How to assemble a nursery glider
A nursery glider is a padded chair that glides back and forth on a hidden linkage, used for feeding and settling. The seat and back bolt onto the base, and the moving linkage underneath is where fingers, toes and pets can get caught.
- Time
- about 45 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- People
- 2 people
- Steps
- 6
Tools needed
- Allen key (supplied)
- Spanner
Parts to check first
Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.
- Glider base with the linkage
- Seat
- Back cushion or back frame
- Arms, if separate
- Bolts, washers and locking nuts
Step by step
Step 1: Put the base on a clear floor and engage its lock, if it has one, so it cannot move while you build.
Step 2: Lower the seat onto the base and line up the holes, then fit the bolts with their washers finger-tight.
Step 3: Slide or bolt the back onto the seat brackets, with a helper holding it upright.
Step 4: Fit the arms if they are separate, then tighten every bolt with the key, working in a cross pattern.
Step 5: Release the lock and glide the chair gently by hand, looking and listening for rubbing or knocking in the linkage.
Step 6: Sit in it and glide; if it creaks, stop and re-tighten the bolts rather than oiling the linkage unless the manual says so.
Common mistakes
- Leaving bolts loose, which lets the seat shift and wear the linkage.
- Placing the glider where it hits a crib or wall at the end of each glide.
- Letting older siblings rock it hard or stand on it.
Safety notes
- Keep toddlers and pets away from the base while it moves; the linkage can trap fingers and paws.
- Stay within the chair's weight limit, and lock it before standing up with a baby if it has a lock.
This is general guidance for this type of product. Your product's own manual comes first: follow its order, fittings and torque values where they differ from this page.
Updated 2026-09-30