How to Choose the Best Glider for Your Nursery (Especially If You Live in the City)
Although it’s probably not first on your list to figure out (we see you stroller & car seat), believe us when we say it's a key decision, as your glider is going to be your new best friend. It will be there with you for each middle-of-the-night feeding and re-reading of Goodnight Moon or NYC, as the case may be. It also can take a while as many models are custom. So what should you look for: Performance materials? Swivel? Recline? USB? Massager? Choosing the best model requires an assessment of your space and preferred materials and features.
In this article, we’ll examine the key factors you should consider when choosing your glider, especially when space is at a premium — something we know well, thanks to years of furnishing NYC nurseries!
Key Takeaways
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To choose the best glider for your nursery, look at the size of the room you want to put it in and the space it requires. If opting for a recliner, be sure to consider its full recline when measuring your room for your glider of choice.
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Other features to look for with a glider include comfort features, materials and fabrics, style and longevity. Only choose the features that will make a real different in your comfort as you’ll use this chair often.
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A glider is a nursery chair that glides front and back (and may also swivel and recline) instead of rocking like a typical rocking chair. This is thought to be a more comfortable and soothing motion for a baby.
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Some of our favorite gliders right now include styles by Monte Design, Babyletto, and Nurseryworks. Specific models include the Monte Matera, Grano, Cortina, Como, and Vera, as well as the Babyletto Kiwi, Sigi, Solstice and the Nurseryworks Sunday.
Table of Contents
What is a Glider and Why Your Glider Choice Really Matters
Wondering what a glider exactly is: You’re not alone. It’s a unique piece of furniture similar to a rocker that is popular for nurseries, as instead of rocking smoothly glides forward and back, ostensibly an even more comfortable motion.
There are lots of variations of gliders — the most popular of which are swivel gliders (which move side to side as well as forward to back, and the recliner-glider which can both recline back and give foot support. These come in both manual and electronic versions. Think REGAL Cinema Plus level comfort (without the popcorn).
Your glider choice matters, of course, because you’ll be sitting in this chair alot. Babies eat every few hours, and it’s nice to have one spot that’s comfortable for you and the baby to nurse. Gliders are built to support this with higher seats (so you don’t strain getting in and out of your chair), perfectly spaced armrests, so you can rest your elbows when nursing, and a supportive back. You’ll be glad during those 3am feedings that you didn’t skimp on the chair!
But, as with everything, you want to select a model that does everything you need and nothing that you don’t. There are loads of styles, sizes, features and more, so let’s dig into it.
Size and Space: The City Parent’s First Question
OK, if you’re a city dweller, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘how will I fit this thing into the room?’ Space is at a premium, so you have to measure to find the maximum size that can work before investigating. If you choose a recliner, keep in mind it can’t be up against a wall if you want to use the reclining function. You also need clear space in front of it so your feet can elevate as well.
The good news is that all of the models we choose are with city apartments in mind.
Comfort Features: What to Look For
As for comfort, you’re going to want a chair that feels good. If you can find it in the city and try it out (or have a friend with one), go do a “sit test”. Generally speaking, you’ll want something firm enough and with a tall enough back to be supportive, with armrests at a comfortable level. Beyond that, gliders have lots of other features such as:
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USB port
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Massage functionality
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Swivel
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Adjustable headrest
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Reclining (Electronic and manual)
With every feature, the price will go up so keep this in mind as you choose. Make sure you know what the maintenance is – for instance motor life, and how to best take care of it.
Materials and Fabrics: Beauty Meets Real Life
Next, think about the fabrics that might work with the nursery. Look for an easy to clean performance fabric, as, as they say, spit happens. Fabrics can range from velvet and linen to cotton, sheepskin, boucle, leather and more. Choose a fabric that’s easy to maintain that fits your room’s aesthetic.
Look for GREENGUARD Gold Certification for peace of mind that the chair is free of harmful chemicals.
Style: Making it Work for Your Space
Gliders come in many shapes as well, some with higher backs and lower backs, some more sculptural or traditional. Some gliders have cushy pillows while others are firm and sleek. As long as it’s comfortable for you, pick a glider that’s style makes you smile.
Longevity: Getting More From Your Investment
Whereas gliders of yesteryear were sort of like bridesmaids dresses: Everyone says that they’re “going to use it again and again”, but as soon as baby’s old enough, the chair gets the boot. Today, though these chairs really can make the living room cut.
Beyond the question of style, choose a chair that will stand the test of time. Look for quality materials, a good warranty, and a strong reputation for customer service.
Our Favorite Gliders at Babesta Right Now
There are a number of gliders we’re loving these days from our favorite companies, Babyletto and Monte Design. Babyletto’s chairs are very popular and offer all the bells and whistles from headrest to recline, USB ports to massage. Monte Design chairs, on the other hand, are simpler in feature, but modern and city-ready, with oodles of fabrics (your designer will love these), all performance. Oh, and the chairs are made in Canada from a family owned company. Tres chic!
Here are some of our favorite models, all of which are GREENGUARD Gold Certified:
Monte Matera
The Matera is a hybrid of the Grano and Como gliders by Monte, offering plush pillowy seating, with the reclining function. As with all Monte gliders, there are loads of fabrics to choose from as well as several base styles.
Monte Grano
The Grano glider is also a recliner which can be either manual or electronic. There is a choice of base (glider vs swivel) and are tons of fabric options to match any nursery.
Monte Cortina
The Cortina is the newest style to the Monte lineup, featuring plush pillows, a tall seat, and your choice of gliding, swiveling and reclining. As always, there are lots of color options.
Monte Como
The Como Glider features cushy pillows and has lots of customization options, including the fabric and base (swivel or glider, and color).
Monte Vera
The Monte Vera is features pretty curved arms that gives it a romantic feel. It is a bit wider and luxurious, and can be paired with a matching ottoman.
Babyletto Kiwi
The Kiwi is Babyletto’s iconic glider, coming in lots of variations. You can choose the Recliner and Swivel Glider, the Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider with a USB port (this is the MVP for city apartments), the Kiwi Plus which also includes a power adjustable headrest and USB port, a Kiwi Plus Chair and a Half for read-alongs (two can fit - this one is pictured above!), and even the Kiwi Deluxe Power Recliner and Swivel Glider with heat and massage. Ooh-la-la!
Babyletto Sigi
The Sigi too offers a number of stepped up options, from the Sigi (manual) Recliner and Glider, and Electronic Recliner and Glider with USB, to the Pro Power Recliner and Swivel Glider with Power Adjustable Headrest and Lumbar Support.
Nurseryworks Sunday
The Nurseryworks Sunday Glider and Recliner also offers a swivel, and is a bit wider for you to curl up. It’s made of a shearling fabric that is sort of like a sitting on a teddy bear.
Solstice Glider
The Solstice Glider features a sculptural silhouette, with a distinctive curved back and armrests. It’s definitely a statement piece.
Feet Up with Babesta
Now that you know what a glider is and how to choose one it’s time to try them out.
At Babesta, we have the most popular models from Babyletto, Monte Design, and Nurseryworks on our floor for you to sit in and enjoy.
For all of your nursery needs, from crib to glider, stroller to car seat, Babesta has your back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my glider during pregnancy?
Yes! Many people will use their glider during pregnancy to relax and read. This is a chair designed for parents and will be comfortable before and after baby is born!
How do I clean and maintain my nursery glider, and what should I avoid?
Depending on the fabric, every glider will have specific cleaning instructions. This being said, companies that sell gliders know that spit up and diaper leakage can happen, so they’ve engineered the chairs to be easy to clean. Often a little water and mild soap will do the trick.
Is a nursery glider safe to sleep in with my baby?
You should never sleep with your baby in a glider. There are only three sleep-safe areas that babies should sleep: the bassinet, crib, and travel crib. If your baby falls asleep in the glider, place them back in their crib as soon as you notice. Then you can take a quick snooze yourself!
What’s the difference between a rocker and a glider?
A rocker tilts forward and back and is powered manually. A glider moves forward and back on the same plane – which is thought to be more comfortable, and can include an electronic reclining function as well. Gliders tend to be a bit bigger and more expensive as they have a rather complicated mechanism that allows it to glide.
