Top 10 Best Glider For Small Nursery (BUYING GUIDE 2024)
The best gliders allow you to rock back and forth as if you were on a conventional rocking chair. However, gliders have a number of benefits over traditional rocking chairs.
This makes them much safer than rocking chairs for both parents and children. And that makes gliders the first choice for new parents.
Let’s learn more about gliders before we provide tips on how to find the best glider for small nursery.
What Is A Glider?
Gliders can have a large footprint or a small one. If you’re struggling to find your way to a glider or rocker to rock a baby to sleep after changing their diaper in the middle of the night, you don’t want to trip over extended legs.
The perfect small glider for nursery has enough space for you and the baby without taking up a lot of space. The best gliders for your child’s nursery have a smooth back and forth motion, and they’re as silent as possible.
The ideal glider has a matching footrest, though whether you want a stationary or rocking foot rest is a matter of personal opinion. The color, pattern and padding on the glider you choose is also dependent on your personal preferences.
What Are The Different Types Of Nursing Chairs?
There are three types of nursing chairs to choose from namely Rocker, Glider, and Recliner. These chairs offer different pros and cons.
However, a glider makes the best nursing chair for its more effortless and quieter gliding movements.
Key Features To Consider When Purchase A Perfect Glider?
1. Size
Nursery gliders come in different dimensions and sizes. While it seems that the best size for a small nursery is a relatively small glider, it is not always the case.
First, you should take into consideration the seating space for your comfort. Find a glider that can support your size. Commonly, there are average-sized gliders and plus-sized gliders. If you have another toddler to sit with you or you plan to add a pillow for added comfort, I suggest going for the plus-sized glider.
Second, measure how much nursery space you are willing to take up for a glider. Gliders take lesser space compared to a rocking chair so it’s the best choice for a nursing chair in a small room.
2. Height
Just like size, gliders come in varying heights as well. If you are on the small side, you can opt for a glider as high as 29″. Tall parents can choose a glider that is over 42.5″ high.
On top of these measurements, the best indicators to look for to find the most appropriate glider height for you are the following.
- There should be enough space for your head to rest on
- Your feet should reach the ground firmly and comfortably
Some gliders may come with an ottoman or footrest, but if the nursery is small, I do not recommend leaving the ottoman out 24/7. You can move it to another room when not in use or you can simply choose a glider chair without an ottoman.
3. Comfort
Comfort is one of the primary things that you should look for in a glider as you’ll have to sit on it most of the time for cradling and feeding your baby.
To find the best comfortable glider for you, here are the things to consider:
Soft padding and plush for back support.
The more padded a glider is the higher the comfort. For wooden structured gliders, it is best to have a thick padded seat and back.
Padded armrest
You’ll have to use your arms a lot for holding your baby. The pressure on your arm could get more intense the longer you hold your baby.
The padded armrest supports your arm comfortably and lets you have a better positioning when nursing.
A good position results in a good and effective latch.
Footrest
Although it may take up some space in a small nursery, having an ottoman or footrest may contribute to superb comfort for the parents especially for the parent whose legs are on the shorter side.
An elevated feet takes away the discomfort and pressure on your lower back and can help you sit more comfortably.
4. Materials
Just like other cushioned chairs. Glider chairs are mostly made of cushions and wooden frames.
The wooden frame material is very ideal as it is sturdy and can support even the weights that are on the heavy side. With proper care, it can also last a long time.
Moreover, I recommend opting for a glider with metal-enclosed bearings and durable steel for smooth gliding and the elimination of possible squeaking problems in the future.
5. Durability
It is always wise to invest in durable furniture that is functional and lasts long. For a nursery glider, you need to find one that can support your weight.
Safety is a top consideration in nursing a baby so take note of the material used in the framework of the glider is durable.
Wood and steel are the best materials for durability.
6. Fabric
The quality of the fabric of a glider can affect your level of comfort.
For glider fabric, I recommend microfiber which is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and durable. Leather-like fabrics are also wise options as they can easily be cleaned by wiping.
If you want to choose other fabrics, here are some key points to choose the most comfortable fabric for you:
- Soft
- Medium thickness
- Double brushed
- Fade-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable
7. Seat
Essentially, you’ll need a chair that provides you with enough seating space to move freely and change positions.
The seat should have appropriate depth and width to offer superb comfort for you.
Seat depth
If your legs are on the longer side, I suggest opting for a glider with a 19″ to 20″ seat depth. This depth can easily accommodate your legs and make sure that your back can rest comfortably.
For the parent whose legs are on the shorter side, opt for a seat depth that is lower than 19″ or add a lumbar support pillow.
Seat width
Opt for a glider with at least 18″ to 19″ wide which is an ideal measurement to provide you with adequate space with your baby as they grow to toddler.
This will allow you to use the glider for a longer time.
8. Price
As you must have figured out by now, nursery gliders cost more compared to rocking chairs. A nursery glider’s cost ranges from $50 to $700 depending on the quality.
If you are a new parent, I suggest opting for a glider chair that is between $150 to $300. This cost can allow you to buy a functional and good-quality chair like the Delta Children Kenwood Nursery Glider.
9. Gliding motion
The gliding motion of the nursery glider doesn’t just make nursing more comfortable and effortless for the parent, this also helps soothe the baby.
The soothing back and forth movements of the gilders simulate the womb and help babies fall asleep. It is best to test the gliding motion of the glider first and make sure that it fluidly slides back and forth without much effort.
10. Locking system
Another safety feature that you should look for in a glider is a lock system. Gliders are known to cause mishaps of pinching fingers because of their free-moving base.
To prevent any accidents, I recommend choosing a glider that has a stop-lock mechanism that prevents glider movements when not in use.
Despite having a reliable lock system, the best safety measure is to never let your child crawl around the glider.
11. How easy to clean?
Cleaning a glider could be a tedious job but with the right materials, the cleaning job could get easier.
Detachable and washable cushions are the easiest to clean. It is also a smart choice if they are stain repellant as handling a child in could get messy sometimes.
Microfiber and leather-like cushions are always the top choices for easy to clean fabrics.
Top 10 Best Glider For Small Nursery Reviews
Let’s look at some of the perfect gliders on the market today.
01. Angel Line Brand Monterey Glider and Ottoman
The metal bearings are enclosed. This gives you a smooth gliding motion while minimizing the potential for pinched fingers. It also prevents dust and minimizes rust, things that can make the unit squeak and creak after a few months of regular use.
It has ample padding on all sides. One point in its favor are the extra pockets that let you store things on the glider. You can take the cover off and wash it, too. The distance from the top of the seat to the top of the chair back is 29 inches.
With the three inch thick cushion in place, this puts the top of the chair in the middle of your back. This is ergonomic, but it won’t let you fall asleep in the chair.
A perfect glider that provides the easy rocker
The rocker is easy to put together, and that’s rare in gliders. It looks like the best glider recliner for small nursery. While the glider is affordable, it isn’t durable.
If you put too much weight on the arms, they could break. And you can’t really reattach it. The back joints can come loose, too. When that happens, it will become noisy.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Wide seating room
- Padded arms for comfort
- Convenient storage pockets to keep books and other essential baby items
- Enclosed metal bearings that allow a smooth gliding motion
- Removable chair cushions for easy cleaning and maintaining
- Spot cleanable seat, back, arms, and ottoman cushion
- Solid wood frame for stability
- Comes with a dependable ottoman
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Ample padding
- Build-in pockets
- Washable
Cons
- Not durable
02. Storkcraft Brand Tuscany Glider and Ottoman
This glider by Storkcraft comes with a lumbar pillow as well as an ottoman. It is offered in more than a dozen color combinations.
We’re recommending the grey and black combination, since this hides most stains. Not every glider comes with a matching ottoman; this one does.
Better yet, the ottoman can rock along with the best glider for small nursery. The unit is easy to assemble. This is true for both the glider and the ottoman.
On the other hand, its durability is what you’d expect for the low price. You can reduce the risk of the arm rests or back from coming off by tightly attaching everything. You can reinforce it with glue, too.
The cushion covers are microfiber. This means you can clean them without having to remove the covers and throw them in the washing machine.
You cannot easily get the covers off in order to wash them separately.
More glider features
The glider is advertised as being roughly 30 inches by 30 inches, but that is the size of the box. Once assembled, it has a 19 inch seat width. That’s enough for most adults. Its seat depth is 20 inches.
The chair width is 27 inches, when you take the outside dimensions of the arms into account. This unit has a minimal footprint while having space for mother and child, assuming you’re not over a size 16.
Is there any downside?
It wears down quickly. That means it starts making noise every time you rock, sometimes within two months of its purchase. Making things worse, it will soon start to catch, and that interrupts the smooth gliding motion.
This is more of a problem with the glider than the ottoman. The cushions are attractive, but they’re thin. This can make it uncomfortable to sit on the glider for long periods of time. The lumbar pillow doesn’t make up for that fact.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Comes with a matching lumbar support pillow and a rocking ottoman
- Can support up to 250 lbs. of weight
- Metal enclosed ball bearings for a smooth glide motion
- Wide seating room
- Padded polyester blend filled arm cushions for extra comfort
- Designed with pockets to store essential baby items
- Easy to assemble
- Spot cleanable back and seat cushions
Pros
- Comes with rocking ottoman
- Small footprint
Cons
- Wear and tear can prevent it from gliding or rocking smoothly
- Thin seat cushions
03. Naomi Home Brisbane Glider and Ottoman Set
Why It Stands Out to Us
Naomi Home is the best glider brand for a small nursery. It has one of the most affordable ottoman and glider sets on the market.
We’re recommending the dark brown padding on a black wooden frame, because it resembles a leather seat without the associated cost.
It gets points for being easy to assembly. You get both a glider and an ottoman. Not all gliders come with a free ottoman. The ottoman can rock along with the glider.
Our Experience with It
This ottoman does require tools to assemble, but the manufacturer provides these. The dark brown and black frame hides minor stains, but the material itself resists stains.
Note that you need to spot clean it to remove the stains. The cushions themselves may slide around a little. Sometimes you get the quality you pay for.
This glider is not as strong as the others on our list. If you lean too far and too hard or if you exceed the weight limit, the back can break off. That’s arguably worse than the arms coming off, because it can cause you to fall on your back.
The bolts start to come loose after three to six months of regular use, and they can come out unless you tighten them again. While it glides smoothly, it may wobble side to side. It isn’t as stable as it could be.
You get cushions for the chair and ottoman, though they aren’t as thick as they could be. There is relatively little support. You may want to get a lumbar cushion to supplement them or buy brand new cushions.
You may want to buy separate arm wraps to add padding to the arms; these are available from the manufacturer.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Solid wooden frame that makes glider and ottoman durable and long-lasting
- Enclosed ball bearings for smooth gliding and rocking
- Wide seating room
- Relatively thick cushions and upholstery for comfort
- Convenient pockets for books and essential baby accessories
- Matching ottoman that can rock along with the glider’s motion
- Made with spot cleanable material
Pros
- Affordable
- Stain resistant
Cons
- Not strong
- May wobble
04. DaVinci Upholstered Swivel Glider with Ottoman
Why It Stands Out to Us
This is the first glider on our list that is designed to resemble modern furniture instead of a classic rocking chair. The upholstery covers the arms, the body of the chair and the entire ottoman.
This means it won’t look out of place in your living room next to the best glider recliner for small nursery. And it hides the moving components from view as well as the reach of little fingers.
Our Experience with It
This is the first swivel glider to make our list. That means you can turn in any direction while sitting in the chair. That can be a point in its favor if you want to be able to sit facing the TV or the window while rocking your child.
It can swivel a full 305 degrees. This glider is Greenguard Gold certified. That means that the material used doesn’t contain toxic chemicals. It certainly won’t emit volatile organic chemicals into your child’s bedroom.
There’s no nasty smell from vinyl upholstery or memory foam padding. The seat area is similar in size to other gliders on our list. It has a much higher head rest than other rockers we’ve reviewed.
You can lean back in it, and you’ll have support for your neck. The unit generally comes assembled. That’s pretty convenient. Some of the gliders on our list require extensive assembly.
What We Didn’t Like
It looks great, but it starts to fall apart after a few months. It may just start squeaking after a few months.
Sometimes it starts making noise almost immediately, and that is certain to happen if something is out of alignment. Or the support beams may break. And there isn’t a way to fix it.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Swivel base that allows parents to turn in any direction while sitting in the chair
- 360 degrees smooth swivel motion that allows forward and backward gliding
- Greenguard Gold certified ensuring that the product does not contain toxic materials
- High back feature to provide more room for parents to lean back and rest
- Comes with an ottoman and lumbar pillow
- Chemical flame retardants free upholstery
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Formaldehyde free
- Meets all CA TB117-2013 flammability requirements
Pros
- Looks like any other upholstered furniture
- Swivels 360 degrees
Cons
- Becomes noisy within a few months
05. Baby Relax Brand Mikayla Upholstered Swivel Gliding Recliner
Why It Stands Out to Us
This is another upholstered glider that looks like a classic recliner. It can blend in with the average living room or sit safely in the corner of your nursery.
Your child can’t reach the springs or other moving parts. However, there’s more to this glider than that. This glider is heavier than most at 90 pounds.
On the other hand, it has a maximum load of 225 pounds, making it one of the best glider for small nursery and bedroom spaces for heavier adults.
Our Experience with It
It can rock smoothly, and it can turn almost 360 degrees. It is easy to sit down on and get up form. It is available in white, cream, brown and grey.
We’re recommending the dark brown fabric with the white piping. It is stylish and blends in with almost any décor. It requires minimal assembly. The glider does not come with the few tools required to assemble it.
This chair’s structure is not strong. It will fall apart within a year if you’re using it regularly. More importantly, the back can detach from the structure, and that creates a fall hazard.
In other cases, the metal frame cracks while you’re rocking. If it starts making a lot of noise when rocking or seems to bend, get rid of it.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Enclosed ball bearing mechanism for smooth rotating swivel and gliding motion
- Sturdy and long-lasting construction
- Spring core foam filled seat
- Minimal assembly needed
- Easy to clean upholstery
- Comfortable track arm design to rest parent’s arms
- White button tufting detail on the backrest
- 3 functional positions letting parents swivel, glide, and recline
Pros
- High weight limit
- All moving components covered
Cons
- Not strong or durable
06. Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
Why It Stands Out to Us
This is another Storkcraft brand rocker that made our list of best small glider for nursery buyers. It has an open wood frame, exposing the rocker’s moving components.
This gives you access to them if they need to be oiled. It also reduces the weight of the glider if you need to move it. You get both the “hoop” style glider and an ottoman or foot rest.
Our Experience with It
It is a more basic design than the first Storkcraft glider on our list, though it shares amenities like large pockets on the side of the rocker’s arms.
It is actually stronger than most other gliders on our list. It has a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds. It will last at least a year with heavy usage.
What We Didn’t Like
Quality control can be an issue with this product line. It sometimes ships missing bearings. Then it may not rock smoothly or may not rock at all.
The bearings themselves are not serviceable. They’re stamped into the axle. The most you can do is add lubricant and hope that helps reduce noise and friction.
Some assembly is required. The poor quality control may mean that the parts you get don’t fit together, parts like snaps are missing, or it will otherwise require more work to assemble.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Made with 100% polyester that is spot cleanable
- Wide seating room
- Comfortable padded arm cushions
- Convenient storage pockets for different baby essentials
- Closed metal ball bearings for a smooth and calm gliding motion
- Comes with an ottoman that goes along with the gliding motion of the glider
- Available in a number of child-safe and non-toxic cushion and base colors
Pros
- High weight limit
- Comes with an ottoman
Cons
- Poor quality control
- Requires assembly, which may be difficult
07. Babyletto Brand Madison Swivel Glider in Blush Pink Velvet
Why It Stands Out to Us
This glider looks more like a relaxing living room chair than a rocking chair, though it both rocks/glides and swivels 360 degrees. You only get the glider when you buy this unit.
However, it has some unique features that make it worthwhile. The glider’s appearance is meant to mimic 1950s furniture. Whether this is a plus or a minus depends on your personal preferences.
Our Experience with It
Unlike some other gliders on this list, there are no pockets on the arms. However, the arms are automatically and completely padded. One benefit of the rounded glider design is that it can fit in a small corner and allows 360 degree rotation.
This is one of the best gliders for those dealing with a small nursery. This is a high quality glider. For example, it is hand-upholstered in velvet. That gives it a touch of luxury.
This glider is Greenguard Gold certified. That means that it meets incredibly strict environmental standards. It doesn’t include any toxic materials. It is unusually for meeting next-generation flammability protection ratings.
What We Didn’t Like
This glider glides smoothly, but it does not do so quietly. It will squeak or otherwise make noise when you try to rock. The issue will get worse as screws come loose, and they will eventually fall out.
The chair’s design makes those hard to replace. Do not rock it hard, or the support may bend or break. The chair is rather small. It is not going to hold a large adult, much less with a child in their arms. It can hold a child, teenager, or small woman.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Compact and space-saving design perfect for extra small nurseries
- Smooth gliding 360 degrees swivel metal base
- No assembly required
- Greenguard Gold Certified ensuring that this product is toxic-free and environment safe
- Comfortable soft velvet fabric
- The foam used complies with all CA TB117-2013 flammability requirements
- CertiPUR-US certified ensuring that the foam is free from PBDE or Tris flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and CFCs
- Made with FSC certified wood that are from responsibly managed forests
- Eye-catching versatile modern design
Pros
- Great for small spaces
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Noisy
- Small
08. Babyletto Kiwi Power Recliner and Swivel Glider
Why It Stands Out to Us
This swivel glider made our list because it is one of the few that also works as a power recliner. You can push a button to recline the chair back a certain amount, and it will stay at that angle.
Our Experience with It
This is a glider and a power recliner in one. You can rock, swivel 270 degrees and lean back in it. You can use the same powered system to lift you up.
That can make it easier to nurse your child or get up out of the chair. Another point in its favor is the USB port. This allows you to charge or run your phone, your tablet or other gadget while sitting in the chair.
Listen to music, watch a movie or read an eBook with the baby. This chair is Greenguard Gold certified. That is the premier environmental safety standard.
It also meets and exceeds industry standards for flammability. It can fit tall and heavy adults. That’s better than a lot of the gliders on this list that would break if Dad sat on it.
What We Didn’t Like
The powered systems increase the price of this glider. A different issue is the questionable quality of the electrical systems. For example, the motor may burn out after a few months.
Now you can’t recline in the seat, or you may not be able to raise it up. Or the USB port you’re using to power your cell phone is dead. That’s despite the fact that this is why you bought the powered recliner / glider in the first place.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Modern wingback style recliner with hidden push-button control panel for easy utilization
- Features a USB charging port
- Smooth and quiet reclining mechanism that allows user to lower the headrest and raise the footrest easily
- Can function as a glider and power recliner
- 270 degrees rock and swivel mechanism and glides back and forth in a smooth upright position
- Hand crafted to ensure quality
- Chemical retardants free materials
- Meets all CATB117-2013 flammability requirements
Pros
- You can safely recline in it
- USB port built into it like other best small gliders
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Advanced features may be buggy
09. Delta Children Blair Slim Nursery Glider
Why It Stands Out to Us
This is the second Delta Children glider to make our list. This one has a basic, recliner-like design. It lacks some of the same finer detail, but you also pay less for it than comparable recliner / rockers.
Our Experience with It
We’re recommending the charcoal grey model, though it is available in lighter colors, as well. It has a roughly 20 inch by 20 inch seat. It comes with a five inch thick seat cushion.
More importantly, the arm rests are thickly padded. That’s useful when you’re trying to hold a nursing baby. In fact, the entire chair is very comfortable.
The fabric is easy to clean. Better yet, you can remove the cushion and to spot clean it. We don’t recommend running it through the washing machine.
This swivel glider can turn a full 360 degrees. Conventional gliders can’t rotate, only rock.
What We Didn’t Like
We mentioned the relatively large seat and thick seat cushion. One downside of this chair is how low that seat is to the ground. The chair itself is roughly three feet tall, but the seat is barely a foot off the ground plus the cushion.
If you’re very tall, this chair is uncomfortable to sit in unless you’re putting your feet on the ottoman. This glider / rocking chair is sold separately form the Delta Children brand gliding ottoman.
However, that’s not unique to this glider. One issue with the glider is that it creaks, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The squeaking will get worse with use of the glider.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Low noise operation to give the baby a good night’s sleep
- Gentle glide motion with 360-degree smooth swivel action
- Sturdy wooden frame for maximum support
- Durable steel mechanisms that provide soothing and quiet movements
- Thickly padded armrest for comfort
- Made with strong woven fabric
- Removable cushion for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Spot cleanable cushions and paddings
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Too low for half the potential users
10. Davinci Brand Ruby Recliner and Swivel Glider
Why It Stands Out to Us
This cream colored recliner / glider looks like any other mid-grade recliner. However, it can rotate a full 360 degrees. You can recline in it like a traditional recliner, too, holding you at a given angle.
Then you don’t have to strain your legs to stay tilted back while nursing the baby. That makes it one of the best glider for a small nursery, if you’re breastfeeding.
Our Experience with It
This is another Greenguard Gold Certified glider. That’s almost reason enough to include it on our list. That label means it doesn’t include toxic chemicals. We’ve already mentioned that you can swivel, rock and recline in it.
One point in favor of this model is that you don’t have to work hard to open the leg rest. The back of the chair is high enough to serve as a head rest, too.
What We Didn’t Like
The vinyl material does not resist stains as well as other gliders on our list. The cream color actually makes those stains stand out.
The chair periodically makes noise when you rock. The problem often appears after just a few weeks of heavy use. However, this doesn’t affect all chairs.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Greenguard Gold Certified which proves that the product has low chemicals emission
- Metal base that allows for a stable, smooth, and gentle 360-degree swivel motion and forward and backward gliding
- Can function as a recliner and swivel glider
- Features a leg rest for added comfort
- Comes with a lumbar pillow for lower back support
- Wide seating room
- Chemical flame retardants free upholstery
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Formaldehyde free
- Meets all TB117-2013 flammability requirements
Pros
- Recliner as well as rocker
- Comfortable
Cons
- Doesn’t resist stains
FAQs Regarding Gliders For Small Nursery
Question: Do gliders have engines?
Conventional gliders don’t have an engine. However, more modern and expensive gliders could come with engines.
A motorized glider provides support and control of the body’s position to avoid pressure points. It is also adjustable to many angles so you can nurse your baby in the most comfortable position for you.
Question: What is the difference between rocking and gliding?
They are both soothing movements for the child but they are different when it comes to the intensity of motion.
Rocking could get intense while moving to and fro or from side to side while gliding is more relaxed and offers consistent and smooth back and forth motion.
Question: How far does a glider need to be from the wall?
Preferably, the glider should be placed 18″ away from the wall. This distance gives you enough room to move back and forth with no possibility of hitting the wall.
Question: How much room do you need for a glider?
The room depends on the size of the glider you have. It takes up space on its front and back. I recommend allotting at least 18″ away from anything at the back and front.
Question: How much is a glider rocker worth?
Nursing gliders can cost up to $700. For bigger upholstered glider rockers with leather or fabric, the cost ranges between $1000 to $1700.
Question: What companies make gliders?
Here are some companies that produce the most recommended nursing gliders.
Final Verdict
The best glider for your nursery will fit your body as well as the corner of the room you want to locate it in. The features and amenities you’d like in a glider will depend on your preferences and your needs.
But you’ll probably find the right glider for your new nursery on our list.
