20 Best Rocking Chairs and Gliders For a Small Nursery [2023]

When preparing your baby’s nursery, you’re probably thinking about buying a rocking chair or glider for the space. It’s nice to have somewhere to sit when you feed your baby and to hold them before bedtime.

Ideally you want the chair to be comfortable, durable, and just the right fit. You might be sitting in it for a lot of time (especially for night feedings) at any given time so comfortable is a must.

When it comes to brands of rocking chairs and gliders for your small nursery, many brands have several different styles. I’ve linked images of them below to make it easier for you to pick a style you like.

What To Look For in a Rocking Chair or Glider for a Small Nursery

When it comes to finding the best rocking chair for a small space, you’ll want to make sure you can place it about 36 inches or 3 feet from the nearest wall or furniture to make sure you get the full range of motion.

Be sure to double check the measurements on the product page when ordering to make sure it’s a fit for your space.

You’ll likely use this chair for several years in your child’s nursery but eventually might move it to your living room. You can keep that in mind too as you choose the color and design of your chair.

If you’re looking for a nursing chair specifically, I personally like something with a bit of a lower armrest. I can hold my arms more comfortably and adjust my baby more easily when the arms are lower.

Some Important Features

The features you’re looking for in a swivel chair or glider will vary person to person. I’m outlining some features here but be sure to double check the listing before you purchase to made sure you’re getting what you want:

• partial swivel (if you don’t want a full swivel)
• 360-degree swivel (if you don’t want a partial swivel)
• pop-up foot rest (if you want one)
• ottoman (some come with an ottoman and some don’t)
• locking mechanism (if you have older children who might get hurt with a full swivel this might be an important factor)
• USB port connection (if you want to be able to charge your phone)

A real life example of the features in use:

The chair I have personally does not have a full swivel and I don’t mind it as my chair is in a corner. It has an electric footrest but I never use it. It also has a USB connection but I never use that either. My chair isn’t even plugged in so none of the electrical features work but it works best for my needs this way.

This is the chair I have in my son’s nursery. If I went back and made another choice, I would go with the DiVinci brand because it is made of better materials.

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Best Rocking Chairs and Gliders For Small Nursery

DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider

This chair is Greenguard Gold Certified and has undergone rigorous scientific testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs.

It has a metal base that has a 360-degree swivel motion as well as backward and forward gliding making it the best glider on the market.

The headrest is designed for maximum comfort and supports your shoulders and head when you lean back.

The foam used in the seat meets all CA TB117-2013 flammability requirements and is CertiPUR-US certified. This means the foam is made without PBDE or Tris flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde and CFCs.

Additionally, the wood used in the frame comes from well-managed, FSC-certified forests. The FSC label means that wood has been harvested to benefit communities, wildlife, and the environment.

Other chairs by DiVinci:

DiVinci is a top choice brand for a nursery chair. They have additional styles and designs to choose from as well:

Modern Accent Rocking Chair

This chair has a smooth design featuring non-slip foot pads under the base for smooth movement.

The backrest and seat cushion are made with high-density sponge which is reported to be more resilient and not lose shape easily. It has an ergonomic backrest and smooth arm rests to support your body.

It’s also a stylish choice for modern nursery. It has a large pocket on the side that could come in handy.

It is made with polyester fabric. The frame is made of solid plywood with a thickened rubber wood base. The wooden frame is nice but could be better quality. The weight capacity on this chair is up to 300 LBS.

This chair is not a glider but just a rocking chair. It is a beautiful simple choice in the more classic rocking chair style.

Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman

Storkcraft’s nursery chairs are always a top seller and overall an okay pick for a small nursery. I personally thing it’s better to go with a brand like DiVinci that uses higher quality and tested materials.

This chair is known for it’s slim design and doesn’t take up much space.

They are designed to have generous seating, comfortable padded arm cushions with convenient storage pockets. They also have enclosed metal ball bearings for a smooth glide.

This particular chair comes in 16 different colors so there’s something to match any nursery style.

It’s also easy to spot clean as it is made of 100% polyester. It is nice that it comes with a matching ottoman, but you might want to add a lumbar pillow to it.

Million Dollar Baby Classic Miranda Wingback Rocker

This is a gorgeous option for a nursery and is also Greenguard Gold Certified. It has been tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs.

The foam used in the seat meets all CA TB117-2013 flammability requirements and is CertiPUR-US certified, certifying the foam is made without PBDEs or Tris flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and CFCs.

The wood used in the frame of this product comes from well-managed, FSC-certified forests.

Fun fact, at least 40 recycled plastic bottles were used in the making of this recliner using LiveSmart performance fabric. It also uses at least 30% REPREVE recycled polyester yarn.

It’s a great looking modern nursery chair that offers good lumbar support which is important for new moms! It also has a wide seat which makes for a more comfortable piece of furniture.

The styles are very classic (see the other options below) and make for a great addition to a modern nursery.

Dimensions: 36.75″D x 28″W x 37.5″H

Other options from Million Dollar Baby:

Delta Children Emma Rocking Chair

Delta Children’s Emma chair is made with non-toxic and renewable materials. I think this is a good option for a small nursery space.

The armrests are padded for comfortable rest. The seat cushion is removable for easy cleaning.

Some reviews report it being difficult to put together but it still has a 4.4/5 star rating.

Dimensions: 34.75″D x 35.75″W x 39.5″H

Other options from Delta Children:

Evolur Harlow Deluxe Glider, Recliner, and Rocker

This chair has an ergonomic backrest support, multiple reclining positions, comfortable side rests, 275° swivel and smooth gliding and rocking motion.

It has a high back so it’s great for tall parents.

It has a convenient electronic push-button panel on the armrest. There is also a built-in USB port (power cord included) to ensure your electronics are always charged and at hand.

The Harlow has a solid metal base that easily supports 275-degree swivel rotation and gliding capabilities. It is covered with an easy to clean durable polyester fabric with foam filling, and has convenient side pockets. It meets all CA TB117-2013 flammability requirements.

Product Dimensions: 32L x 31W x 39H inches.

Other options from Evolur:

In Summary

There are many great options for a recliner or glider for your baby’s nursery. I suggest really thinking about the specific features you’re looking for as no chair is going to be one-size-fits-all.

In my opinion, a comfortable glider should be top of mind. Traditional rocking chairs might be too uncomfortable but something with both a rocking and a gliding motion is a nice option.