When it comes to preparing your nursery for the arrival of your little one, two of the most popular items people first think of is the baby crib and changing table.
But hey, don't forget about yourself, too! You'll need somewhere to sit at while you take care of baby, while you nurse, or when you rock your newborn to sleep, wouldn't you?
Before you think that any chair will do, ladies, treat yourself to a comfortable rocking chair in your nursery. Most people call it a glider and let us tell you, it makes all the difference!
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Top 10 Best Gliders for Nursery Review
We'll now look in detail the best rockers for nursery that are available in the market.
They are not in chronological order, rather, they are distinguished in categories we think they best fit in.
Best Nursing Chair
Graco Sterling Glider and Nursing Ottoman
If your primary use of a glider is to nurse your little one, then the Graco Sterling Glider and Nursing Ottoman is an excellent option for you.
This one here has a pull-out nursing stool unlike other, with both chair and ottoman gliding smoothly in tandem to give you ultimate comfort while you nurse. Read more here...
Best Upholstered Glider
DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider
If you're not a fan of the semi-upholstered look that is of the Graco Sterling, perhaps the DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider will be more of your cup of tea.
Regarded by many to be the best upholstered glider for nursery, this baby glider here swivels 360 degree in addition to gliding forward and backwards. Find out more here...
Best All-in-One Glider
Naomi Home Odelia Swivel Glider Rocker
If there is ever one nursery glider that does it all, the closest that will be is the Naomi Home Odelia Swivel Glider Rocker.
This one here glides, swivels and rocks.
Yup, this high back glider rocker is probably one of men's best invention. Regarded as one of the best rocking chair for breastfeeding, continue reading here...
Best Swivel Glider
Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Glider Recliner
Resembling the Naomi Home Odelia in many ways, the Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Glider Recliner is another glider option that reclines, swivels and glides.
What's different, is that this has a smaller footprint.
If your baby will only fall asleep if they sleep on you, oh boy, does a reclining glider make all the difference. Find out more...
Best Glider for Small Nursery
Delta Children Kenwood Glider Swivel Rocker
For many, the reason of not getting a glider is because they do not have enough space at their nursery/room.
Thinking any chair will do, they lose out so much enjoyment that a glider brings.
Not anymore, if you know the existence of the Delta Children Kenwood Glider Swivel Rocker. This, is the best glider for small space. Read more here...
Best Glider for Bad Backs
DaVinci Ruby Recliner & Swivel Glider
It takes a lot for one to be claimed as the "best glider for bad backs", but we think the DaVinci Ruby Recliner and Swivel Glider is every bit deserving of that title.
Having all back pain alleviating features known to mankind, this is hands down the most comfortable glider recliner in the market for those suffering from bad backs. Read more here...
Best Glider & Ottoman Set
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider & Ottoman
At a glance, the Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider & Ottoman looks very similar to the Graco Sterling.
Yes they do, given they are both from the same company. However, this one here is equipped with storage pockets.
Not just that, but it can rock as well. Which is why if you're looking for the best glider and ottoman set, this is probably the one that has the most well-rounded features ever. Read more here...
Best Modern Design Glider
Delta Children Skylar Nursery Glider
For a less in-your-face kind of glider chair, the Delta Children Skylar Nursery Glider is a very good option to consider.
At a glance, you probably cannot even tell that it is a glider chair, what's with its contemporary and modern design.
This is another small rocking chair for nursery to consider if you do not fancy the Kenwood. Similarly, this one here rocks, glides and swivels as well. Read more here...
Best Affordable Glider for Nursery
Windsor Glider & Ottoman
So what if space is not what's limiting but instead, you have a tight budget to play around with?
Don't worry, we've got you covered with the Windsor Glider and Ottoman.
This is the best affordable rocking chair for nursery we can find in the market, by far being the least expensive option that won't break your bank and one that is not in inferior condition. Read more here...
Best Glider for Plus Sizes
Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker
Last but not least, we have the best glider for plus size.
This is the Baby Relax Hadley Double Rocker, a glider chair that is 1.5 times bigger its seating area than the average standard rocker.
The Baby Relax Hadley's generous seating cushion makes it ideal not just for the bigger in size but for those who simply want ample comfortable seating space. Find out more here...
Why Getting A Glider Is The Best Thing You Can Do for Yourself
Comfort.
Comfort in terms of breastfeeding your newborn, comfort in the sense that you can rock baby to sleep without tiring yourself out, and comfort when you cuddle and bond with your little one.
You see, you will be spending a lot of time in your nursery. Be it for feedings, putting your baby to sleep or reading him a book, you will need somewhere comfortable to sit in.
Why we say in the beginning of this best glider review article that this is not a case where every other chair can make do is because a glider creates a same consistent, rhythmic motion that none can do.
Be it gliding in a forward and backward motion or rocking side to side, it is that - a consistent set of movement. This is actually very similar to womb simulation which is so effective in putting your baby to sleep.
If you have ever wondered why babies seem to fall asleep quicker when you rock them in your arm, now you know why. You can do this on your feet, or you can choose to sit comfortably in a glider and let it does the job.
Sure, you can sit on a chair or even on the bed but nothing beats the comfort of being able to sit in a reclined, desired position that is different for everyone.
Adjust to your preferred angle or sit upright when you need to nurse - a glider recliner will allow you to do just that.
From the best glider for nursing to the best glider for bad backs and plus sizes, there is bound to be one that fits your requirement and budget.
Glider vs. Rocking Chair
Now you may wonder, what is the difference between a glider and a rocker (or rocking chair), as you've undoubtedly came across the terms interchangeably a few times in our article?
While the functions of both glider and rocker are generally the same, there is a major difference between the two - in the way they move.
Traditional Rocking Chair
Modern Glider
To put it simply, the traditional rocking chair rocks in an arc-like motion, while a glider moves back and forth in a sliding way.
A glider provides gentler and more soothing motion that better calms and induces baby to sleep while also giving better comfort to parents, what's with its upholstery and cushioning as opposed to the traditional wooden rocking chair.
But perhaps the latter distinction is not quite relevant anymore, given many modern ones do have cushioning on them nowadays.
The other distinguishing element between the two is that the glider, at least for some, is able to recline. This allows parents to find the most comfortable position for themselves because you will find yourself falling asleep in it, very often too.
Parents still use the term 'rocker' or 'rocking chair' loosely when they refer to the glider nowadays so really, emphasis shouldn't be placed too much on their distinction. It is used to rock baby to sleep, after all!
Bottom line, a rocking chair / glider has been around for generations and just like it is a staple in nursery rooms back then, it is not the less necessary in our lives nowadays.
What to Look for in A Good Glider
If you have difficulty choosing the best nursery glider for yourself, here are some pointers you can take reference of:
- Size. This should be the first thing to consider. Are you plus size?You do not want to make a purchase that you will need to return later so make sure you do your room measurements first, especially if you have a small nursery to work with.
- High back. Ideally, you should find a glider that comes with a high back because it gives your body better support to make for those long feeding sessions.
- Arm rests. The best glider chair for nursery will always have arm rests because you will need them, trust us. Your arms will get tired after holding your baby for awhile so having arm rests really do make a lot of difference.
- Ottoman. As with arm rests, you will appreciate the existence of an ottoman to elevate those tired legs after a long day. This is a deciding factor because it is one of the starting point (besides size) to consider when looking for the best baby nursing chair.
- Recliner. Likewise, you will need to decide if you want your glider to recline also or not. Ideally it will be yes, however, this is something you may want to consider eliminating if you have very limited space.
- Price. As with anything else, price is always a deciding factor. If you have unlimited budget to spend on your nursery, by all means go for the creme de la creme; otherwise, this affordable rocker for nursery is a good choice among all cheap rocking chairs for nursery.
