The Best Nursery Rocking Chairs and Gliders for Baby’s Room

In a nutshell:

Based on expert interviews, reviews from real parents and survey feedback from over 350 members of The Bump community, we chose the Babyletto Kiwi Swivel Reclining Glider as the overall best nursery chair as it’s comfortable, supportive and has a smooth glide and swivel function.

While some nursery furniture comes down to preference, supportive seating is non-negotiable (just ask any seasoned parent). In fact, a recent survey conducted by The Bump showed that 81 percent of parents used their nursery chair to rock baby to sleep, while a further 80 percent reported that they used it as a cozy spot to nurse. And since your nursery chair is 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. “Parents should have both their arms and backs well supported,” says Loretta Cody, MD, a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut. With this in mind, Cody advises parents buy a chair with a cushioned seat and cushioned arm rests. For optimal comfort, Meema Spadola, CLC, a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor, also recommends choosing a chair with a wide seat and reclining capabilities. That way you’ll have plenty of room and can take a quick disco nap while baby sleeps in their crib.

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.

How We Chose the Best Nursery Rocking Chairs and Gliders

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 took the following steps:

• To ensure we’re highlighting nursery rocking chairs and gliders that are safe and functional for new parents, we interviewed a pediatrician, a lactation consultant and a lactation counselor.

• In January 2024 we surveyed over 350 members of The Bump community. We asked this sample of new parents to rate the nursery chairs they’ve used with their own kids and to comment on their overall experience. We evaluated this data and used it to inform our product choices.

• We looked for seals and certifications to ensure all nursery chairs on this list are in line with CPSC safety standards.

• We leveraged our familiarity with leading nursery furniture brands and browsed designs available on 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 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.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

The Best Nursery Gliders and Rocking Chairs To Shop

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

What to Look for in a Nursery Rocking Chair or Glider

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 at the back so that you can rest your head while you nurse or bottle feed baby. Nursing chairs with armrests also takes the pressure off your arms from holding your little one and can help you find a comfortable position. Finally, if you suffer from back pain it’s a good idea to invest in a nursery chair that offers built-in lumbar support or comes with an additional cushion.

• 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. If that isn’t possible opt for something with stain-resistant upholstery or, failing that, go for a darker color as spots and smears won’t be so obvious.

• Construction: The best nursing rocking chairs and gliders should last for many late nights and early mornings to come. And some versatile designs can even be used in other areas of your home once baby graduates to toddlerhood. With that in mind, look for a nursery chair that’s well constructed and sturdy.

• 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.

Tips for Using a Nursery Rocking Chair or Glider While Breastfeeding

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.

Where to Buy the Best Nursery Rocking Chairs and Gliders

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.

About the author:

Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content for pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Tips for Choosing a Nursery Glider or Rocking Chair

Cool Night Lights You and Your Kids Will Love

Your Ultimate Checklist of Baby Essentials