The Best Gliders for Your Nursery, According to a Pediatrician & an Interior Designer

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Picture this: it’s 2:00AM and you’re headed to your baby’s nursery, bleary-eyed, to feed your little one. At least you know that when you get there, the most comfy seat in the house will be waiting for you both. That’s the thinking behind investing in the best glider for your nursery. It’s a decision that can make or break those late nights and every other precious moment you’ll spend nursing, reading and bonding with your babe.

Top Nursery Gliders at a Glance

Best Overall: Abingdon Upholstered Swivel Reclining Glider, $267 (originally $891)
Best Electronic: Delta Children Mercer Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider with USB Port, $500
Best Stain-Resistant: Babyletto Poe Channeled Swivel Glider, $600
Best with Washable Covers: Ever Slipcovered Striped Nursery Glider Chair by Leanne Ford, $1,199
Best with Storage: Carter’s by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Glider with Storage Ottoman, $499
Best with USB Port: Nurture& The Glider Plus, $1,099
Best for Back Support: Crawford Pillowback Chair and a Half Upholstered Swivel Glider, $799
Best for Upholstery Options: Pottery Barn Kids Dream Manual & Power Swivel Glider Recliner, $1,099+
Best for Small Spaces: Delta Children Blair Slim Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair, $290
Best Affordable: Kurhwyss Swivel Glider Chair, $165 (originally $180)
Best Splurge: Dream Deluxe Power Swivel Recliner with Heat and Massage, $1,999+

A glider, for the uninitiated, is a chair that moves back and forth on a fixed track. Gliders may also swivel and rock, and some gliders even recline. They’re the preferred type of nursery seating because of their ability to help soothe babies and keep parents comfortable. “In the first weeks of life, babies are typically feeding eight to 12 times a day, and for 15 to 20 minutes a feed, so it is really useful to have a comfortable place to [nurse],” says board-certified pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman to SheKnows.

What to Look for in a Nursery Glider, According to Experts

First and foremost, look for a glider that will be comfortable for you, notes Dr. Hochman, who hosts the family health podcast Ask Jessica. Luckily, there are plenty of kinds of gliders for various comfort and style preferences, whether that means extra cushioning or a compact footprint.

“Back support is also an important consideration. A supportive back rest with proper lumbar support is helpful, especially during breastfeeding or bottle feeding sessions,” notes Dr. Hochman. “Consider a glider with removable and easy-to-clean fabric, as spills, spit up and messes will happen,” she adds. 

Interior designer and Little Crown Interiors founder Naomi Coe prefers upholstered gliders over wood frame gliders for style, comfort and safety reasons. “Make sure you account for the space that the glider needs to move back and forth. They need to sit away from the wall and have room to swivel or rock,” she says. And if you have the budget, shoot for the stars. “Gliders have come a long way! Many even have power now so they can charge your phone, and some have motorized reclining mechanisms.”

Do You Absolutely Need a Glider for Your Nursery?

“Gliders can be super handy, but they are not a necessity as long as there is some place to sit to rock, feed and soothe the baby,” notes Coe, who just released a book, Your Perfect Nursery, to help parents furnish and decorate their baby’s room. “Ideally, if there is space, it’s great to have a glider in the nursery. That way, the crib is close at hand and you can keep everything contained to the nursery.”

“Babies also enjoy gliders,” Dr. Hochman points out. “They offer a gentle rocking motion to help babies relax and fall back asleep. While not strictly necessary, many parents find gliders to be a valuable investment in creating a nurturing environment for their infant.”

SheKnows senior commerce director, Gina Vaynshteyn, who is currently expected, knew she wanted to invest in a glider for the nursery. “This was a must for me: I need somewhere comfortable to sit while I feed my daughter, and I don’t want that to be the bed, even though we’re going to have a bassinet right next to us in the bedroom. I’m afraid of falling asleep, and that can be a really unsafe situation, so I invested in a glider in her room.” She adds, “I’ve actually been working in that glider every day, and it’s so comfortable! TBD on how it’ll go when Baby arrives, but I love my purchase.”

Too busy to research your nursery glider options? We did the work for you. Here are 11 standouts.

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Experts in This Article

Dr. Jessica Hochman: Board-certified pediatrician
Naomi Coe: Little Crown Interiors founder