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If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best nursery glider is, I’d recommend the DaVinci Owen Upholstered Swivel Glider With Side Pocket And Storage Ottoman.
At the end of the day, there is nothing more satisfying than relaxing in your favorite glider with your new baby dressed in their adorable footed pajamas and their bottle warmed and ready to use. This time is sacred and sweet, and even though your little one won’t remember the many hours you rocked with them in your arms, you certainly will.
Finding the best nursery glider may seem like a monumental task, but we have done the work for you! Having a comfortable glider is essential, and I’m so grateful to help you along on this journey.
Here are the nursery gliders I will be reviewing:
- DaVinci Owen Upholstered Swivel Glider With Side Pocket And Storage Ottoman
- Windsor Glider And Ottoman
- Storkcraft Davenport Upholstered Swivel Glider
- Naomi Home Odelia Swivel Glider Rocker Recliner Microfiber
- Foundations Lullaby Rocking Glider Chair
- Delta Children Middleton Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
- Storkcraft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman with Lumbar Pillow
- DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman
- Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
- Delta Children Blair Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
Not every baby product is necessary. But as a three-time mom, I can’t tell you how many thousands of hours I have spent rocking my little ones through their baby and toddler years. And I am certain that the rocking will continue for years to come!
Why Do I Need A Glider?
Your glider will be one of your most needed support systems during newborn life.
A glider is where most of your newborn bonding will occur. It will provide you with a soft and safe place as you begin to familiarize yourself with those sweet hands and tender cheeks.
It will support your arms as you work to nourish your baby and will offer your body comfortable rest when you simply can’t find the energy to go back to bed once the baby is settled into their crib.
Your glider will have the privilege of being the backdrop to many tender moments such as reading your baby their first book or rocking them to sleep the night before their first birthday.
Advantage Of Owning A Glider Versus A Traditional Rocking Chair?
Stability and security are the words that come to mind when I think of sitting back into a glider.
Rocking chairs are known for their vintage look, wooden frames, and their ability to send your heart into a panic when they begin to tip back farther than intended.
With a glider, your body will never be tipped backward or forward even though the motion suggests such. There is no fear of falling and certainly little chance your wee one will knock it over when they begin to climb.
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Glider
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a glider, and below are some of the most important items to keep in mind.
Ease of Cleaning
Will your mind be at ease with a glider that has removable fabric, allowing you to thoroughly wash it when necessary? If this is a major factor in your buying decision, there are also options for durable upholstered gliders that are easy to wipe clean.
Comfort/Support
Sitting back into a glider that feels like you are enveloped in a cloud is a wonderful feeling! Many gliders offer cushions that allow you to settle into their softness.
On the other hand, if your body prefers a more supportive seat and backrest, you may want to purchase an upholstered glider as those tend to be more supportive.
Storage
If you’re not planning to have an end table near your glider, you will want to purchase a glider with pockets. There will be moments when you need an extra set of hands, and having a place to set the baby’s bottle or your phone, will come in very handy.
Also consider if you would like an ottoman that opens up to double as storage for blankets or baby toys.
Style
How does your nursery look? If you are going for a sleek and modern design, then purchase a glider that has clean lines and will complement your style.
If your nursery is a picturesque flashback to vintage lace and blush-colored pink, consider a glider with exposed wood or one that shows off curves in the structure and upholstery.
Price: How much is too much?
When considering which glider to purchase, keep in mind that you will likely be sitting there for a large majority of your baby’s childhood. I am so grateful that there are many affordable options, but if I could go back five years, I would have purchased a glider built to stay comfortable for hours on end as my babies were never huge fans of sleep.
How To Handle The Inevitable “Squeaking”
Almost all gliders will, at some point in their long lives, begin to creak and squeak. It may be a faint click or it may be an obnoxious squawk. But either way, when your little one finally closes their eyes, the last thing you need is unwanted noise.
If your glider has a metal gliding mechanism, oiling the joints will help to take care of the problem. Also consider placing your glider on a soft, thick rug to absorb most of the noise. This has been very effective for me, and any squeaking noises present are muffled and fade into the background, allowing my baby to fall asleep unhindered.
What If I Get Motion-Sick?
I am sadly quite familiar with the world of motion-sickness. If you are concerned that the motion of gliding back and forth will bother you, consider purchasing a glider that comes with a stationary ottoman. If your feet are propped up against a stationary ottoman or planted solidly on the floor, you will feel grounded and your brain will understand that you are in fact not going anywhere.
My Top Nursery Glider Reviews
There are lots of different types of nursery gliders out there, and I’ve reviewed my favorite ones below.
DaVinci Owen Upholstered Swivel Glider With Side Pocket And Storage Ottoman
This glider is an absolute dream! It has been so thoughtfully designed with both mom and baby in mind and is my top choice for the best nursery glider.
The DaVinci Owen Upholstered Swivel Glider has been tested for over ten thousand chemicals, and the manufacturers are proud of their GREENGUARD gold certificate. This means that the chair emits no harmful toxins, including flame retardants, making your nursery safe for your little one to sleep in.
The upholstery is masterfully done, giving the chair a smooth and sleek design. The cushions are very supportive, which allows your body to sit for a long period of time.
There is a well-placed side pocket sewn into the material that offers a sturdy place to store items such as your phone, tissues, and your baby’s favorite bedtime book.
This nursery glider has the ability to swivel 360-degrees, allowing you to turn to see different parts of the room as well as glide comfortably back and forth. The hidden gliding mechanism allows parents to breathe easy as no fingers will be pinched underneath.
One of my favorite features is the ability to remove the cushion fabric via zipper. This allows you to rest easy when your baby surprises you with projectile spit-up.
Lumbar support will not be a concern with this glider as it conveniently includes a lumbar support pillow.
The ottoman included with the DaVinci Owen Upholstered Swivel Glider is stationary, meaning it will not glide as the chair does. However, I love that the lid can open up revealing storage inside, which creates a perfect place to store blankets or baby toys.
When you are relaxing in your glider, you might notice that the armrests are on the lower side. This may cause difficulty nursing your baby without extra support from a boppy pillow.
When your nursery glider arrives, it comes fully assembled- no extra work for the new parents! It is, however, quite heavy. If you are an expectant mom waiting on the delivery truck, make sure you have your partner or a friend close by to make sure it enters the home without any issues.
Pros
- Non-toxic material
- Removable fabric on cushions allow for easy washing
- Hidden gliding mechanism
- No assembly required
- Lumbar support pillow
- Side pocket
Cons
- Glider is very heavy
- Low armrests
Windsor Glider And Ottoman
This glider is a great option for any nursery and is my pick for the best budget purchase.
Parents can’t say enough about how wonderful this glider has been for their newborn days. And even with its affordable price, it doesn’t fail to deliver on comfort and durability.
The soft cushions lining the back of the chair and seat are secured with ties that allow for easy removal for spot cleaning and tie back into place easily. The cushions are comfortable and soft; however, if you need a glider with ample seat support, the bottom seat cushion may be too thin for your liking.
Easy-to-reach pockets on either side of the armrests make this glider a must-have!
The fabric that covers the armrests are secured with snaps on the base of the glider seat and require a good bit of force to attach. This can be frustrating, especially if they become unsnapped from a kicking baby foot.
No need for you to dig out your toolbox! The Windsor Glider and Ottoman will arrive on your doorstep with everything you need to complete the assembly. And easy-to-follow instructions will allow you to give it a test rock within minutes.
When your glider arrives, look over each piece before assembly to ensure that the wood is intact. The occasional glider has been known to ship with faults in the materials, making it unsafe for you and baby to relax in.
This glider comes in several attractive color combinations which will make your nursery look stunning!
My least favorite feature would be that the gliding mechanism is completely exposed under the chair, making it easy for children to pinch their fingers or toes.
Pros
- Pockets on either side
- Budget-friendly
- Removable cushions
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Thin seat cushion
- Exposed gliding mechanism
- Possibility of manufacturing flaws in the wood
Storkcraft Davenport Upholstered Swivel Glider
This glider is the winner for best value. It is not often that you can find an affordable, well-made, upholstered glider that also has the ability to swivel 360 degrees.
If you are hoping to purchase a glider with a modern or minimalistic design, the Storkcraft Davenport Upholstered Swivel Glider is a wonderful option as the shapes of the cushions are clean and neat.
This chair has it all without being too oversized. If you find that all of your baby gear is barely squeezing into your nursery, this glider is a great option as it has a small footprint and can be placed almost anywhere.
A resilient polyester material covers this chair, making cleaning up spit-up a breeze with a quick wipedown.
When it comes to feeding your baby, whether you are nursing or bottle-feeding, the height of a glider’s armrests can make or break your relationship with your chair. This glider features armrests that are a perfect height and will allow you to rest comfortably while you nourish your little one. However, they are not padded well and would benefit from a soft blanket draped over each side.
This glider is very heavy at 84 pounds, and you will need assistance to assemble it. Thankfully, it arrives in two large pieces that are a breeze to put together. Simply slide the sections together along a well-made track, and they will lock into place.
We also have another winner for a completely covered gliding mechanism! The designers of this glider truly had the well-being of children in mind when they created this chair. No pinched fingers over here!
Pros
- Great value for your money
- Modern design
- Wipes clean easily
- Chair has a small footprint and will not take up much space
Cons
- Armrests are not padded
- Very heavy
Naomi Home Odelia Swivel Glider Rocker Recliner Microfiber
Classy and comfortable, the Naomi Home Odelia Swivel Glider Rocker Recliner truly has it all.
This glider is covered with a soft and smooth microfiber that you will fall in love with. And ample support will allow you to sit for long periods of time.
This glider is designed to be sturdy and includes a well-functioning, padded footrest, as well as the ability to recline.
The reclining lever has an easy to press release which causes the footrest to open quickly. However, when the footrest is open, or the chair is reclined, the gliding mechanism will be locked and the chair will be stationary. I find that this feature is helpful seeing as I would not prefer to be moving when in a reclined position.
The seatback offers plenty of room to rest your head, and when you are in the reclined position, you will feel relaxed and cozy.
Keep in mind that when you need to get up from reclining, it can take a bit of force to lean forward enough to trigger the normal position of the chair.
The footrest is easy to close, though, and makes a soft click that is unlikely to disturb your sleeping little one.
When your glider arrives, it will come disassembled in four parts that slide and lock in together.
This glider offers you a few different color options, so you’re sure to find one that goes with your decor.
Pros
- Soft and supportive
- Reclines
- Built-in footrest
- Plenty of headroom
Cons
- Difficult to go from a reclining position to sitting
Foundations Lullaby Rocking Glider Chair
Prepared to be wowed by this Foundations Lullaby Rocking Glider Chair. While the look of the glider is certainly unique, don’t let that fool you about the quality and comfort this glider has to offer.
One of my favorite features is that the base of the glider has two wooden shields to minimize finger exposure to the gliding mechanism. The thoughtful design allows parents to rest easy as it is unlikely that little fingers will be pinched.
Solid wood is used in the construction of this glider, making it very sturdy, durable, and tip-resistant. You will be able to use this glider for your own children, and who knows, you may be rocking your grandchildren in it someday!
There are storage pockets in the armrests, making this glider a perfect option for those moments when you need a place to set your phone down, store a half-full bottle, or need a place to set your favorite book down.
One of my favorite features is that the armrests and the seat cover are removable, which allows for easy washing if the baby spits up or has an accident.
Weighing only 37 pounds, this glider is easy to move around, so when you have the urge to rearrange your baby’s nursery, you won’t have any trouble moving your glider to the perfect location.
This glider does not come assembled, which is a bit inconvenient. Having said that, if you are looking for a sturdy glider that lasts for years and rocks quietly, this is a wonderful option.
Pros
- Sturdy and tip-resistant
- Lightweight
- Pockets in the armrests
- Removable fabric for laundering
Cons
- Does not come assembled
Delta Children Middleton Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
At first glance this gorgeous glider looks like it belongs in a parlor! But it is much more than just a pretty chair for sipping afternoon tea. This glider gets the award for the most stylish nursery glider!
Sweet and classy, this chair offers a soothing gliding motion as well as stability from its strong frame. Nailhead trim delicately lines the chair, giving your nursery the perfect amount of style and interest.
You will love sitting back into this chair while cuddling your little one, knowing that it is made from non-toxic materials and will not be emitting harmful fumes into the air.
The Delta Children Middleton Upholstered Glider Rocker Chair has a 360-degree swivel, and the minimally-exposed metal gliding mechanisms ensure that the chair offers sturdy and quiet movement.
This glider offers armrests that are placed at the ideal height for feeding your baby and are well-padded which gives your arms and elbows much needed support.
The polyester fabric is durable and the removable seat cushion is very easy to wipe clean. The linen texture of this chair is not soft-to-the-touch, but it will last for a very long time.
Parents love the back support they find when they relax in this glider. No extra pillows are necessary.
There are no pockets for storage, so make sure to keep a side table nearby to hold some of the baby’s accessories.
Weighing in at 85 pounds, there is some assembly required. The chair will be delivered in three sections that will fit together and lock into place. This can be done within minutes, and you will be gliding away in no time.
Pros
- Non-toxic material
- Supportive
- Wipe-clean fabric
- Padded armrests
Cons
- No pockets for storage
- Material is not soft
- Very heavy
Storkcraft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman with Lumbar Pillow
If your wallet isn’t as full as you would like, but you still need a reliable glider for your baby’s nursery, I would recommend the Storkcraft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman with Lumbar Pillow.
This glider truly delivers on allowing you to fully enjoy rocking with your baby. The padded armrests are a lifesaver while you feed your little one countless times a day. A storage pocket graces the side and makes a convenient location for you to store your phone or perhaps your tablet to use while you wait for your baby to fall asleep.
A lumbar support pillow is included, and while it is nothing extraordinary, it does the job well. If you prefer to use your own pillow for added support, keep the lumbar pillow close by for your baby to crawl over once they begin to explore different movements.
The cushion on the seat is on the thinner side, but it is well padded and easy to spot clean. However, the fabric is not removable, so if your baby has explosive spit-up, make sure to wipe it clean as soon as possible
Parents are thrilled with the height of the back of the chair. Taller parents are able to rest their heads comfortably and fit well into this generously sized glider.
When you receive your glider, check each piece over for any manufacturing defects. While this is not a common issue, your mind will rest easy that the chair will provide you with sturdy support for years to come.
You will enjoy browsing through the color options this glider has to offer. And when you select the one that will fit your nursery the best, you can rest easy that its 50-pound weight will be easy to assemble and will look fabulous when completed.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Great color combinations
- Includes a lumbar support pillow
- Storage pocket
Cons
- Thin seat cushion
- You will need to check for manufacturing issues upon delivery
DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman
This glider is the epitome of support and comfort! And with the generous height and neck support of the seatback, it takes the cake for the best nursery glider for tall parents.
DaVinci prides itself on making gliders that are free of toxins. This glider is no exception. Wearing a GREENGUARD gold certification, this chair offers comfortable gliding while keeping harmful fumes, such as flame retardants and formaldehyde, away from you and your baby
Crafted with durable polyester material, the cushions and lumbar support pillow offer a significant amount of support while maintaining a perfect level of softness, which makes it ideal for spending ample amounts of time in.
Unfortunately, the seat cushions are not removable, so if liquid such as spit-up or spilled coffee drips onto the cushions, you will need to have an absorbent cloth close by to sop up the mess as quickly as possible. For messes of a solid nature, the fabric is very easy to wipe clean.
The gliding mechanism has a strong metal base which will give you a smooth and gentle ride as you rock with your little one. The metal base is minimally exposed, making it difficult for little fingers to reach up into the moving parts.
Featuring a 360-degree swivel, you will be able to turn your glider in different directions depending on if you want to soak up the sunshine or face a dark corner.
This glider comes with a stationary ottoman that provides a well-needed prop for your feet when your legs need increased blood flow. The ottoman can also double as a seat for when you play with your little ones.
Arriving in a box fully assembled, this glider weighs a whopping 100-pounds, making it very difficult to carry into the house or upstairs. Plan to have extra help nearby for the expected delivery time.
Pros
- Non-toxic material
- Great for tall parents
- 360-degree swivel
- A perfect balance of soft and supportive
Cons
- Very heavy at 100-pounds
- Ottoman is stationary
- Seat cushion is not removable
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
If you are in the market for the best nursery glider for adults of average or short stature, the Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman by Storkcraft is a perfect choice. With the seat being less than 18’ from the ground, you will have no trouble sitting back into this glider with baby in your arms.
This glider comes with a cushioned, gliding ottoman, which allows for you to kick up your feet and move in a gentle fluid-like motion.
The back cushion is quite plush creating a soft pillow-like feel for the back of your head. It is also removable and easily fastened back with ties. However, if you are of taller stature, you will find that your head rests on the top of the wooden frame, making it an uncomfortable place to relax.
The seat cushion is supportive but very thin. If you are planning to glide with your little one for an extended period of time, I suggest placing a soft blanket on top of the seat cushion to help maintain blood flow.
This glider features padded armrests at a great height, which will allow you to feed your baby comfortably. Side pockets on either side make it easy to grab any necessities you or baby may need. The only downside to these armrests is that they are attached with snaps that are very difficult to use.
This glider requires assembly, but the box includes everything you need, so you won’t need to dig in your home toolbox for anything extra. Prepare to give each piece of the glider a look over to make sure all parts are present and have no manufacturing faults.
Weighing in at 45-pounds, you will not have any trouble placing the finished glider into the nursery or moving it around when it is time to rearrange.
Pros
- Soft cushion on the back of the chair
- Gliding ottoman
- Great height for the average/shorter height parent
- Pockets in armrests
Cons
- Thin seat cushion
- Difficult armrest snaps
- Uncomfortable to rest in for taller adults
Delta Children Blair Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
This glider is the winner for the best nursery glider with the smallest footprint. While it is on the small end as far as gliders go, parents love the way it can fit into any space. And what it lacks in size, it makes up for in comfort.
Steel gliding mechanisms provide quiet movements as well as the ability to swivel 360-degrees.
The seat cushion is five inches thick and a perfect blend of supportive and soft. I love that you can sit down easily and feel accepted by this chair. If you need to clean the seat, it is removable by unhooking the velcro on the bottom of the seat cushion to spot-clean as necessary.
Armrests are a big deal to parents! This glider delivers on well-padded armrests that are the perfect height for holding your baby and keeping your elbows from hurting. However, there are no pockets for storing necessities, so make sure to place an end table close by.
This glider weighs 68 pounds and does not come assembled. There are two large pieces that will need to be bolted together.
One downside to this small glider is that if you plan to utilize it as your child grows, there may not be much room for your toddler or kindergartener to sit with you to read after lunch or before bedtime. If you always envisioned yourself reading books in the nursery glider, you may want a larger glider or plan to have an alternative place to read to your little ones.
Pros
- Small footprint that can fit almost anywhere in the house
- Perfect combination of supportive and soft
- Well padded armrests
- 360-degree swivel
Cons
- Some assembly required
- No pockets for storage
- Small size
The Perfect Glider
Is there such a thing as a perfect glider? Maybe not. But I am certain that the DaVinci Owen Upholstered Swivel Glider With Side Pocket And Storage Ottoman comes pretty close.
This glider is very parent-friendly with its storage ottoman, generously sized storage pocket, supportive back and seat, plus the ability to remove the fabric by a zipper for easy cleaning. The fact that this chair is entirely non-toxic seals the deal and makes it the best nursery glider.