Even a small baby’s room needs a nursery chair too. Looking for the best glider for small nursery? Or, maybe you prefer the best rocking chair for small nursery? We discuss them all today – including the best glider for tall dads! In my opinion, that will have to be the DaVinci Swivel Glider with Ottoman. Let’s find out why.
Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that buying a nursery chair is a waste of money even if you’re working with limited space. Simply pick a streamlined model. The feeling of being able to comfort your crying baby is so rewarding and empowering when it’s day time. But you might feel a little differently about the entire process when it’s 3 am.
- My Top Picks
- Gliding and Rocking Your Way Through Parenthood – What You Need to Know
- Best Glider for Tall Dads and Best Overall – DaVinci Swivel Glider with Ottoman
- Best Glider for Small Nursery – Naomi Home Brisbane Glider
- Best Design- Babyletto Electronic Recliner Swivel Glider
- Best Rocking Chair for Small Nursery – Char Log Single Rocker with Star
- Most Stylish – Amazon Brand Modern Hardwood Rocking Chair
- FAQ
- Conclusion
My Top Picks
- Best Glider for Tall Dads and Best Overall – DaVinci Swivel Glider with Ottoman
- Best Glider for Small Nursery – Naomi Home Brisbane Glider
- Best Design – Babyletto Electronic Recliner Swivel Glider
- Best Rocking Chair for Small Nursery – Char Log Single Rocker with Star
- Most Stylish – Amazon Brand Modern Hardwood Rocking Chair
Gliding and Rocking Your Way Through Parenthood – What You Need to Know
When picking a chair for the nursery, parents have multiple decisions to make. Firstly, you need to decide if you want a rocking chair or glider. After deciding on the type of nursery chair to buy, you then need to decide on the actual brand to buy. You have to decide what features to prioritize and which ones you can do without. Sounds pretty taxing, I know. But that’s why I’ve created this guide; to help you every step of the way so you make the right decision for your needs.
Gliders vs Rocking Chairs – Differences and Similarities
One thing is certain, rocking chairs and gliders serve more or less the same purpose. Both products assist parents in rocking their little one to sleep. However, there are few differences which I’ll highlight below:
- Design: The main difference between glider and a rocker lies in the mechanism and the manner in which they are designed to move. Rocking chairs are designed to rock back and forth on an arc. Gliders on the other hand move backwards and forwards on a fixed track. In some cases, depending on the brand you pick, they swivel too.
- Smoothness of motion: Gliders are designed to glide. As you can imagine, the motion is generally smoother compared to rocking back and forth in a rocking chair.
- Safety: Because of the smoother ride, gliders are the safer option — for your toes, that is. Chances of your toes getting trapped underneath the chair are highly unlikely. Unfortunately there’s that possibility with rocking chairs so keep that in mind.
- Extra: Finally, some gliders come with an ottoman which is something you’ll appreciate as they allow you to stretch out your legs. And store extra baby essentials inside too. But of course such a combo will cost you a little extra. Rocking chairs seldom come with an ottoman.
The Benefits of Rocking Chairs and Gliders
So, why should you purchase a rocking chair or glider? These nursery chairs will award you the following benefits:
- A comfortable place to feed or rock your baby from. Soothing a wailing baby—especially in the AMs— is certainly no fun. Trust me; it’s even more stressful if you have to do so on your feet! A nursery chair will make the process much easier, less strenuous, and more bearable for you.
- From my experience, these chairs are pretty effective at calming a fussy baby down. The crying session is literally cut short thanks to the soothing motion that mimics a parent rocking a child to sleep. Your little one will be asleep in no time.
- These chairs are not only good for baby, but for you too. It’s believed that these chairs offer multiple health benefits. For example, they increase blood flow which may help with arthritis.
What to Look for in a Glider or Rocking Chair
The trick to picking the best possible glider or rocking chair is in prioritizing comfort. It MUST be comfortable otherwise it defeats the entire purpose. Remember you want to be able to sit in the nursery chair comfortably for long periods of time when necessary. Once you’ve got the comfort aspect figured out, then you can throw in other key factors like durability, style, cost and so forth. Look out for the following features and factors to arrive at your decision:
- Cushioning: Is the seat cushioned? Opt for a glider or rocking chair that has cushioned arms and seats as it’s more comfortable. Just make sure the seat cushioning isn’t too soft because you will have a hard time getting up. But that doesn’t mean it must be too firm either. Try and strike a balance between the two extremes.
- Support: Along with cushioning, pay attention to the support the glider or chair provides. Pick one with a high back to support your back. If you can get one with a lumbar support pillow for extra support, that’d be even more ideal.
- Upholstery: What fabric is covering the chair or glider? Pick one covered in fabric which is resistant to premature wear and tear and chemical free for your baby’s safety concerns. Also, make sure it’s easy to clean. This is probably a good place to mention color. I urge you to opt for darker colors that don’t stain easily.
- Extra features: Some gliders come with extra features that’ll come in handy. A locking mechanism for when you don’t want the chair to move, swivel function, reclining abilities, and charging ports are all nice to have.
- Dimensions: Given that you’re working with limited space, always consider the dimensions of the chair. Will it fit well in your nursery without taking up too much space? Will you fit on the chair perfectly, if you’re on the taller side? Also, pick a chair with a wide seat that’s easy for you to shift your position when necessary. Besides, in no time, you’ll be using the same seat to read bed time stores to your pre-schooler. You want a seat that can accommodate both of you.
- Set-up: Consider whether the chair is difficult or easy to set up. Does it come preassembled or not? Is there an option to have someone set the seat up for you? Convenience is key.
- Style: Of course you can’t disregard how the chair will look in the nursery. So pick a style that you like and that complements the rest of the space. Consider the materials used to build the chair, the color palette and the design scheme.
Best Glider for Tall Dads and Best Overall – DaVinci Swivel Glider with Ottoman
I’ll start off my recommendations with this DaVinci glider designed to swivel smoothly at a 360ᵒ angle. I absolutely love that it comes with an ottoman (which we also have) so you can kick up your feet and soothe your baby comfortably. Despite being a streamlined model, it has a pretty long back making it perfect for the taller dad.
Who It’s For
This product is ideal for tall dads.
Why You Should Consider It
I like that it comes pre-assembled. No set up is necessary. The color is pretty chic that’s if you’re a fan of gray. But more than anything else, the fabric is chemical free which takes care of your and your baby’s safety concerns.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 27.8 x 29.5”
- Weight: 80lb
- Color: Gray
Pros
- Sleek design
- Comfortable
- Smooth gliding motion
Cons
- May start squeaking after some time
- Heavy
- Seat not very wide
Best Glider for Small Nursery – Naomi Home Brisbane Glider
All the chairs reviewed here are pretty compact, but this has to be the most portable of them all. So, if you’re working with extra small space, consider this model. It too comes with an ottoman where you can rest your feet. Just note that it doesn’t come pre-assembled so you have to set it up yourself. But no need to worry, you’ll find it easy to assemble. Plus it comes with all the tools you need for the installation process.
Who It’s For
This option is perfect for parents that suffer from lower back problems.
Why You Should Consider It
This is certainly one stylish chair given the sleek design and attractive appearance. What I love about this chair is that though it’s very compact, it has a wide enough seat for your comfort concerns. Plus, it’s made from durable microsuede which is easy to clean.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 25.75 x 24.75”
- Weight: 38lb
- Color: Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable especially if you suffer from lower back pain
- Stylish appearance
Cons
- Durability questionable
- Not pre-assembled
Best Design- Babyletto Electronic Recliner Swivel Glider
If you’re an all or nothing kind of dad you’ll probably be drawn to this glider which comes with all sorts of bells and whistles. It’s designed to recline at the simple push of a button and comes with a USB charging so you can charge your phone in preparation for those late-night feeds. Fancy, right?
Who It’s For
Perfect for dads looking for a glider that features a sophisticated design.
Why You Should Consider It
This product also boasts excellent craftsmanship. It’s both constructed and upholstered by hand and is made using chemical free fabric. I also like that it’s a high-quality product. Although, quite frankly I wouldn’t expect anything less given the hefty price tag.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 29 x 29.75”
- Weight: 119lb
- Color: Gray
Pros
- Provides excellent support
- Easy to assemble
- Quiet motor
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Best Rocking Chair for Small Nursery – Char Log Single Rocker with Star
Not keen on gliders? Here’s a rocking chair you can consider. This chair is as basic as it gets and doesn’t come with any fancy features but still gets the job done. It’s made of solid pine which takes care of your durability concerns. To up the ante design-wise, a single star is featured on the chair’s back which is simple yet stylish.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents working with limited space who are in need of a sturdy rocking chair designed to last long.
Why You Should Consider It
The wooden look is perfect if your nursery has a more vintage or rustic style. The varnish finish gives the chair a somewhat glossy and attractive appearance. And one thing you can bet on if you pick a wooden chair is that clean up is literally hassle-free. Just regular dusting will do the trick.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 36 x 29 x 43”
- Weight: 40lb
- Color: Brown
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- East to maintain
- Wide seat
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Confusing installation instructions
Most Stylish – Amazon Brand Modern Hardwood Rocking Chair
Last on my list, I have yet another stunning rocking chair designed by Stone & Beam – Amazon’s own brand. You don’t have to worry about durability with this product since it features a sturdy frame. You’ll appreciate the wide seat that makes for comfortable seating. If you’re a style-conscious parent, you’ll love the modern and contemporary look of this rocking chair.
Who It’s For
This is a great option for parents that don’t suffer from any back problems. Since it has a low back, those with lumbar issues are best served to avoid this particular model.
Why You Should Consider It
I love that it comes with a reversible AND removable cushion. You’ll find the cushions very easy to clean. Just make sure you wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth and avoid moisture at all costs. If you’re not happy with the product you can return it in 30 days.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 33.75 x 31.13”
- Weight: 30.3lb
- Color: Gray
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to maintain
- Roomy seat
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Low back
FAQ
Can you burn calories with a rocking chair?
Here’s an interesting fact the missus will appreciate especially if she can’t wait to shed the baby weight! In addition to providing you with an assortment of health benefits, using a rocking chair allows you to burn up to 150 calories in an hour. Who knew?
Are rocking chairs bad for your knees?
Any sitting position is likely to cause some strain on your knees if done for extended periods. It follows that sitting on a rocking chair for prolonged periods isn’t advisable especially if you have bad knees. Rather opt for glider with an ottoman to stretch those legs out.
Are gliders safe?
The moving mechanism in itself doesn’t entirely eliminate the risk of falling. But for the most part, gliders are considered safe to use. Simply pick a sturdy product from a reputable brand for guaranteed safety. If you feel that the chair is gliding too much and you begin questioning your safety you do have the option to add some form of locking mechanism to regulate the pace as explained in this video.
Conclusion
I know that when taking inventory of the essentials to place in a baby’s room a crib, dresser and changing table often take priority and the humble nursery chair is often left out. Even more so if you’re working with limited space. But hopefully, this article explains why a rocking chair or glider should also top that list. And thankfully you can get a streamlined model for the smaller apartments. From my recommendations, I absolutely love the DaVinci Glider because it’s sturdy, comfortable, safe, and comes with an ottoman. Plus, it comes pre-assembled which is one less thing to worry about!
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
