When buying a nursery glider, you’re essentially investing in a new piece of furniture, so read the glider’s specs to ensure it fits where you envision it. Additionally, check out the weight limit to guarantee everyone in the family can safely use it. We carefully considered design, product weight, material, ease of cleaning, weight limit, and value when reviewing products. The Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Swivel Glider and Ottoman rank first on our list because they can be used for a long time thanks to their durable construction. Made from eco-friendly construction, the fabric is available in over 40 styles, so you can pick one that matches your nursery and the rest of your home. Choose just the chair or the chair, plus a matching ottoman, for total comfort. The splurge-worthy chair silently swivels 360 degrees and glides back and forth, but note that there is no lock function if that’s important to you. Price at time of publication: $449 Sleek and comfortable, these chairs rock with the weight of your body, providing a subtle but easily achievable movement. The variety of fabric seat options gives you plenty of options for styling this seat. Price at time of publication: $179 This chair doesn’t include a locking mechanism, so keep that in mind if that is a necessary feature for you. This chair is available in 15 colors and patterns to blend perfectly with your nursery decor. Price at time of publication: $170 Price at time of publication: $364 Parents appreciate that it comes fully assembled and ready to go straight out of the box. Rest easy with a 360-degree swivel and a gentle back-and-forth glide. Choose from five color fabrics, with options in velvet and microsuede. Price at time of publication: $500 Available in taupe or tan leather tones, the seat has a removable lumbar pillow to support (if needed). Price at time of publication: $500 Although the reclining mechanism is hidden, it is thoughtfully within reach for grown-ups, so it won’t be tempting for toddlers to play with this chair. A bonus lumbar pillow provides extra support if desired but is also easily removed. The polyester fabric comes in four color choices to match your nursery. Price at time of publication: $399 Available in just one color, the seat has a removable lumbar support pillow. Use the pillow under the arm for feeding time, as a headrest, or for extra lumbar support. A matching ottoman (sold separately) goes with the chair for even more support. Price at time of publication: $799 Price at time of publication: $350
What to Look for in a Nursery Glider
Size
When you purchase a glider, you’re investing in a piece of furniture, so you’ll want it to be the right size. Always check the glider measurements and ensure that the chair will fit where you envision it. Read the specs to find out how much the chair glides since a moving chair takes up more space than one that doesn’t. Some gliders come with an ottoman (a place to prop your feet up), and you’ll want to accommodate that extra piece.
Weight Limit
Whether it’s just you or everyone in the family who plans on using the rocker, checking the weight limit is vital. The weight capacity lets you know how much weight the glider can hold safely. Most nursery gliders have a weight limit of 200 pounds up to 375 pounds. Opt for a piece with a higher weight limit to ensure each family member can use the glider safely.
Features
Gliders don’t just move back and forth smoothly—they sometimes swivel, recline, and lock in place. A swivel nursery glider turns 360 degrees, while a reclining glider features a piece that pops out to prop your feet up (like a standard recliner chair). Additionally, some gliders have a locking mechanism that keeps the chair in place if you don’t want to glide.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Maya had a traditional glider for her two older kids and then got a comfy hand-me-down chair reupholstered for her daughter’s room. It’s one of her favorite spots in the house. While the days of nursing a baby are gone, the cozy chair is still the nightly reading spot.
Additional reporting by:
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages.
