Nursery Comfort for You and Baby: The Best Gliders for Your Nursery

Best Nursery Gliders

Decorating your baby’s nursery on a budget no longer means that you have to sacrifice price for style, and vice versa!  There are plenty of amazing options for every price range.  From cribs that save you money by transforming into toddler beds, to nursing gliders that can be reused as regular furniture, the options really are endless.  The best way to know that you are getting the best deal when it comes to decorating is to sit down and be honest about you are willing to spend for each item.  While hand-me-downs are always a great option, you want to be aware of the safety.  Before expecting a previously used piece of furniture for your child’s room make sure to inspect it fully for damage as well as check recall lists to make sure that the item you have gotten hasn’t been recalled for safety.

Once you have a budget in mind, the next best thing it to make a list of features that you would want to see out of each product.  Once you have a clear direction, it is time to get to work.  Measure every inch of your child’s nursery to not only ensures that everything will fit, but also so that there is no overlap.  This can make all the difference in the world between a functional nursery, and a cluttered disaster.  While your new gliding chair may fit perfectly, you may find that while gliding in it, it knocks the dresser.  A little planning and preparation goes a long way!  One piece of baby furniture which is a great addition to any nursery is a gliding chair.  If you don’t have the space, however, don’t worry!  There are plenty of great gliders out there that are compact in size that will fit snuggly into any warm space.  Nursery gliders are not only a great place to nurse and bottle feed your child; they make a perfect spot for quick naps for parents in between feedings.

How to find the best gliding chair for you?

While shopping around for one of the best nursery gliders for your baby’s room, there are a few different things to look out for.  First being the style of glider that you like the best as well as the one that will best fit into your baby’s nursery.  Here are some different styles to choose from:

• Standard glider:

The most common type of nursery glider you will see is essentially a rocking chair type of structure.  While these gliders tend to be a little bit on the larger side, they are the most popular option among parents.  If you don’t have much space, however, you might want to choose something a little more streamlined and slim.

• Square glider:

A square glider is a more modern take on an already modern piece of furniture.  These gliders resemble a very European style of chair.  They are square in shape but not square in concept.  These gliders often times do more than just rock back and forth, but they also turn around for an even more customizable experience.  They are a great option for families who have smaller living spaces and are looking for something that takes up less bulk.

• Glider and ottoman sets:

One of the last styles you will find when it comes to nursery gliders is the glider and ottoman set.  These sets can either come with a traditional nursery glider or a square glider.  These are great two piece sets and are perfect for parents who want an option when it comes to sleeping alongside your child.  Because this is a two piece set, it might not be the best option for smaller space.  This is where measuring comes in handy!  If you have the space, however, you really should give these sets a chance because it is the best way to get more comfort and use out of this piece of nursery furniture.  Many people even choose to continue to use these gliders long after their little one grows up.

What features can you expect to see?

Once you have your mind set on the certain type of nursery glider that you want for your child’s nursery, the next step is to narrow down what you would hope to get out of a great glider.  This step will also be influenced by how much money you want to spend.  Some more expensive gliders may have better features depending on the style, so keep that in mind while shopping around.  Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are on the hunt:

• Safety:

First and foremost when it comes to finding the best glider for your child’s nursery, is safety.  To first ensure that the glider you choose is safe is to check the guide that comes with the glider.  Weight limit is one thing you want to check.  Some cheaper gliders will have a lower weight limit which may mean that they are not as structured and sound as others that are available out there on the market.  You also want to make sure that when it comes to actually setting up the glider that you follow the instructions correctly so that you can be sure that it will properly hold your weight and your child’s.  Gliders move back and forth by using a rail system that usually involves a ball bearing system.  This system needs be protected by a barrier for two reasons.  One reason being that you do not want the risk of your child getting their fingers caught in the track once they are mobile.  Another reason is that small ball bearings can be a choking hazard for little ones so having a track that is protected is a vital part ensuring that you have found the best glider in your price range.

• High quality fabrics:

One thing that you don’t want to skimp on when it comes to finding one of the best nursery gliders is the fabrics that are made with.  Having high quality fabrics is one way to ensure that your glider will be durable enough to last.  This is especially important for parents who are planning to repurpose their glider into their everyday life.  High quality fabrics are also easier to clean and harder to stain.  This is important for a piece of furniture that is going in a child’s room because children are messy, and spills are going to happen.  Some gliders even come with removable covers that are machine washable which makes cleaning up those pesky spills even easier.

• Sturdy structure:

The frame on most nursery gliders is made out of wood.  It is very rare to see a metal frame.  This is because wood is not only softer but also adds a bit of warmth and style to the piece itself.  While the wood is softer so that your little one won’t get hurt upon falling, it offers a great deal of strength.  Make sure that you are finding a glider that is made with high quality solid wood, unlike wood frames that are made out of particle board.  Having a wood frame that is solid through and through will guarantee a sound structure which will be durable enough to last you and your families for years.

Once you know what type of glider you want for your child’s room and know what kind of materials and features you want, it is time to start shopping.  Just make sure to stay true to your original budget so that you are not overextending yourself.  Here are some of the best nursery gliders in each price bracket so that you are sure to find the perfect one that fits into your budget, no matter what it is!

Best nursery gliders under $150:

Windsor Glider and Ottoman, White and Gray Cushion

At the top of the list of great nursery gliders that promise to not break your budget while also being a quality piece of furniture is the Windsor Glider and Ottoman set.  This is great two for one set because not only are you getting a top rated glider, you are also getting a comfortable foot rest which is a major bonus.  Having an ottoman will heighten your level of comfort greatly.  This is because you not only have a place to kick your feet up if you want to catch some shut eye, you also have several different options when it comes to the position you can nurse or bottle feed your child in.  This is perfect for mothers who are still trying to learn how to properly feed their child and are having a hard time finding a position that is both comfortable enough for parent and child. 

As comfortable as the Windsor Glider and Ottoman set is, it is equally as durable and stylish.  The chair is covered in high quality fabrics that are neutral enough to fit perfectly into any child’s nursery, no matter the gender.  The light gray pattern combined with the stark white wood structure makes this glider not only look modern and stylish but also is guaranteed to brighten up any child’s room.  If you are not crazy about this color choice, have no fear.  There are other patterns to choose from like dark wood structure with the cream colored fabric which offers a little more sophistication.  The cherry wood with beige fabric will make a perfect addition to not only any nursery but will also fit right into any traditionally styled living room.  This is great for parents who are planning on using their glider in a common living space instead of their child’s room.  It is amazing that you get all of these features as well as modern styling all for under $150!  The best way to know whether or not this glider will be the right one for you is to check out what other parents have to say about it.

Pros:

• Great price for such high quality
• Glider is surprisingly comfortable
• Easy to assemble
• Doesn’t squeak and is very quiet
• Glides very smoothly
• Color choices are great
• Offers great back and neck support

Cons:

• Has a weird smell
• Base cracked quickly
• Ottoman isn’t as comfortable the chair is
• Back doesn’t feel sturdy
• Get what you pay for

Stork Craft Hoop Glider and Ottoman Set

The Stork Craft Hoop Glider and Ottoman Set is one of the best nursery gliders under $150 because of all of the extra features that offered at such a reasonable price.  Not only do you get an amazing glider as well as an amazing ottoman, you also get some serious storage.  This traditional looking gliding chair comes fitted with two separate side pockets that are located on either side of the chair.  Not only is this a perfect place to keep children’s books and bottles for quick and easy feedings, it also makes a great addition if you are planning on repurposing the glider to your living space.  These pockets will be a great place to keep remotes and magazines as well as smaller laptops and tablets safely.  This is a great place for parents to keep things to help them stay occupied while trying to put their little ones to sleep! 

The Stork Craft Hoop Glider and Ottoman Set used enclosed ball bearings to ensure a smooth glide while also offering protection for your child because the ball bearings are secured within the mechanism.  This means that you don’t have to worry about harmful choking hazards or your child getting their fingers caught up in the rails.  The cushions that are found on this glider offer amazing back and body support while the softened head rest will give you a comfortable place to lay your head following a late night feeding.  You can kick your feet up and relax because the ottoman that comes with this set is also covered in the same comfort padding.  If there happens to be a spill or a mess you can easy spot clean the cushions and fabric with a little bit of cleaner and warm water and allow them to air dry.  While it may seem like a negative to not be able to remove the fabric for a more proper cleaning, it does spot clean like a dream so you don’t have to worry about staining.  You will also love the standard color combination choices that you get with this glider set too.  From the dark brown wood with cream colored fabric to the cherry wood with beige fabric, you are guaranteed a perfect fit depending on your style preference.  Here are some things that other parents had to say about the Stork Craft Hoop Glider and Ottoman Set.

Pros:

• The glider feels very sturdy
• Perfect for nursing newborns
• Looks sophisticated
• Pretty good for the price
• Cushions feel high quality and are comfortable
• Arm rests are a nice comfortable touch
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Makes too much noise
• Hard to move around
• Base snapped
• Doesn’t feel durable

Best nursery gliders for around $200:

Baby Relax The Mackenzie Microfiber Plush Nursery Rocker Chair

A great mid range nursery glider when it comes to price point and budget is the Baby Relax the Mackenzie Microfiber Plush Nursery Rocker Chair.  This nursery glider is a square style seat which is becoming more and more popular among modern parents.  Also, because of the square design and slim shape, it makes a great addition for any family who is tight on space in either their baby’s nursery or their common living room space.  This is depending on where you plan on placing your nursing glider.  The beautifully upholster chair is covered in high quality gray fabric that gives it some serious style and appeal.  The secret to an ultra smooth glide is in the rails that are located at the base of the chair.  These rails work to push the chair gently back and forth with very little effort which makes it perfect for those late night feedings when you just can seem to find the energy.

Because of the thick padding on the Baby Relax Microfiber Plush Nursery Rocker Chair, there is a great deal of lumbar support.  Not only is this specific type of support perfect for either parent, it is especially important to mothers who are still recovering from child birth and who may still find that their back doesn’t work as well as it use to.  The soft to touch microfiber fabric is easy to clean because it resembles the same fabric that you would find on most couches that families prefer to use because of their stain resistant qualities.  Also because of this, this glider chair will make a perfect addition to any living room because it won’t stick out like a sore thumb.  While this glider does not come with an ottoman, you do get the option to purchase one separately.  The ottoman is made with the same quality as the chair is so you know that you cannot go wrong by adding it on!  Why should you buy it?  Here is what other parents had to say.

Pros:

• Perfect for nursery
• Works great at the price point
• Looks modern and cool
• Took less than 20 minutes to put together
• Extremely comfortable
• Best nursery chair available on the market
• Never stains even with the biggest of messes

Cons:

• Broke quickly, but was replaced
• Needs an ottoman to make it comfortable enough for feeding
• Feels a little bulky

 Naomi Home Deluxe Multiposition Sleigh Glider and Ottoman Set

The Naomi Home Deluxe Sleigh Glider and Ottoman Set is a more traditional sleigh style of chairs that you may be used to seeing.  So why should you choose this one instead of ones that are less expensive?  This particular sleigh glider and ottoman set is proven to be one of the most comfortable while also being durable enough to last you and your family for years to come.  The secret to a great nursing experience is in the fabrics that this chair is made with.  This glider is covered in thick and plush fabrics that are not only luxurious but offer a great deal of comfort through the padding.  Along with a very comfortable body feel, you will also experience a great deal of support because of the high cushioned back.  This is perfect for parents who suffer from back problems or poor posture because of the perfect amount of support and padding.  Not only is the seat padded and comfortable, the arm rests are the most comfortable ones that you will find at this price range.

The one feature that sets the Naomi Home Deluxe Multiposition Sleigh Glider and Ottoman Set apart from others on this list is the brake system.  Having a quick stop option is often times forgotten about when it comes to the safety of the glider you purchase.  This can make all the difference in the world when it comes to a curious toddler exploring with their curious little fingers.  This multiposition brake system works to stabilize the chair in many different positions so you can customize the feeding position and comfort for your little one.  This, with the enclosed ball bearing gliding rails ensures not only the safety of your child but also a smooth and enjoyable gliding motion.  Best off all, when you purchase this glider and ottoman set, you also get all of the tools that are needed to assemble this chair so that you don’t have to worry about looking for certain tools to put it together.  When you purchase this glider and ottoman set, you get three different options when it comes to styling.  The classic medium brown with high quality cream colored fabric will perfectly fit in with any style scheme that may already be existing in your home.  Here is what other parents had to say about this amazing glider set.

Pros:

• Really easy to assemble
• Smoothly glides on any surface
• Looks great in baby’s room
• Fabric feels soft and luxurious
• Worth every penny
• Comfortable on sore backs

Cons:

• Makes squeaking noises
• The base broke upon opening the box
• Weight limit seems low
• Not as comfortable is it looks

Best luxury nursery gliders under $500

Baby Relax Double Rocker

If you are a parent to twins or two smaller children, don’t worry!  You are covered.  The Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker has more than enough room for all of you on one comfortable seat.  This double glider has more than double to seat room that you will find on normal gliders.  This means that parents can easily feed two kids at the same time comfortable without feeling like they are being smothered.  Many parents of two young children, who are still breast or bottle feeding, know the frustration that comes along with trying to feed one child while the other one impatiently waits.  This not only helps you with your sanity but will also help save time.  This is also a great time for the whole family to bond.  The double glider is a square style rocker that is guided by two rails that are located underneath the chair.  These rails guarantee a smooth and comfortable rocking motion which will also help to encourage little ones to fall asleep faster.

While the Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker does not come with an ottoman, there is an option to purchase one separately.  The ottoman, much like the rocker, has an extra wide surface area so that everyone can kick their feet up and relax.  You will love the color options that you get with the glider as well.  You can choose from the safe beige that will make a great addition to any sophisticated space, while the taupe is perfect for any classic room.  Comfort is at the top of the list when it comes to this double glider!  The whole seat and back of this chair is covered in comfort padding which is covered by high quality fabric.  This is fabric is not only soft and comfortable, but is very easy to spot clean.  This is great news because double the child means double the mess!   The Baby Relax brand has built a business around building great nursery furniture that not only functions like it should, but also will fit in with any parent’s sophisticated style, and this rocker is no exception to the rule.  So why is the Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker one of the best nursery gliders?  Here are some reasons why other parents love it so much.

Pros:

• Looks amazing in any room
• Perfect for twins
• Great for family movie nights so both kids can sit on their parent’s lap
• Offers good back support
• Rocks smoothly even on carpet
• Colors are stylish

Cons:

• Poorly constructed
• Hard to put together
• Rails scratch hardwood
• Low weight limit

DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman

The DaVinci Olive Upholstered swivel glider with bonus ottoman makes this list not only for its gliding features but also because it can turn as well.  There is a gentle 360 degree turn motion that comes with this glider that can actually make life a lot easier for you.  This is especially true if you have a smaller space for a nursery.  Because of the square styling of their chair, you can easily place it the corner of your child’s nursery.  Whenever you are ready to transfer your baby from the glider to their crib, all you simply have to do is gently turn in the chair to reach your destination quicker.  This not only gives you more options when it comes to where to place your glider chair, but also is great for fussy babies.  This way you can gently put your child to bed without disturbing them by having to climb over clunky furniture.  A nice little addition that comes with this glider set is the lumber support pillow.  This is a nice touch because not only does it offer great back support for parents, but is can even double up as a pillow for when you need to drift to sleep right in the chair. 

The fabric on the DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider is made from high quality materials that offer a certain level of comfort and durability.  You will love the stark gray color that has contrasting piping details that add an excellent level of sophistication and style.  This glider also comes with a bonus ottoman what will heighten your nursing experience.  Between the ottoman and the extra lumbar pillow, parents now have the perfect place to take a nap when those night feedings become a little too regular and you need a quick place to crash.  The metal base is unlike other gliders, because most gliders feature wood rails.  This metal base now only allows you to turn on a dime but also offers major stability and structure so you know that you and your little one will be supported.  If are awards and certifications are your thing, it is good to know that this glider set was the winner of many parenting awards as well as has been recommended highly to nursing mothers from pediatricians.  Here are some reasons why other parents love the DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider.

Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Feels well made
• High and firm back support
• Great for taller parents
• Perfecting for breastfeeding

Cons:

• Color is different from picture
• Seat angle seems too sharp
• Doesn’t rock as smoothly as expected

Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner

The last of the luxury top of the line nursery gliders is the Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner.  This is one of the best nursery gliders because there is no need for an extra ottoman, because the foot rest is built right in!  Working much like a regular recliner, all you need to do is pull a level and the foot rest pops out from underneath the chair.  This not only offers a great deal of comfort and relaxation, it also is absolutely perfect for families who live in tight spaces.  The number one concern from families who live in smaller houses and apartments is that they want an ottoman for the comfort, but do not want to have any extra bulk or clutter.  By leaving the ottoman out of the equation and making the footrest hidden when not in use, Baby Relax has solved this problem with great style.  Unlike a traditional recliner, however, this one still glides like you would expect a nursery glider to do.  This is because of the round metal base that is located at the bottom of the chair.  Not only does this base allow you to glide back and forth, but also lets you swivel and rotate up to 30 degrees.  This chair combines all of the best features from the other gliders on this list into one.

When it comes to style and sophistication, the Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner cannot be beat.  The sharp gray is perfect contrasted by the solid white piping.  A nice little touch is in the button back detailing.  This is one of those little features that helps set this glider apart and in a category of its own.  Because of the neutral cool styling, you can easily dress up this chair with colorful throw blankets and pillows to give it your own personal touch.  This also helps to make this gilding recliner perfect for any room in your home.  This gliding recliner has been a fast favorite among the parenting community because it is perfect for people who are tired of being boxed into one style and who want something just a little bit different from the rest.  This chair is perfect for everything from nursing, reading to even those late night snuggles.  Why should you buy it?  Here are some reasons why other parents have left rave reviews for the Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner.

Pros:

• Absolutely worth the price
• Feels high quality and durable
• Pictures do not do it justice
• Rocks like a dream
• Love the 360 turning action
• Perfect for feedings
• Great back and body support

Cons:

• Angle seems too sharp
• Hard to get out of
• Feels heavy and bulky
• Hard to move from room to room
• Difficult to assemble

Final Thoughts

When you purchase one of the best nursery gliders for your baby’s room, you are not only buying another piece of furniture, you are buying an experience.  Not only will this chair be the place where you feed your child, it will be where you bond and connect with them.  Luckily for you, you don’t have to over pay for this experience.  Finding one that fits perfectly into your budget is the best way to know that you have found the right one for you and your home.  Good luck!