Parents, Designers And Sleep Experts Pick The 10 Best Nursery Gliders

Materials: Wood frame, recycled yarn, polyester, foam cushions | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: Greenguard Gold-certified, CertiPUR-US-certified, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified | Key features: Stain-resistant, USB port, reclines, glides

Pros:

• Reclines, swivels and glides
• Charging port
• Sustainably made
• Stain-resistant and waterproof

Cons:

• Limited colors
• Some reviewers say it’s too reclined, even when upright

When it came time to select the best nursery glider, there was no competition. Of all the parents we spoke with, a majority named the Babyletto Kiwi Glider as their absolute favorite. It reclines with the touch of a button, glides and swivels effortlessly and includes a charging port to keep your pump and phone fully operational. It’s also Greenguard Gold-certified and uses FSC-certified wood for the frame, and has eco-performance fabric, so you know it’s sustainably crafted and free of harsh chemicals.

What the parents say: “I can’t get over how convenient the charging port is—prior to having a baby, I would never have understood just how many hours I’d spend sitting in this thing,” reports deputy editor and new mom Rebekah Lowin, who uses the Kiwi. “I also love the auto-recline button. In those sleep-deprived first months, it made feedings so much more relaxing. Oh, and the performance fabric really does come in handy: I’ve been able to clean spills in seconds. It’s clearly just a well-made chair; the whole thing, from the frame to the fabric and filling, feels heavy duty, sturdy and reliable.” “We have this one, and it’s the best,” says parent Stephanie, and mom Alani echoes the sentiment and also “high recommends this” pick. 

Materials: Wood veneer, polyester fabric | Type of movement: Rock | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: None | Key features: 10+ color options, optional ottoman available

Pros:

• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Minimalist design

Cons:

• No recline or glide
• No padded armrests 
• 242-pound weight limit

The well-known Ikea chair is an affordable alternative to the typical nursery glider. We love that the small footprint means it can fit in the tightest of nursery spots and, unlike some of the bigger, more prominent gliders, this one is easy to relocate to a living room or home office once its time in the baby nursery is done. Several reviewers mention that the chair’s narrow frame is perfect for small rooms or people with petite frames; others point out that the high back is nice for taller people to still feel supported. We like that there’s an optional ottoman to add to it (a footrest is truly a must when feeding or hanging out with little ones in the chair), and the Poang chair is available in 10+ colorways, so it’s easy to match nursery decor. The chair doesn’t scream nursery, and the arms are lacking padding, which may be a dealbreaker for some but can be remedied by using a pillow. 

What the parents say: Mom Helen shares, “I used the regular Poang through both my kids and found it provided enough bounce for me. And the arms were just the right height for feeding with a pillow.” Another parent shares that “We used the Ikea Poang (not the rocking version). Both my husband and I are tall, so a high back was essential. It “rocks,” in that you can kinda bounce it with your legs if needed, but it was what fit in our teeny space.” 

Materials: Plywood and pine frame, polyester-wrapped cushions | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: Greenguard Gold-certified | Key features: 3 manual reclining options or power recline

Pros:

• Three recline levels, swivels and rocks
• USB port
• Plenty of fabric options

Cons:

• Most fabric options take 10-plus weeks to ship

If you’re looking for something elevated and traditional that reclines at the touch of a button and has a built-in footrest, the Charleston is for you. This glider recliner is specifically designed for use in a nursery, so you can maneuver in it while holding a baby. For example, the chair locks in place while in recline mode. It’s crafted with longevity in mind to prevent sagging, wood splintering and stains. It also negates the need for an additional ottoman, which allows for more space.

What the parents say: Carlene Forkel, a teacher and mom to a 2-year-old, called this glider “expensive, but so chic and worth the splurge.” She went on to say, “I like that it rocks, swivels and reclines.” While it doesn’t get as much use now that her son is a toddler, she “will keep it for baby number two” because of the quality. Her one hang-up with the chair: “The white has gotten dirty, so I need a good performance fabric cleaner.”

Materials: FSC-certified Birchwood, poplar plywood, polyester, nylon | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: FSC-certified wood | Key features: Reclines almost flat, adjustable headrest, power recline, performance fabric

Pros:

• Built-in USB port
• Adjustable headrest
• Stain-resistant fabric

Cons:

• Add-on options increase the price
• Light assembly required

The Glider from Nurture& is meant to do it all. The chair reclines to an almost flat position so that you can lie down if you need to, which comes in handy in the middle of the night. The adjustable footrest and headrest are a rare addition, and yet they feel so necessary to avoid any extra strain. The fabric is stain-resistant and easy to clean, and you can choose upgrades like a matching pillow and a storage ottoman if need be. Further customize your pick by choosing from The Glider (it reclines and glides), The Glider Plus (it reclines, swivels and glides) or the Swivel Glider (it swivels only).

What our editors say: According to senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, who’s expecting her second baby, “The electric controls on this chair are a game-changer. The recliner I purchased for my first baby is manual, and bringing it back to its upright position takes some force—not ideal when you have a sleeping baby (or now, toddler) in your arms. Nurture&’s control settings aren’t just smooth, but they also allow for comfortable positioning with headrest and lumbar-support adjustments. And this is in addition to its recline, which you can set to any angle. The firmness of this chair is also comfortably supportive, and I’m so excited to use it with our newest addition.”

Materials: Wood, steel, spring coil and foam cushions, recycled yarn, polyester| Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold-certified, FSC-certified wood, CertiPUR-US certified | Key features: Extra-wide seat, performance fabrics, environmental and safety certifications

Pros:

• Extra wide 35-inch seat
• Water- and stain-resistant fabric
• Sustainably sourced

Cons:

• Doesn’t recline
• Backrest is not high enough for some

The top pick in our roundup of the best nursing chairs for twins, the Babyletto Tuba offers a roomy 35-inch seat for maximum comfort and space. For reference, it’s 6 inches wider than the aforementioned Babyletto Kiwi, meaning there’s plenty of cuddle room for two. While the Tuba doesn’t offer recline or power functions, the wide armrests provide adequate support for dual nursing (and are cushy enough to accommodate you, a toddler and a baby if need be). The textured fabric is stylish and stain-resistant, plus the chair’s eco-conscious credentials are clear: In addition to various green and forest-friendly certifications, the performance upholstery is made with recycled plastic bottles.

What the reviews say: Reviewers love the extra-wide construction of this chair. One reports, “The width is great for people who like to have pillows and blankets with them, and the material is super high quality. While some people [say] the backrest [isn’t] high enough, I’m 5 foot 5 and feel like it’s a good height for me to lay my head back.” Another mom shares: “We’re having twins, and I’m confident I will be able to rock at the same time comfortably with all the extra space.”

Materials: Polyester, plywood, rubber wood base | Type of movement: Swivel | Recliner: Yes | USB port: Yes | Certifications: Greenguard Gold-certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certified wood | Key features: Multi-position power recline, swivels 270 degrees

Pros:

• Beautiful craftsmanship and design
• Extra-wide seat
• Reclines and swivels

Cons:

• Fabric