenient pockets that extend downward from the padded armrests. These make it possible to keep your phone, extra wipes, bibs, a paci, or other baby items in arm’s reach.

And, if you’re wondering how this value-priced rocker compares to the pricier chairs out there, “My husband and I bought this as a more affordable chair for feeding and soothing our baby as the chair I really liked costs $750 (yikes!). I was skeptical because I have a bad back and easily get back pain. This chair, however, is fantastic!”

davinci

DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider

Best Eco-Friendly Chair

The middle-of-the-range priced DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider is Greenguard Gold certified, has a 360-degree swivel, and is made from an FSC certified wood frame.
 

Color
cream

Ottoman Included
no

Dimensions
27″D x 33.5″W x 41.25″H

Materials
Wood, Metal

Pros

  • Greenguard Gold Certified
  • Swivels 360 degrees
  • Price

Parents searching for an eco-option will adore this chair. The DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider has undergone testing for more than 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs, landing it the coveted Greenguard Gold certified status. It is also FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified – meaning that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests. The foam used for the seat is CertiPur-US and not made with CFCs, heavy metals, PBDE, or formaldehyde.

The full swivel base makes this top pick a comfortable and easy to use chair that will give you maximum movement as you rock your baby to bed. Parents praise this feature, noting that it, “Has a good swivel and rock radius in all directions.”

dol

Dolonm Rocking Chair Mid-Century Modern

Best Style

The Dolonm Rocking Chair Mid-Century Modern is a classic rocker with a standout style. The wood frame and foam cushion construction supports weights up to 300 pounds.
 

Color
various

Ottoman Included
no

Dimensions
37″D x 27.1″W x 39.7″H

Materials
Solid +Plywood

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Available in a variety of color options
  • High backrest
Cons

  • Only rocks, doesn?t glide or swivel

With a style that stands out from the pack, the Dolonm Rocking Chair adds a mid-century modern flare to your nursery. Not only is the style a top reason to choose this rocker, you can almost customize the color scheme to match your room’s decor. The rocker is available in more than a dozen hues, making it easy to find one that fits your nursery design plan.

While you won’t get an electronic recline or gliding feature with this wooden-base rocker, you will get plenty of comfort. The high backrest provides the support you need and the overall ergonomic design will help to reduce the risk of added back or neck strain. This top pick also scores high marks with taller parents, “I wasn’t sure what to expect on comfort because I’m a somewhat tall woman (5’8”) but it’s perfectly comfy to me. I can relax in the chair and the back is a great height for me to tilt my head back.”

carters

Carter’s by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Glider with Storage Ottoman

Best Storage

$400 $499 Save $99

The DaVinci Adrian Swivel Glider with Storage Ottoman is Greenguard Gold certified, swivels 360 degrees, and is made from a water repellent/stain resistant fabric. 
 

Color
Various

Ottoman Included
yes

Dimensions
32″D x 25″W x 37.5″H

Materials
Metal and wood

Pros

  • Stain resistant fabric
  • 360-degree swivel
  • Greenguard Gold Certified

The DaVinci Adrian Swivel Glider with Storage Ottoman is a two-piece set that features a Greenguard Gold and FSC certified chair and ottoman. But that’s not all! The chair comes with a lumbar pillow for added support. This makes the DaVinci Adrian a popular pick for parents who are looking for extra back support.

Even though the ottoman may seem like just a place to put your feet, it also hides a secret storage compartment. This makes the combo a true space saver that can also help you to organize your nursery. And, if your baby’s room is on the less spacious side, this chair is a winner, “We have a small nursery and this chair is compact, comfy and looks nice.”

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chita

Chita Power Recliner Swivel Glider

Best Recliner

The Chita Power Recliner Swivel Glider is available in faux leather or fabric options, has a 270-degree swivel feature, and makes it easy to relax with an extended pop up foot rest.
 

Color
Various

Ottoman Included
no

Dimensions
35.8″D x 32.3″W x 39.8″H

Materials
Birch wood and metal

Pros

  • Recline feature
  • Can support up to 350 pounds
  • Built-in USB charger

A 90 to 135-degree recline makes the Chita Power Recliner Swivel Glider a comfortable option for your nursery. The lower lumbar cushion provides extra support where you need it and the extended pop up foot rest adds to the comfort factor, making this recliner a top pick among parents who need to rest and recharge while nursing, feeding, or just soothing baby.

Forget about complex mechanisms or clunky handles that could easily jam or break. This recliner slides back with a touch of a button. And, this isn’t the only tech-forward feature. The chair also comes with a built-in USB port for easy charging. If you have concerns about ease of fit in smaller space or aren’t sure if a recliner has the just-right look for your nursery, take it from this review, “I wanted a powered recliner that was also a glider/rocker, fit well into my small space, and had a contemporary look – this Chita chair is the most comfortable – and best-looking – recliner I’ve ever seen or used!”

deltachildren

Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker

Best Wing Back Chair

$360 $400 Save $40

The Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker is a wing back style chair with plenty of padding. The MDF, microfiber, and wood glider has a 360-degree swivel feature.
Pros: Stylish design
 

Color
Various

Ottoman Included
no

Dimensions
35.75″D x 34.75″W x 39.5″H

Materials
MDF, microfiber, wood, and steel

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • 360-degree swivel
  • Thick padding
Cons

  • Only available in two color options

You’ll get plenty of classic style with the Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker. Even though this glider has the modern convenience of a 360-degree swivel, it has a traditional look that can complement your nursery’s decor. The heavily padded chair is comfortable – but still easy to keep clean. The seat cushion is removable, making it a breeze to spot wash potential stain-makers away.

Not only is it easy to keep this wing back glider clean, parents praise the simple setup, “I put this chair together by myself and was 30 weeks pregnant. The instructions were easy to follow and all pieces went together perfectly.”

Babyletto Toco Upholstered Swivel Glider

Best Compact Glider

$499 $599 Save $100

The Babyletto Toco Upholstered Swivel Glider is a two-piece set that includes a swiveling glider and a stationary ottoman. This combo is Greenguard Gold and FSC certified and has eco-performance fabric.

Color
Various

Ottoman Included
yes

Dimensions
25.5″D x 32.8″W x 39″H

Materials
Wood, plastic, and foam

Pros

  • Ottoman included
  • Eco-friendly
  • 360-degree swivel

Parents who are searching for a full glider/ottoman set have found their match! The Babyletto Toco Upholstered Swivel Glider is a 360-degree swiveling rocker that comes with the added comfort of a sturdy ottoman. This means you can rock baby gently to sleep and then put your feet up for some well-deserved rest. Parents seem to enjoy the gentle motion of this chair, noting, “It swivels and glides, which is great for rocking our little one to sleep.”

The eco-consciously made Toco is both Greenguard Gold and FSC certified. So, if you want an Earth-friendlier glider, this top pick is a choice with all the comfort, convenience, and style you need. The compact design may seem slim – but this swivel glider will fit into most smaller nursery spaces with ease.

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Where should you place the chair or glider in your home?

Convenience is a top priority for new parents. If your glider is too far from your baby’s bassinet or crib, you’ll need to carry your little one from room to room in the middle of the night. This takes time, increases the likelihood that your baby will wake after rocking, and could contribute to a slip and fall hazard.

Even though you may rock your baby to soothe them before bed-time or naps, never allow your little one to sleep in the glider. The AAP recommends that babies should sleep on firm, flat, non inclined surfaces – such as crib mattresses or bassinets that meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards.

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The AAP also notes that infants six months and under should sleep in the same room as their parents. This does not mean infants should bedshare with their other family members. Instead, the infant may sleep in a crib or bassinet that is in their parents’ room. This means you may need to move the glider into your room for at least part of your baby’s first year.

Whether the glider goes into your room or the nursery, make sure that it has plenty of space. Avoid areas near walls or sharp furniture. If the glider reclines, test its reach before permanently placing the chair. It should open and close or swivel freely without touching anything else.

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