If you’ve been shopping for a glider or rocker for your baby’s nursery, you know how much time it can take to find the best one for your needs.
With so many options available, it’s easy to get sidetracked by something that looks modern and stylish but isn’t necessarily comfortable, safe, or durable.
I’ve researched nursery gliders, recliners, and rocking chairs, looking for chair options that are both stylish and comfortable, while still being highly functional, safe, and durable.
I compared all the features and read hundreds of reviews to bring you a list of nursery gliders and rockers, with options to fit every style, budget, and lifestyle, including modern swivel glider rockers, chairs that both recline and swivel, and more.
As new parents, you’ll be spending a lot of time in this chair, so finding one that provides a comfortable place, ideal for feeding, bonding, and rocking your baby to sleep on late nights, is important.
What is a glider rocker?
A glider rocker is a hybrid of a rocking chair and glider, making them perfect for mothers with newborn infants. They first became popular in the 1980s and looked like old-fashioned or traditional rocking chairs, but they have evolved a lot since then. Not only are they safer and more comfortable now, they’re definitely more stylish and modern-looking!
Different types of gliders and rockers
There are many different types of gliders, rockers, and hybrids available, and most are designed to look like a regular modern chair. Below, you’ll find nursery chairs that both glide and rock, chairs that recline, swivel chairs, chairs with ottomans, and various combinations of all of these features.
Choosing the best option for your needs and space will help ensure that this chair will become your favorite spot to spend time with your baby.
While some of the stylish nursery gliders and rockers on my list are a bit of an investment, it’s a good idea to choose the best option you can afford. Or, you could place the nursery chair of your dreams on your baby registry. As a grandmother, I know I would love to purchase a beautiful, high-quality nursery chair like the ones listed below for our grandchildren.
Do babies prefer rockers or gliders?
Are gliders better than rockers? It all depends on your baby and how you plan to use the chair.
You’ll spend a lot of time in this spot during night feedings and on sleepless nights, so the most important thing to consider is whether the chair will provide a supportive and comfortable place for both you and your baby.
Also, you’ll want to choose a chair that doesn’t make noise when you rock or glide, so you won’t disturb your sleeping baby.
Some important features you might consider are whether the chair has a smooth gliding motion or smooth rocking motion, whether it’s quiet, whether it allows you to recline, and–if you’d like a swivel chair–whether it offers a 360-degree swivel motion.
Ultimately, the most important thing is selecting a nursery rocking chair, glider chair, or a hybrid of both, that fits the needs of both you and your baby.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Glider or Rocker
When shopping for a nursery chair, make sure the chair you choose comes with all the features you require. Every parent will have different needs, and certain features will be unnecessary for some.
While all glider rockers provide a supportive place to sit, different models offer various benefits. Here are five key features to look for in a nursery glider rocker when making your decision:
Comfort
When you’re feeding your baby in the middle of the night, you’ll want a chair that provides optimal comfort for both of you. So choosing a comfortable chair with extra support is important–especially for new moms.
Features like a lumbar pillow, a thick seat cushion, neck support, a recline feature, and higher back all contribute to a comfy chair you won’t mind spending time in for midnight nursing or bottle feeding sessions.
And if you don’t choose a recliner, you might want to consider adding an ottoman, which will allow you to do those late-night feedings with your feet up.
By the way, if you have the ability to go to a local store and sit in some of these chairs, I highly recommend trying out different styles, features, and sizes to see what type of chair is most comfortable for you.
Durability
Buying a glider rocker is a bit of an investment, so I suggest finding out where it was manufactured and making sure quality parts are used.
You’ll also want to pay attention to how the chair is constructed. Things to look for are a solid hardwood frame, kiln-dried wood to prevent warping or bowing, quality rocker rails, sturdy legs, a locking mechanism, safety features, and smooth chair glides and gliding mechanism.
Make sure to check the warranty details for the product. Most reputable companies will offer at least a three-year warranty.
Also, a nursery rocker is going to be prone to drips and stains, so make sure that the fabric can be cleaned and won’t show water spots. Choosing a chair with performance fabric will help ensure it will look good for a long time.
Safety
For your and your baby’s safety, another important feature is to make sure the glider or rocker you choose is Greenguard certified. This means the chair meets chemical emissions limits for healthier indoor air.
Also, if the nursery chair you choose has a sliding mechanism, you’ll want to make sure the hardware is hidden to keep curious fingers away from the mechanism.
Style
Since this is an investment piece, you might want to choose a nursery rocker that looks like a regular piece of furniture and is stylish enough to be used not only in the baby’s room, but in the living room or bedroom.
Another consideration is whether the chair offers several fabric and color options, allowing you to select a glider or rocker that matches your preferred design style and color scheme.
Size
Before purchasing a chair, I suggest checking its dimensions and measuring your space to make sure you have a perfect fit. If your nursery is tight on space, you will want to select a chair that has a manageable footprint.
If you choose a chair that reclines, also make sure you have enough room to lean back without hitting the wall behind it. If the chair both swivels and reclines, you might be able to turn the chair to a certain angle so you can fully recline.
Also, if you are tall, you will want to choose a chair that is comfy for taller moms and dads but also won’t take up too much space in your baby’s nursery.
What is the best glider or rocker for your nursery?
With so many chair options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one will suit your needs best. I’ve come up with my top picks for some of the best (and most stylish) options on the market.
Below you’ll find several glider rockers I think you and your baby will love. (Items are listed in no particular order.)
Modern Gliders and Rocking Chairs for the Nursery
1. Hayden Swivel Glider
The Hayden Swivel Glider chair would be a wonderful addition to any nursery or bedroom, with clean lines that could beautifully transition beyond the newborn years. It has a smooth base that glides.
This swivel glider is available in 155 different colors, patterns, and fabric options, including Performance, velvet, cotton, and linen.
Features of the Hayden Swivel Glider include:
- Certified engineered hardwood frame.
- Durable mortise-and-tenon construction.
- Padding made of sustainable soy-based foam wrapped in recycled fiber batting.
- Plush, soy-based foam-core cushion sewn into pure cotton downproof ticking.
- Seat cushions have a Haven fill.
- 8-way hand-tied coil springs for resilient support.
- Smooth swiveling and gliding base.
- Made in the USA.
2. Ayden Slipcovered Swivel Glider
In my opinion, the Ayden Slipcovered Swivel Glider, with its elongated proportions and gently sloping arms, is one of the most beautiful options on this list.
This glider offers a plush back pillow for sink-in support, while the hidden 360° swivel mechanism helps lull your baby to sleep. It comes in dozens of color and fabric options, including Performance fabrics.
Other features of the Ayden swivel glider include:
- Kiln-dried solid hardwood frame, double-doweled and corner blocked for structural integrity.
- No-sag steel sinuous springs for cushion support.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
3. Merced Glider and Ottoman
The Merced Glider and Ottoman set is the perfect option for smaller spaces. It comes with many fabric and color options, and the chair and ottoman both glide.
With its lovely sloped arms and clean lines, this stylish glider blends timeless and modern design elements to enhance any space.
Extra-thick cushioning, a lumbar support pillow, and a sturdy hardwood frame combine both comfort and durability.
Other features of the Merced glider and ottoman include:
- Polywood and solid hardwood construction.
- Upholstered in washed grainsack or linen-blend fabric.
- Firm cushions, with no-sag sinuous springs for support.
- Greenguard Gold Certified, meeting strict chemical emissions limits.
4. Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Swivel Glider Recliner
The Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Swivel Glider Recliner (also available here with different color and fabric options) not only swivels, glides, and reclines, it features a handy built-in USB port to keep your devices charged while you spend time with your baby.
Other features of the Babyletto Kiwi swivel glider recliner include
- A hand-built frame and hand-finished upholstery.
- Kiln-dried solid wood construction with reinforced joinery.
- Greenguard Gold Certified and screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs.
- Foam-filled cushions with webbed cushion support (lumbar cushion included).
- Glides and swivels 270 degrees.
- Reclines to variable positions via a power button on the inside of the arm.
- USB port on the inside of the arm.
- Chair plug-in and power cord are located on right-arm side of the chair.
5. Babyletto Madison Swivel Glider
The Babyletto Madison swivel glider features stylish comfort and support, with a wrap around back and 360-degree swivel base, making this the perfect chair for your baby’s room.
The softly rounded back, spacious seat, and chic, modern look of this chair would allow it to be used in other rooms of the house, making it a good choice for long-term use.
This chair is compact and small spaces-approved without compromising on comfort, style, and motion, making it the perfect addition to a corner or nook in your nursery.
Other features of the Madison swivel glider include:
- A metal swivel mechanism base, allowing you to turn and glide a full 360°.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
- Upholstered by hand in durable, easy to clean microsuede.
- Available in 5 shades and 2 fabrics, velvet and boucle’.
6. Crawford Swivel Glider
The Crawford Swivel Glider (also available here) is a popular choice, thanks to its stylish silhouette and modern take on the traditional slipcover style chair.
The Crawford brings nursery comfort to a new level with a plush pillow back design, added lumbar pillow, and wide seat.
It features a smooth, back-and-forth gliding motion to help you rock your baby to sleep, while a convenient swivel feature creates an inviting place for you and your baby to rest.
Available in cream and grey Performance Eco-weave fabric.
Other features of the Crawford swivel glider include:
- Metal base allows for a smooth and gentle 360-degree swivel motion as well as forward and backward gliding.
- Water-repellent and stain-resistant Performance fabric.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
7. Grady Skirted Swivel Glider
The Grady Swivel Glider is designed with a tailored back and arms, softened by a skirt. Curved arms lend a certain grace, making it a stylish and comfortable place to bond with your little one. And the smooth glider mechanism helps soothe your baby to sleep
This swivel glider is available in 126 different fabric options, including Performance, velvet, cotton, and linen in several colors, patterns, and solids.
Features of the Grady Swivel Glider include:
- A certified engineered hardwood frame.
- Durable mortise-and-tenon construction.
- Sinuous spring suspension creates even comfort and support.
- Back cushions made of 10% grey duck down, 90% feathers, covered in down proof ticking.
- Seat cushions made of down-wrapped, soy-based foam, covered in down proof ticking.
- Smooth swiveling and gliding base.
- Made in the USA.
8. Paxton Manual Swivel Glider Recliner
The Paxton Swivel Glider Recliner is a chic twist on the classic recliner, making it a modern addition to any nursery.
The convenient swivel feature gently and noiselessly helps you rock your baby to sleep, while the reclining mechanisms are thoughtfully within easy reach so you can comfortably sit back and relax.
This chair swivels 360° and has 3 recline positions: sitting, reading and full recline, and is available in several colors and fabric options, including Performance fabrics.
Other features of the Paxton swivel glider recliner include:
- Solid pine wood and engineered wood frame.
- Corner-block joinery for structural integrity.
- No-sag steel sinuous springs for cushion support.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
9. Wingback Convertible Rocking Chair and Ottoman
This unique Wingback Convertible Rocking Chair can be converted to a stationary armchair (feet sold separately) when your baby grows up.
This modern rocking chair and matching ottoman was designed with nursing mothers’ needs in mind, with a high back and padded head rest for extra support and smaller armrests to offer additional elbow space.
This chair does come at a higher price, which might not suit every budget; however, the convertible feature and classic silhouette offer peace of mind in terms of the quality and longevity of this piece.
Available in dozens of color and fabric options, including Performance fabrics.
Other features of this wingback convertible rocking chair include:
- Extra-thick padding on the arms and back.
- Sturdy hardwood runners for smooth, quiet motion.
- Knobs on the front and back of the runners keep the chair stable as you rock or stand up.
- Crafted with kiln-dried hardwood and engineered wood frame.
- Solid wood frame uses mortise-and-tenon joinery and is corner blocked for structural integrity.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
10. Babyletto Toco Swivel Glider with Ottoman
The Babyletto Toco Swivel Glider and Ottoman (also available here and here) has a modern wingback design, smooth gliding, 360-degree swivel motion, and an included stationary ottoman. The included removable lumbar pillow provides additional back support
This chair is both a stylish and sustainable choice for the nursery, upholstered by hand in eco-performance fabric which is stain resistant and water repellent. Available in 4 fabric options.
Additional features of the Toco swivel glider and ottoman include:
- Easy setup, with a few simple steps and no tools required.
- Eco-performance fabric is water repellent, stain-resistant, and durable.
- Chair swivels a full 360 degrees and glides back and forth.
- Included stationary ottoman, also in eco-performance fabric.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
11. Arlo Swivel Reclining Rocker Glider
The Arlo Swivel Reclining Rocker Glider was thoughtfully designed to make feeding time more comfortable.
This soft, durable glider also swivels and reclines to a comfortable resting position. And its water repellent and stain-resistant fabric (available in 5 colors) will help keep the glider looking beautiful through years of use.
With clean lines and a classic wingback style, this timeless and versatile chair will easily transition to any room in your home in the coming years.
Other features of the Arlo swivel reclining rocker glider include:
- A metal base that allows for a gentle and smooth 360-degree swivel motion and forward and backward gliding.
- A comfortable head rest and high back, allowing you to lean back.
- Included lumbar pillow for additional lower back support.
- A hidden reclining mechanism.
- Water repellent and stain resistant fabric.
- Emissions-tested.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
12. Minna Small Spaces Rocking Chair and Ottoman
The Minna Small Spaces Rocking Chair features a petite winged back and smaller armrests to offer plenty of shoulder and elbow space for nursing and relaxing.
This chic and comfy chair has gently rolled arms, and the hand-applied finish on the rocker rails and ottoman legs provides a natural look.
Available in multiple fabric choices, including Performance fabrics, to help you make this rocker and ottoman the perfect fit for your nursery.
Other features of the Minna rocking chair include:
- Both rocker and ottoman (sold separately) are crafted with a solid hardwood frame.
- Wood is kiln-dried to prevent warping or bowing.
- Thick polyester padding for depth and comfort.
- Rocker rails and ottoman legs are made of solid rubberwood.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
13. Comfort Upholstered Glider and Ottoman
The Comfort Upholstered Glider and Ottoman is a beautiful mix of comfort and style, making it a popular choice for both the nursery and living room. And, with a gentle rhythmic glider movement to help baby stay calm, it allows you to control the motion as your baby falls asleep.
The glider and ottoman (sold separately) are available in many different colors and fabrics, including Performance fabrics.
This chair is also sold as a swivel nursery glider and recliner chair in both power and manual options.
Features of the Comfort glider and ottoman include:
- Eco-friendly construction.
- Hardwood frame is kiln dried and corner blocked for structural integrity.
- Greenguard Gold Certified.
14. Presidio Swivel Glider and Ottoman
The Presidio Swivel Glider has a compact shape and streamlined silhouette that makes it ideal for smaller spaces. Baseball stitching and a wide contrast band along bottom hem add to its charm. It can be paired with the custom slipcovered Presidio gliding ottoman (sold separately) for ultimate comfort.
This chair is available in 130 different fabric options, including Performance, velvet, cotton, and linen in several colors, patterns, and solids.
Features of the Presidio Swivel Glider include:
- Certified engineered hardwood frame.
- Durable mortise-and-tenon construction.
- Padding is made with soy-based foam wrapped in recycled synthetic fibers.
- Plush, soy-based foam-core cushion sewn into pure cotton downproof ticking.
- Sinuous spring suspension for resilient support.
- Smooth swiveling and gliding base.
- Customize the look with 130 fabric options.
- Pair with a custom slipcovered gliding ottoman. (Sold separately).
- Dry clean removable slipcover.
- Made in the USA.
Choosing the best glider and rocker for your nursery
The best glider or rocker for you and your family is the one that best meets your needs, depending on your budget requirements, decorating style, and amount of space.
If you’re going to invest in a chair for the nursery, it’s always a good idea to choose a glider or rocker that’s specifically designed for comfort, style, and safety.
Where to shop for stylish nursery gliders and rockers
Investing in a glider, rocker, or reclining chair for your baby’s nursery, regardless of the style and features, doesn’t have to break the bank.
Below are a few places to shop for modern high-quality nursery gliders, recliners, swivel chairs, and rocking chairs in 2024:
- Serena & Lily – Furniture
- Pottery Barn Kids: Nursery Gliders, Rockers and Recliners
- West Elm Kids: Modern Nursery Chairs
- Amazon: Gliders, Recliners, and Rockers
- All Modern: Gliders, Rockers, and Nursery Chairs
- Target Glider Rockers, Gliders and Swivel Chairs
And here’s a selection of modern glider and rocker options for the nursery:
Modern Nursery Glider and Rocker Ideas
Looking for more home design and decorating ideas? Here are a few favorite posts from the blog:
2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love
Modern Bedroom Design Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite
Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2024
The Best Color Combinations for a Relaxing Bedroom
Area Rug Ideas for the Living Room, Bedroom & More
The New Studio McGee Target Collection
I hope you found this post informative and helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions about choosing a modern glider or rocker for the nursery. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
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