If you’re a new parent, you may not yet realize how much time you’ll be spending sitting. But if this isn’t your first time, you’ll know that having a reliable rocking chair could save you a lot of trouble and aches.
Caring for babies, feeding, comforting, and holding them as they fall asleep can be a demanding task, both physically and mentally. That’s why having a cozy, reliable spot for those late-night feedings can truly make a significant difference.
When it comes to rocking chairs, there are many options with a range of helpful features to choose from. However, since furniture for small living areas is often limited, opting for a compact rocker is typically the smarter choice.
Of course, compact doesn’t necessarily mean less comfort or fewer functions.
In this guide, we’re reviewing some of the best small rocking chairs for nursery rooms that seasoned moms have approved. We’ll share their pros and cons, and what makes each of them worthy to be in your nursery.
Why We Love Small Rocking Chairs for Nurseries
When it comes to shopping for the perfect rocking chair, it’s all about balancing function, comfort, and style, especially for busy moms. A well-chosen rocking chair can become your go-to spot for soothing your little one, unwinding after a long day, or even enjoying a quiet moment with a good book. With the right features, a small rocking chair can provide all these benefits while keeping your space organized.
Space-Saving Comfort for Parents and Babies
Space is often a primary consideration, especially for those living in small apartments, where furniture options are limited. A compact rocking chair can be a convenient companion without compromising on quality and comfort.
Many modern brands, such as La-Z-Boy’s Apollo Rocking Recliner, feature plush cushioning and padding for cozy late-night cuddles.
Designed to fit snugly in narrow spaces and corners, compact rocker chairs are the ideal seating for small living room areas. When every inch of the room counts, you’ll appreciate that extra foot of walking space!
Stylish Options for Modern Nursery Designs
Many of us desire a stylish rocking chair for our nurseries. Compact rocking chairs are available in various styles and materials, whether you prefer a classic look or a more modern aesthetic.
Gone are the days of cumbersome rockers that make your nursery feel cramped. Now, you can choose lightweight designs that match any space.
Some models you can even seamlessly, and quite beautifully, transition to other rooms when your baby outgrows them.
How We Chose the Best Small Rocking Chairs
Picking the right rocking chair for your nursery takes more thought than choosing an ideal piece for a small space. While some nursery gear comes down to preference, your nursing spot isn’t something you want to decide lightheartedly.
In this list of the best nursery rocking chairs, we focused on what matters most to parents: comfort, durability, and safety.
Comfort and Ergonomic Support
Comfort, for both you and your baby, always comes first. This is non-negotiable if you’re going to spend countless hours in your chair.
We prioritized models with excellent ergonomic features. Designs with the optimal arm support height for effortless nursing, and a sufficiently padded seat for maximum comfort, but not too difficult to get out of while snuggling a baby.
Ease of movement is important, along with lumbar support, head support, and reclining features.
Durability and Material Quality
You don’t want to spend money on a rocking chair that will only last for a few short years. To make your investment worthwhile, we looked for rockers that would certainly last well beyond the baby years.
For longevity, we consider the construction and upholstery. An ideal rocking chair or glider should feel stable and solid when sitting on. These are often made from solid wood or reinforced metal, ensuring long-term performance.
Then there’s the fabric. Caring for infants and toddlers can be messy, so a rocker fabric that’s easy to clean is best for long-term use.
Safety Certifications and Standards
Besides the longevity, safety certifications are another paramount factor for furniture meant for parents with babies. We favoured rocking chairs that meet safety standards outlined by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).
That means no sharp edges, toxic finishes, or unstable construction. A good rocking chair must provide a consistent, gentle motion, without wobbling or risk of tipping over, which can be dangerous for infants.
The Best Small Rocking Chairs For Your Nursery
Apart from a cozy place for story times, a good nursery rocker with supportive seating can turn bedtime routines into memorable bonding experiences.
To help you find the perfect rocker, here are six of the best small rocking chairs handpicked, proven, and tested by our experts.
Best Overall Small Rocking Chair – Apollo Rocking Recliner
Pros
- Compact and supportive design
- Available in custom fabrics and other upgrades
- Can be assembled in less than 15 minutes
Cons
- Full recline requires 12 inches of space
Best Features
Blending functionality and style, the Apollo Rocking Recliner is a standout pick for both first-time and seasoned parents. Its space-saving construction allows seamless fitting, even for small living and dining room designs.
The Apollo features clean lines, a tall, supportive back, and a box border cushion, offering a contemporary touch for nurseries. The padded track arms and exposed wings reinforced the modern aesthetic.
Designed for ultimate relaxation, the rocking chair flaunts a plush bucket seat. Finding that sweet spot of comfort is easier than ever with the Apollo.
There’s a convenient side-mounted handle for lifting the leg rest, which locks into three different elevations and serves to improve posture and circulation. The back also tilts smoothly downwards, into over 16 different reclining positions.
We tested the rocking motion, and it’s quiet, stable, and soothing, perfect for unwinding with your little one. But for safety, you need to disengage the leg rest before you can rock the chair.
The nursery chair features a double-picked blown fiber fill, offering superior cushioning and shape retention. That means you don’t have to worry about the furniture looking misshapen after prolonged use.
Not to mention, Apollo’s premium fabric and leather resist wear and fading, retaining a crisp look for a long time.
Function Meets Dependable Comfort – Brooks Rocking Recliner
Pros
- Supportive cushion foam and filling that retains its shape
- Suitable for most room setups
- Manual or power-operated options
Cons
- Full recline requires roughly 12 inches of space
Best Features
Hitting the optimal balance of function and comfort, the Brooks Rocking Recliner might be the nursery companion you’re looking for.
Standing at 40 inches, the chair isn’t bulky or overstuffed, which is ideal for those of moderate height and body size. Its slim back and adequately proportioned arm posts lend a sleek, refined profile to the nursery chair.
Clean and casual, any small living room and dining room together with the Brooks would instantly feel cultured.
Some of its most impressive features include the high-grade foam seat cushion, high-quality fabrics and leather, as well as the convenient leg rest function.
Like the Apollo, the Brooks rocking nursery chair can adjust to over 16 different reclined orientations.
Best Compact Design – Hawthorn Rocking Recliner
Pros
- Excellent shape retention
- Premium upholstery
Cons
- People over 6’2″ may prefer a more spacious alternative
Best Features
Here’s why you’ll love the Hawthorn Rocking Recliner: It has a small footprint but comes packing with comfort-rich qualities.
The tall back is contoured with billowy curves and filled with soft, blown fiber positioned to create zones of cloud-like support for varying body types. Our favourite feature by far is the luxurious chaise seat.
Multiple leg rest and recline orientation is a standard. Plus, La-Z-Boy’s technology allows the back and seat to move independently of each other. You can rock and recline simultaneously.
So, whether you’re reading to unwind or settling in to soothe or tuck your baby, relaxation with Hawthorn comes effortlessly.
Overall, Hawthorn would be a smart choice for its attractive style, durability, and space-saving potential.
A Family Favourite – Jay Rocking Recliner
Pros
- Family-friendly design
- The flared armrest creates an open feel
- Remote-operated versions are available
Cons
- A slightly larger space footprint
Best Features
There’s a good reason the Jay Rocking Recliner is a family favourite. For one, its casual, cozy appeal means it would tuck easily into most family living spaces.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the flared arm design, along with the horizontal flange trims. This was a superb design choice, as it makes the chair feel more spacious.
The outward curve provides stable support for the elbows and arms, which means your neck and shoulders are less strained. Moving while seated, even with a baby, is hassle-free.
The standard version comes with manual leg rest controls, but some modern iterations, such as the Power Plus, offer convenient remote functions.
Best Modern Style – Lennon Rocking Recliner
Pros
- Easy adjustments for personalized comfort
- A streamlined contemporary aesthetic
- Remote-operated models available
Cons
- May not suit taller or larger individuals
Best Features
If you’re going for a modern vibe, take a look at the Lennon Rocking Recliner. Although boasting a sleek and tailored appearance, this nursery chair is scaled down to fit humble and small living room sets.
Precise topstitching paired with the clean track arm and tailored foam back creates a polished finish to the chair. Standing at 43 inches, the slim construction helps keep your nursery open and airy, and blends exceptionally well with modern decor.
More than good looks, the Lennon Recliner delivers top-notch relaxation. Covering all the cozy essentials, it has a chaise seat, a tall, reclining back, and a movable leg rest.
As Comfortable as Comfortable Gets – Joel Rocking Recliner
Pros
- Ultra plush chaise seat
- Durable high-grade foam and fiber fill
Cons
- Best for average-sized users
Best Features
Beloved for its superior comfort, the Joel Rocking Recliner is praised for its plush feel and versatile features.
This unmatched coziness is thanks to the chaise seat and blown fiber back cushion. Loose synthetic fibers are “blown into” the cushion, producing the fluffy and slightly airy seating support.
With this rocker, you can simply melt into the interior padding.
Rocking on the Joel Recliner feels gracefully smooth. Moreover, single-needle topstitching secures the upholstery, ensuring durability and giving a sleek, high-end touch.
What to Look For When Choosing a Nursery Rocking Chair
There’s more to choosing a rocking chair than matching your nursery decor. While style is certainly important, experienced parents know to prioritize the following factors when hunting for a rocker:
Comfort and Back Support
Again, comfort must always come first. Cozy cushioning is a must, but you also would want to find a rocker with good back support.
Proper lumbar support is crucial to distribute stress and strain on the back. This is why most car seats and office chairs are designed as they are—contoured seats and backrests that push inward, maintaining the spine’s natural (lordotic) curve.
Without proper lumbar support, you’re risking developing chronic back pain and a poor, hunched posture.
Find a rocker that lets you rest your head properly. The armrest should also take the stress off your arms while holding your little one, especially in the earlier months, when you’re sitting and carrying them for long stretches.
Size and Room Fit
When choosing furniture for small living areas, such as a nursery, measuring the room is an essential step to ensure each piece fits snugly. Rocking chairs come in different dimensions and features, and some may require more space than others.
Take note of the rocking chair’s size when the back and leg rest are fully extended. Just as you’d want to avoid a big sectional couch in a small living room, you don’t want an oversized rocker hogging up your nursery room.
Some rocker brands may come with an ottoman. While often considered a small living room furniture, this extra chair can easily take up vital floor space in a tight nursery.
Upholstery and Fabric Type
Before going shopping, research the type of upholstery and fabric you prefer. Rocking chairs can be upholstered with a range of fabrics, including leather, cotton, linen, wool, and synthetic polyesters.
Leather is a classic rocker skin preferred for its rugged look and durability. The smooth exterior also means it’s easier to maintain and clean. Of course, the best upholstery ultimately depends on the look and function you’re going for.
Pro Tips For Using Your Nursery Rocking Chair
When using a rocking chair, be sure to follow AAP’s guidelines. This includes always putting your baby on their back when resting and never falling asleep while feeding.
Avoid extending the leg rest unless you’re reclining to prevent accidental tip-overs. Keep your fingers, or anyone’s, away from the footrest, base, and other moving parts to avoid physical harm.
To make the best out of your rocking chair, consider these tips from the experts.
Create a Cozy Feeding and Reading Corner
Positioning your rocking chair near a window is a great way to enjoy natural lighting during the day. Newborns can primarily benefit from a sun-rich setup.
Incorporate a small side table to keep reading materials, phones, keys, and snacks. Add another couch for narrow living rooms for a multi-purpose seating arrangement. Check out La-Z-Boy’s small-scale Ava Reclining Sofa.
Use Side Pockets for Baby Essentials
You can never have too much storage when caring for an infant. The good news is that many rockers now come with side pockets built into their designs. And they’re simply perfect for storing extra nappies, wipes, burp clothes, and pacifiers.
For newbie parents, keeping these baby essentials within arm’s reach would save you a lot of time and trouble!
Consider adding a small notebook to keep track of your little one’s feeding and sleeping schedule. Make good use of these pockets to keep your nursery organized and tidy, and you stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chair is best for a nursery?
The best chair for a nursery is typically a rocking or a gliding chair. Gliders and rockers can promote relaxation, relieving stress on both the child and the parent.
Do you really need a glider in a nursery?
While gliders and rockers aren’t a necessity in a nursery, they do come with numerous benefits. They help facilitate a comforting and relaxing environment for both parents and babies, making caring for babies safer and less stressful.
How long can you use a nursery glider?
Nursery gliders and rockers are recommended until your baby becomes mobile, when they can sit and crawl by themselves. This usually happens around five to seven months after birth.