Eli's Top 12 Newborn Essentials

Although 40 weeks seems like a long time to wait for your baby to come earthside, you’ll be grateful for all that time once you realize how many things you need to get done before their arrival. At the top of your to-do list is gathering all the supplies you’ll need in their first few months of life! For someone so small, a baby needs a surprising number of things. But, in an oversaturated market, it’s hard for new parents to distinguish which baby products are actual necessities and which products you can do away with on your registry. Eli Yonas, founder of Toki Mats, is a soon-to-be mom of four who knows a thing or two about newborn necessities. Here are the 12 products she can’t live without in the fourth trimester:

1. Toki Mats Support Pillow

This multi-use pillow is made from dense but soft latex foam that offers support in more ways than one. Slim enough to be used as tummy time support and then as a sitting prop as your baby grows, this pillow also supports you and your little one during nursing or bottle feeds.

“I use it three ways—as a nursing pillow, tummy time support, and a pregnancy pillow to snuggle in my bed. It definitely gets loved!”

2. Toki Mats Standard Mat 

Not your average play mat, the Toki mat is made from 1” of thick, durable latex foam. Completely non-toxic and durable for years and years of use, this mat helps your baby tolerate tummy time better and longer, then offers supportive cushioning for floor play and crash landings as they grow.

“I love the standard size with the organic cotton cover for an easy place to put down baby in any room. It’s so comfy that they don't get fussy!”

3. Puj Flyte Travel Tub

This innovative bathtub is designed for use in the sink at home or on-the-go. Its compact shape allows it to fit in a suitcase, and it also suits a wide range of pedestal and countertop sinks for comfortable bathing. No more bending, kneeling, and backbreaking!

“This tub is so easy to store, easy to set up, and easy to clean. It’s also super comfy for baby!”

4. Little Sleepies Luna Neutral Zippy

Made from custom-milled bamboo fabric that’s super gentle on sensitive and eczema-prone skin, these zippered onesies keep your baby cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. A double zipper makes diaper changes quick and easy, and fold-over mittens keep your little one from scratching.

“This onesie is breathable, temperature-regulating, and so comfortable. My babies lived in these and nothing else for their first two months. This print is my favorite because it matches our Lunar Phases collab collection!” 

5. Miracle Baby Miracle Blanket

This blanket makes it easy to get the perfect swaddle every time. Say goodbye to fussing with difficult tucks and wraps, and say hello to an easy-to-use design that keeps your baby soothed and securely swaddled. Soft, breathable fabric prevents overheating and is super comfortable for restful sleep.

“This is hands-down the best swaddle blanket out there. It doesn’t have Velcro, so it doesn’t wake the baby, it’s easy to use, and it wraps around enough times that baby can’t escape! So easy and it actually works.”

6. Doona Convertible Car Seat + Stroller 

This integrated travel system transforms from car seat to stroller for a seamless transition from car to street. The innovative design allows you to tackle everything from driving on the road to walking up the stairs without once disturbing your baby.

“This makes my life easier all around. It takes all the stress out of transferring a sleeping baby from the car seat to the stroller and vice versa. It’s so light to carry and simple to assemble. Definitely a game changer.”

7. Storq MVP Jumpsuit 

This lightweight, super soft maternity-to-postpartum jumpsuit is a chic, easy-to-wear outfit with a loose, drapey fit that’s flattering at all stages of your parenthood journey. A front button placket makes it easy to nurse in, and the sleek design can be dressed up or down.

“I live in this throughout pregnancy and postpartum—and even years after! It’s lightweight, comfy, flattering, and so cute!”

8. Solly Baby Wrap

This lightweight, stretchy, and super soft wrap provides even weight distribution across your waist and hips to wear your baby with ease and confidence. Ultra buttery and breathable TENCEL Modal soothes baby and keeps both of you comfortable for all-day babywearing.

“A lifesaver. This wrap soothes my babies and makes it easy for me to be out and about or doing things around the house. It’s the best way to snuggle 24/7.”

9. Owlet Dream Sock 

This FDA-approved sock provides parents and caregivers with real time health readings and notifications when baby needs their attention. It tracks baby’s pulse rate, oxygen, wakings, and sleep trends through the corresponding app, and gives an alert when readings fall outside preset ranges.

“This truly gives me peace of mind and lets me sleep without the constant worrying.”

10. Baby Bjorn Bouncer Bliss

This bouncer is lightweight and uses natural rocking to soothe your baby from room to room. An ergonomic design provides optimal support for your baby’s back, neck, and head, and three different positions make it usable from birth until the age of 2. 

“This is the only bouncer that actually soothes my babies. It’s super comfy for them, and I can rock it more aggressively if needed.”

11. Mushie Baby Portable Changing Pad

This chic and convenient portable changing pad is made from soft, quilted cotton that helps your baby stay comfy during on-the-go diaper changes. The water repellant fabric keeps the mess at bay, while the compact shape and carry handle make it easy to take wherever you go.

“With this, there’s no need for big diaper bag setups. I just throw this in any bag, and we are good to go!”

12. Boon TROVE Passive Silicone Pump

It’s hard to find time to pump in between feeds, but this passive breast pump helps you collect all that extra milk that would otherwise be absorbed in your nursing pads! The TROVE sits smoothly and securely under your bra and provides suction to discreetly collect milk.

“This thing is genius. It catches milk letdown as you nurse from the other side. It’s the best hack to get pumped milk without actually pumping.”