The Best Gliders
Windsor Glider And Ottoman
Ideal for a nursery, the Windsor glider and ottoman works well for rocking children to sleep or nursing. The 100% polyester padded seat provides more comfort than a traditional wooden rocking chair and the cushions are removable for easy cleaning for the inevitable spit up or everyday wear. We recommend investing in a can of Scotch Guard to make cleanup even easier! Padded armrests with attached pockets is a nice bonus to easily stash a binky, bib, books, or whatever else.
The solid wood frame is both attractive and sturdy, and we love that it comes in a number of finishes and pairing cushion colors so there is a match for every taste and decor. Enclosed metal bearings are the key for smooth, quiet gliding.
Assembly is a cinch, which is great during a time that a lot of baby furniture will need to be put together!
So prop your feet up and glide with ease with this glider and ottoman set from Windsor.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Removable cushions for easy cleaning
- Won’t break the bank
Cons
- Padding could be more robust
Key Features
- Padded armrests with storage pockets
- Solid wood frame with internal metal bearings
- Multiple wood finishes and cushion options
Specifications
- Brand: Angel Line
- Dimensions: 24.8 x 25.8 x 39.5 inches
- Weight: 45.2 pounds
Angel Line Monterey Glider & Ottoman
If you have the means to pay a little more, this fantastic pick from Angel Line is worth consideration. The cushions on the ottoman and chair is thicker for extra comfort, while the squared off backrest provides more options when sitting for a prolonged period of time. Like our top pick, the cushion covers are removable for easy cleaning and the padded armrests contain pockets for extra storage, while the solid wood frame with metal bearings provide support and smooth gliding.
We love that the chair comes with a matching throw pillow for extra lumbar support or as means of supporting a child during nursing. There are less buying options in terms of pad colors and wood finishes, but the designs available are classic and can be incorporated into any room.
Once your product arrives, assembly is easy and straightforward thanks to the easy to follow instructions.
Pros
- Additional padding on ottoman and chair
- Squared-off back rest provides more resting positions
- Bonus pillow adds extra support and comfort
Cons
- Not as many color options as other picks on list
Key Features
- Solid wood frame with metal bearings
- Easy to clean cloth material
- Padded armrests with storage pockets
- Variety of finishes and pad colors
Specifications
- Brand: Angel Line
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 33.5 x 37.5 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider And Ottoman
Like most comparable gliders on the market, the Storkcraft comes with 100% polyurethane foam padding for prolonged use, accompanying glider to give your feet a break, and a wood frame with metal bearings. What really sets the Storkcraft glider apart are its numerous color options. Complete with five base colors, each comes with multiple coordinating cushion colors to form the perfect combo for your nursery.
We love the extra storage pockets on the armrests and the soft polyester fabric covering that is easy to clean, a must for any nursery item.
For added peace of mind, Storkcraft has been crafting quality products since 1945, and was awarded the Women’s Choice Award in 2018 for America’s Most Recommended Baby Furniture. This award is based on results from thousands of women across the country who are asked to rate brands they would recommend to their own friends and family. This is also evident in their great customer service that will happily assist in case you experience any issues.
Pros
- Color combo suitable for any taste or decor
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Good customer service
Cons
- Backrest might be too short for some
Key Features
- 100% polyurethane foam padding and polyester cover
- Wood frame with metal barings
- Storage pockets in armrest
- Large variety of frame and pad color options
Specifications
- Brand: Storkcraft
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 38.5 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
Naomi Home Brisbane Glider & Ottoman Set
Glide your newborn to sleep in minutes or take a quick nap in peace in this lightweight glider by Naomi Home. This product hits all the checkboxes on our list, including comfortable padding made of 100% polyurethane foam, easy to clean fabric that is available in multiple colors/patterns, storage pockets, and a solid wood frame. What we really love about this pick is the option to choose different fabrics, so whether you prefer a polyester blend that is super easy to clean or velvet-like softness that feels so plush, there is an option for you!
Another feature we loved was how lightweight this glider is, making it a breeze to position around your home as desired.
Pros
- Assembly is a breese
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Velvet-like fabric options available
Cons
- Softer fabric could be more difficult to clean
Key Features
- Polyester or velvet-like fabrics
- Wood frame with closed ball bearings
- Handy storage pockets
- Multiple buying options
Specifications
- Brand: Naomi Home
- Dimensions: 24.8 x 25.8 x 39.5 inches
- Weight: 38 pounds
Delta Children Emerson Upholstered Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
If you’re looking for a more versatile option that will be useful long after your little one is, well, little, this glider/swivel rocker from Delta Children is a fantastic option. The beautiful wingback upholstered look made of microfiber makes it a great chair for any room of your house meaning you can use it in the living room without it seeming out of place. It is also has much more padding for ultimate comfort.
The multi-directional movement allows for rocking, gliding, and a 360-degree swivel to ensure desired movement as you need it. While it doesn’t come with anything to prop up your feet, a coordinating gliding ottoman is available for separate purchase to complete the set.
Glide your baby or yourself to sleep in style with the Emerson by Delta Children.
Pros
- Beautiful design great for any room of the house
- Extra padding and soft fabric
- Useful for years to come
Cons
- Does not come with an ottoman
- Only 2 color options
Key Features
- Multi-directional movement: 360 degree swivel as well as rocking and gliding motions
- Upholstered wingback appearance
- Soft microfiber fabric available in grey or beige
Specifications
- Brand: Delta Children
- Dimensions: 35.8 x 34.8 x 39.5 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
Glider Buying Guide
Gliders are essential to most nurseries, giving parents a cozy and comfortable corner to gently lull their young ones back to sleep. Finding the best chair for you and your room can be a cumbersome chore, but we hope to assist you in this process by highlighting some of the key factors to consider when making your final decision.
Material
The materials used are often directly related to the durability and longevity of a product and gliders are no exception. Stronger and more durable materials come at a cost so you will need to make the choice between a cost effective option and one made from heirloom quality materials that will stand the test of time. Feel and ease of cleaning are also factors to consider.
Ottoman
While not essential, an ottoman is a great accessory to pair with any chair, especially a glider. Not all ottomans are created equal: some are stationary which interrupts the smooth rocking motion provided by the glider while others are made to glide in tandem with the chair. Additionally, some come with a pull-out footrest for a stable yet elevated footrest during nursing. Make sure to determine which is the best option for you and ensure the product you purchase has a satisfactory ottoman option.
Clean-ability
Things can get messy in a nursery. As such, having a material that is easily cleanable is essential for a nursery glider. We suggest finding a product that has removable covers for the cushions so that they can be machine washed. The second best option is a material that is easily wipeable. Messes — and stains — will happen, but they can also be mitigated against by choosing the best material possible.