Best Nursery Gliders 2024

Nurture& The Glider

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

The Glider from Nurture& is meant to do it all. The chair reclines to an almost flat position so that you can lay down if you need to, which will come 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 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 parents say: According to senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, “The electric controls on this chair are a game-changer! The recliner I got when my first son was born 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—this, of course, 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.”

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

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

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 and 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 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,” and that 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 hangup with the chair is “the white has gotten dirty, so I need a good performance fabric cleaner.”

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Most fabric options take 10-plus weeks to ship

Babyletto Tuba Extra Wide

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

The top pick in our Best Nursing Chairs For Twins story, 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 arm rests 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 calls it “comfortable, sturdy, and wide enough for me and my 1- or 2-year-old.” 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.”

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Doesn’t recline
• No power controls

Nursery Works Sunday

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

As someone who writes about baby gear for work, selecting the ideal recliner for my second boy’s nursery was admittedly challenging. Ultimately I went with the recently-released Nursery Works Sunday Power Recliner because the seat is wide enough to accommodate myself and my toddler son while I’m holding the baby. This way, there’s room for everyone as we navigate the shift to family of four. The chair is also stunning, exceptionally comfortable, reclines seamlessly, uses non-toxic materials and only required two steps to assemble. While it’s costly, I know it will look equally as chic in our living room down the line.

What parents say: I can personally verify that this chair is so comfortable, I’ve set up camp in it in my third trimester and have taken several naps in it. It’s also high quality enough to survive my toddler’s incessant pressing of the recline button. The charger works well and the fabric is easy to clean.

Pros:

• Beautiful craftsmanship and design
• Extra wide seat
• Greenguard Gold certified
• Reclines and swivels

Cons:

• Fabric is not performance or stain-resistant
• Limited colors

Materials: Kiln dried wood frame, down-blend cushions, polyester, foam | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified | Key features: Down filling, 360-degree glide and swivel, extra comfortable

For those looking for a stunning nursery glider that works alone or with a matching ottoman, the Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider might be the answer. Not only is it beautifully designed, but it’s unbelievably comfortable and comes in 48 color and fabric combinations so it suits any style of nursery, or—down the line—living area. It also swivels 360-degrees, glides silently and is made from sustainably sourced materials.

What parents say: Edward Ahn, dad to a 1-year-old, tells me that “the padding is down filled so that it feels like a pillow.” While it does come with the option to add an ottoman, Ahn’s wife, Annelise Bamberg, points out that it provides enough leg support that you don’t really need one. I first spoke with the Ahn-Bamberg family in regards to their glider when their daughter was 3 months old. Many months later, Bamberg assures me she “still loves it” and uses it constantly.

Pros:

• Simple swivel design
• Extra plush and comfortable
• Plenty of fabric options

Cons:

• No recline
• No USB port
• Most fabric options take 10-plus weeks to ship

Materials: Foam, polyester, engineered hardwood frame | Type of movement: Glider | Recliner: No | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified, Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified wood | Key features: Extra high back support, lumbar cushion included, 360-degree swivel

There’s no shortage of comfortable and beautifully made gliders on the market. However, if you’re especially tall, some of them may not be long enough to support your head and neck. The West Elm Kids Graham Glider has a higher than average 42-inch seat that allows moms and dads to fully sink in even if they’re on the taller side. It’s also handcrafted, comes in 21 fabric and color choices (with performance options available) and has a 360-degree swivel. It’s also helpful to note that it comes with in-room delivery and full assembly, plus it’s far lighter than other options at just 60 pounds. Although it doesn’t recline, there is a matching ottoman available to put your feet up.

What parents say: One happy parent tells me that the West Elm Kids Graham Glider is optimal for taller parents. “It has a high back so you can actually rest your head while seated. Way more important than a full recline,” they explain. 

Pros:

• Extra high back (especially ideal for tall parents)
• Smooth glide and 360-degree rotation
• Plenty of fabric and color options

Cons:

• Doesn’t recline
• No USB port

Materials: Polyester-wrapped cushions, pine and engineered wood, steel springs | Type of movement: Glider and recliner | Recliner: Yes | USB port: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified  | Key features: Power recline, 240-degree swivel, 3-recline positions, plenty of fabric choices

Nursery gliders are generally expensive, but the Pottery Barn Kids Paxton Swivel Glider Recliner is more of a splurge than others. Parents who’ve made it a part of their household, however, say its well worth it. Not only is it luxurious in appearance and comfort, but it’s available in a manual or power recliner, has 45 color/fabric options and is complete with a 240-degree swivel and 3-recline positions. It’s also tall enough to accommodate taller parents and has no-sag steel springs in the seat so it’s a forever chair. Parents also love the white glove delivery but note that some of the fabrics have an extremely long lead time.

What parents say: Two moms I chatted with spoke highly of the Paxton glider and said it’s worth the cost/ “Beyond comfortable. Certainly the best we sat in,” says one. But another, who opted for the manual recline, admits that it “became a little tough to recline” after several years of use.

Pros:

• Swivels, glides and reclines
• Tons of performance fabric options
• Manual and power versions

Cons:

• No USB port
• Most fabric options take 10-plus weeks to ship