After hearing a number of other new moms praise the relaxation powers of bouncing on a basic stability ball ($22), I had to give it a try. Sure enough, the repetitious movement rocked my own babe right to sleep when he was tired, and calmed him down when he was fussy. Added bonuses for mom? A little core workout, and a great prop for stretching out a sore back and shoulders.
— Lisa Horten, contributing editor