Hi 
this article is for all (1st) time moms, especially snickers (she asked me once about what 2 buy n stuff). Enjoy…
What to pack in the diaper bag for outings of 1 to 4 hours length:
two blankies
one complete change of clothes
4 more diapers than you think you’ll need
two toys
two books
two wash rags
one wet wash rag in a ziploc bag
one plastic grocery bag (for wet nasties)
before solids, a snack bar for mum (you never know when a case of the nursing munchies will happen)
after solids, snacks for both mum and babe
Equipment for Newborn (0-6months):
breasts (lactating preferably)
loving arms and laps (three sets are ideal, as long as the owners all get along)
regular garden variety home (running water, tub, toilet, roof, floor, bed, food, etc.)
sling(s)/front pack/backpack (for later)
blankies and quilts, assorted, for putting on floor to cover up dog hair (doesn’t everyone have dog hair?), for crashing under wherever you end up nursing
sports bottles, filled with water and strategically placed at nursing spots around the house
bouncy seat in bathroom as a putting place for baby during peeing and showering, unless baby cries (then, you juggle)
a large repertoire of songs–lullabye, silly, operatic, popular, kid-- complete with hand gestures and facial expressions
battery operated swing (especially if your colicky baby likes motion. NOTE: this is not a replacement for arms and laps, but a diversion for up to 30 minutes total A DAY.)
onesies/singlets (we always had 6 of each size)
booties or socks, nothing fancy
an outerwear outfit
car seat–five point harness is best and can be used with newborn, rear-facing, and convert to front-facing up to 40lbs; but sometimes an infant seat is more comfy for baby
lots and lots of really cheap cloth wash rags (12-20; approx. $4 per dozen), dish towels (I won’t pay more than $1 ea.), and birdseye diapers (a dozen is fine)
one or two really lush hooded towels
one or two of those rubber/flannel sheets for use on changing table/area and in the family bed (a must-have when the flu runs through the family)
Toys for baby:
keys (you’ll find out why)
black-and-white greeting cards work just as well as expensive baby flash cards
any kind of book, non-toxic, for baby to hold and nibble and ‘read’
For new parents:
computer and modem, and email support list addresses 
cordless phone
LLL schedule, AP playgroup meeting schedule or similar
Books: Sears is good but I think Baby Games is an absolute must, required reading for beginning and experienced anyone.
List of local thrift shops within driving distance, ie, between nursings
Diaper Stuff:
diapers, 3 to 5 dozen cloth if you wash 1-2 a week.
a stash of disposable diapers in the event of diarrhea (if you’re stressed out caring for a sick baby, the last thing you want to worry about is how many diapers are being soiled, will need washing, etc.)
grocery bags for dirty diapers while away from home
diaper bag/purse for mom
plastic trash can or vented laundry hamper for diaper pail
a few washable bibs (see Diaper Guide)
Baby’s toiletries:
a bulb syringe/nasal syringe
baby cream for the bum and for massage
Rescue Remedy
Chamomillia
Hyland’s Teething Tablets
Baby Simethicone
Baby Tylenol/Motrin (use when recommended by dr.) (Advil is a Nestle product)
Baby shampoo (use for bath too) Later:
generic high chair (later) (some babies prefer sitting in Mom’s lap and preventing her from eating at all) safety and childproofing items
Homemade disposable baby wipes:
Take a roll of paper towels (Bounty has worked the best) and cut it in half. Use a large Tupperware-style container and place the roll inside. Add enough of a weak baby bath/baby shampoo and water solution to soak the towels throughly. Remove the cardboard core and pull the wipes out from the center. Store in a cool to room temperature place. Baby can even suck on a wet one without much harm.
