The 11 Best Nursery Rocking Chairs and Gliders for Baby’s Room
While some nursery furniture comes down to preference, supportive seating is non-negotiable (just ask any seasoned parent). And since it’s a place you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time—whether it’s for late-night feedings, nursery rhyme recitals or even snoozing yourself—you want it to be comfortable for both you and baby. To help you find the best nursing rocking chair or glider for your needs, we’ve rounded up favorite designs on the market. Below, check out our top picks for every style and budget—plus, read our shopping tips to streamline your decision-making process.
Deciding on the perfect glider or rocker comes down to much more than simply making sure it fits your nursery theme (though style is, of course, important). You’ll want to consider these key factors when you’re on the hunt for the best nursery glider or baby rocking chair:
- Comfort: You’ll want your nursing glider or rocking chair to be soft but supportive, with ample height so that you can rest your head. “Parents should have both their arms and backs well supported,” says Loretta Cody, MD, a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut. Go with a design that has a cushioned seat and cushioned arm rests, she adds. For optimal comfort, Meema Spadola, CLC, a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor, recommends choosing a chair with a wide seat and reclining capabilities.
- Size. Looking for an extra-wide nursery glider? Or maybe a compact design for a smaller space? As you shop, don’t forget to check the dimensions of the seat you have your eye on to find the best fit for your home. Cody also reminds parents that your chair should be easy to get in and out of comfortably—especially since you’ll probably have baby in your arms as you do so.
- Material. When baby’s on the scene, spills and messes are inevitable. That’s why Spadola advises parents to pick a nursery rocking chair or glider with washable fabric to avoid stains.
- Construction: The best nursing rocking chairs and gliders should last for many late nights and early mornings to come. Some versatile designs can even be used in other areas of your home once baby graduates to toddlerhood.
- Extra features. Chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in your chosen nursery glider or rocking chair, so why not opt for a seat with bonus features? Leigh Anne O’Connor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), suggests chairs with pockets to keep all of your essentials handy. For your convenience, you could even find an option with built-in outlets or phone chargers, she adds.
Nursery rocking chairs and gliders offer a reliable, comfortable spot to breastfeed baby. However, in your newborn’s earliest days and weeks, Spadola recommends setting yourself up on the couch or in bed as you nurse. This way, you “have plenty of space and can use bed or couch pillows to support [your] back and arms,” she explains. Then, once you get the hang of everything, move over to your rocker or glider. While seated, “a nursing pillow will be helpful in positioning your baby and comfortably breastfeeding,” says Cody.
When your nursery glider isn’t in use, Cody advises parents to lock it in position to prevent accidents. She also suggests that it’s best to keep it in baby’s nursery and away from other children in your home. This way, toddlers and older kiddos won’t accidentally fall off the seat, or have their fingers or toes injured under the chair’s legs.
Not sure where to begin your search for a baby rocking chair? Here are three of the best online stores to help you furnish baby’s nursery—including sites with ready-to-ship options.
- Target: This online store stocks some of the best gliders, rockers and recliners out there. Top-rated brands include Babyletto, DaVinci and Delta Children.
- Modern Nursery: Modern Nursery has a great range of seating options for parents and baby, including recliners, rockers, ottomans and sofas. Better yet, the site has a section devoted to eco-friendly nursery furniture.
- Wayfair: Need to decorate your nursery fast? Head straight to Wayfair. Choose from tons of top brands, and take advantage of free shipping on orders over $35—plus, two-day delivery on thousands of items.
There are a ton of options to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to the very best nursery glider and baby rocking chair options that prioritize the above considerations. They swivel, glide, rock, recline—and, yes, some can even charge your phone! While a nursing rocking chair or glider can’t make the exhaustion completely go away, it can offer a comfy and much-needed rest stop every sleep-deprived parent will appreciate. Below, browse our top picks for several categories.
Overall best nursery glider
First up on our list is this nursery recliner chair from Babyletto. High tech meets high comfort in this state-of-the-art swivel glider, which reclines at the push of a button. Made from a stain-resistant, eco-friendly fabric, this sleek chair is Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it passed rigorous testing for harmful chemicals. The best part? This nursery glider has a built-in USB port to charge your device while you tend to your little one. In other words, genius.
Dimensions: 36” (L) x 29” (W) x 41” (H) | Weight: 123.2 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Swivels 270 degrees, glides | Color options: 5
- Workhorse fabric is water-repellent, stain-resistant and aesthetically pleasing
- Built-in charging port for added convenience
- Simple assembly; no tools required
- Greenguard Gold-certified
- Kiwi Gliding Ottoman sold separately
- Charging port is best suited for small devices, like a phone rather than a tablet
- High price point
Overall best nursery rocking chair
This nursery rocking chair stands out for several reasons. Let us explain: The compact design is perfect for tight spaces and the clean lines complement modern decor trends. Thoughtfully crafted with comfort and durability in mind, this rocker is made from contemporary materials including steel, beech wood and a touchably soft, waterproof fabric. Better yet, the chair offers style and substance. You’ll appreciate the mid-century modern design which includes a high back for and perfectly positioned arm rests for optimal comfort.
Dimensions: 26.13” (L) x 37.25” (W) x 37.25” (H) | Weight: 68.42 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Rocks back and forth | Color options: 2
- Modern aesthetic will easily blend into your living space
- More affordable than other options on our list
- Tools needed for assembly
Best high-backed nursery glider
A critical but often overlooked consideration for a nursery glider is its seat-back height. You want it to be high enough that both you and your partner can lean your head back—and this one reaches that ideal sweet spot. It also features a smooth 360-degree swivel, and comes with a bonus lumbar support pillow. Not to mention, it’s comfortable and neutral enough that you’ll be able to find a space in your home to place it long after your babies are grown. Other bonuses? This nursery glider chair is Greenguard Gold-certified and comes with an ottoman, so you can rest your feet as well as your head.
Dimensions: 31.5” (L) x 25” (W) x 39.25” (H) | Weight: 80 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Swivels 360 degrees | Color options: 5
- High-back design and lumbar support pillow for added comfort
- Comes with an ottoman
- No assembly required
- Greenguard Gold-certified
- Some parents report that the chair squeaks
Best electronic nursery recliner
Looking for an investment piece? Behold one of the best nursery glider chairs: The Namesake Harbour Electronic Recliner. Crafted from sustainable materials, this nursing wingback chair is Greenguard Gold-certified and boasts a high back and plush seat. Better yet, the stain-resistant and moisture-repellent upholstery is practical to boot. Ready for the real standout feature? This electronic chair has a hidden control panel and a quiet reclining mechanism, which allows you to easily switch positions without waking baby. If that’s not enough to win you over, maybe this will: It has a USB charging port too. This nursery glider is certainly not inexpensive, but the smart design and exceptionally smooth gliding motion make it totally worth the price tag.
Dimensions: 32” (L) x 36” (W) x 41.5” (H) | Weight: 114 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Reclines, swivels 270 degrees, glides | Color options: 2
- Built-in charging port
- Automatic recline and glide feature
- Simple assembly; no tools required
- Greenguard Gold-certified
- High price point
Best wide nursery rocking chair
For parents expecting twins (or just looking for an extra-roomy option), this nursing rocking chair is a standout option. It’s one-and-a-half times wider than a regular rocker, meaning it can comfortably accommodate caregivers of any size or parents tending to multiple children. Made from sturdy materials, it gently rocks, and has a timeless aesthetic that will pair seamlessly with any living space once its nursery duties are over.
Dimensions: 36.5” (L) x 40.5” (W) x 36.5” (H) | Weight: 69.85 lbs. | Capacity: 225 pounds | Movement: Rocks | Color options: 3
- One and a half times wider than a regular rocker
- Comfy padded seat
- Some assembly required
Best affordable nursery glider
Oh, Storkcraft glider rocking chair, how do parents love thee? Let us count the ways: It’s a steal (some styles cost less than $200), it has a smooth gliding and rocking motion and the accompanying ottoman features a pull-out nursing stool so you can position yourself just right. Talk about a triple threat! Choose from a range of modern upholstery options that’ll fit right in with your baby’s bedroom decor. Trust us, this is one of the best nursing chairs out there.
Dimensions: 35” (L) x 29” (W) x 37.5” (H) | Weight: 45.5 lbs. | Capacity: 250 pounds | Movement: Glides | Color options: 21
- Comes with a matching ottoman
- At 45.5 lbs, it’s one of the lightest options on our list
- Affordable price point
- Some retailers have limited color options
Best nursery glider for small spaces
If you’re shopping for a smaller space, this nursery glider is sure to check all of the boxes on your list—and just because it’s compact doesn’t mean you’ll lose out on comfort and motion. This design features an ultra-soft microsuede seat that’s easy to clean—plus, it glides and swivels 360 degrees so you can move as you need to with baby. Oh, and did we mention it comes fully assembled? Score!
Dimensions: 30.5” (L) x 31” W x 31.25” (H) | Weight: 62 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Swivels 360 degrees, glides | Color options: 9
- Upholstered with durable, easy-to-clean microsuede
- Comes fully assembled
- Greenguard Gold-certified
- Some reviewers say they wish it had better neck support
Best wingback nursery glider
A wingback nursery glider is a classic for a reason—take this option from Babyletto, for example. The attractive design comes in four neutral earth tones, and is made from durable, water-repellent and stain-resistant material so you don’t have to fret when inevitable messes occur. To support you as you lull baby to sleep, it features a removable lumbar support pillow and a matching ottoman. Other highlights include how this seat swivels 360 degrees, effortlessly glides back and forth and is Greenguard Gold-certified to boot.
Dimensions: 32.8” (L) X 25.5” (W) X 39” (H) | Weight: 88 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Swivels 360 degrees, glides | Color options: 4
- Has a lumbar support pillow for added comfort
- Comes with a matching ottoman
- Greenguard Gold-certified
- Some parents say that the chair started squeaking after a few months’ of use
Best vegan leather nursery rocking chair
Want all the benefits of a nursing rocking chair, but don’t particularly love the look of one? This design is for you. At first glance, you’d think it was just a sleek, chic armchair—but after taking a seat, you’ll discover the smooth rock. We adore the vegan tan leather, but if that’s not your style, don’t worry—this rocking chair is available in six other gorgeous upholstery options. The hardwood frame is built to last, and the removable lumbar support pillow ups the comfort factor. The only issue you’ll have is deciding whether or not to put it in the nursery or the living room.
Dimensions: 31” (L) x 302.5” (W) X 35” (H) | Weight: 50 lbs. | Capacity: 300 lbs. | Movement: Rocks | Color options: 7
- High-quality construction
- Aesthetically pleasing design will look great in any living space
- Features a lumbar support pillow
- Simple set up; no tools required
- Some reviewers say it’s a bit stiff to sit in at first
Most versatile nursery glider
On the hunt for a top-notch nursery glider that will last for years to come? You can’t go wrong with this chic design from Pottery Barn Kids. The dreamy nursery glider chair features feather-down back and arm cushions for ultimate comfort as you bond with baby. With the press of a button, the seat can be adjusted to one of three recline settings—plus, it swivels 240 degrees and is equipped with a USB charging port for added convenience. When your child no longer needs a nursery glider, this stylish seat can easily be used in any other living space, thanks to its versatile aesthetic.
Dimensions: 33” (L) x 37” (W) x 40” (H) | Weight: 95 lbs. | Capacity: 300 pounds | Movement: Swivels 240 degrees, reclines, glides | Color options: 43
- Three adjustable recline settings
- Has a USB charging port
- Available as an electric or manual recliner
- Comes in 43 colors and fabric options
- Swivel range is less than other options on our list
- High price point
Best upholstered nursery rocking chair
Last but not least is our pick for the best upholstered nursing rocking chair. Equal parts stylish and comfy, you can rely on this seat for many days and nights to come. Reviewers say it’s straightforward to assemble, and just the right amount of firm to keep you feeling supported as you rock baby. It comes in muted blue or cool gray—plus, at just 30 lbs., it’s the lightest design on our list, meaning you can easily move it to a different spot when it’s no longer needed in your child’s room.
Dimensions: 37.3” (L) x 25.07” (W) x 35.43” (H) | Weight: 30 lbs. | Capacity: 250 pounds | Movement: Rocks | Color options: 2
- Durable, sturdy and easy to assemble, according to reviewers
- At 30 lbs, it’s the lightest option on our list
- Affordable price point
- Some say it moves easily when rocking
Let’s be honest: Setting up baby’s nursery requires a lot of new furniture and gear, which can become overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. To help you find the best nursery rocking chair or glider for your needs, we browsed designs from leading brands and trusted online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. When choosing products for our roundup, we considered several aspects, such as quality and durability, value, material, size, shape and style. We also read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. Lastly, to ensure we’re highlighting nursery rocking chairs and gliders that are safe, we chatted with a pediatrician, a lactation consultant and a lactation counselor. This way, you’ll know what essential features and safety considerations to keep in mind as you shop.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Loretta Cody, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College and completed her residency at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital.
Meema Spadola, CLC, is a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor based out of Brooklyn, New York. She has experience working with a diverse range of families, including single, adoptive, and LGBTQ+ parents, and is a board member of Niecy’s Purple Heart Foundation.
Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, is a lactation consultant with more than two decades of experience based in New York City. She is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA).
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
