Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

One of the things that I've noticed in the pregnancy and parenting magazines I read is that "everyone" seems to feature the same list of things you need for your diaper bag, changing area, or nursery.  This being my second time around, so to speak, I'm a little confused as to why no one has bothered to pass along anything other than the status quo.  After all, veteran moms will tell you that while the "pack an extra shirt for yourself" line is good advice, there are other needful things that take mere minutes to pull together and will come in super handy.

It's my mission this week to pass on to you the things that I learned the first time around, especially since there are all sorts of goodies on the market that weren't available when my daughter was born six years ago.  For instance, back then I'd have suggested a small bottle of sunscreen.  Now we can pick up sunscreen towelettes.  The easier they are to pack and get to, the more likely you and I are to use 'em, right?  Here's what I'm planning on putting in my diaper bag (and my hubby's, shown here) in preparation for our son's arrival in a few weeks:

1. Sunscreen towelettes (You can also get these in individually wrapped packets, but that requires remembering to put in new ones when you've used what you packed - not so easy with "New Mommy brain"!)
2. Disposable multi-use pads: I've yet to see a bathroom changing table that was actually stocked with disposable changing table liners.  Frankly, even the thought of putting my diaper bag on those things creeps me out.  Toss a couple of these babies in your bag and you've got a liner when you need one, as well as a burp cloth or any number of other items when you need one.
3. A pocket-sized calendar.  I like the little freebies my local Hallmark hands out, personally.  You're already lugging a baby and a diaper bag to pediatrician and OB checkups.  Who needs the weight of a DayPlanner in there too?  Jot down appointments and the like without adding to your shoulder strain.
4. Mommy Cards.  Indispensable for when you're ready to set up playgroups - or just want to exchange numbers with a mom you click with at the aforementioned pediatrician office.  (My personal faves are from Cards for Moms; you get a free clip-on card holder with your order, which makes it even easier to carry your cards.)  Besides, if you get a serious case of mommy brain and forget your own name, you can always look it up.  heh heh
5. A disposable camera.  Yes, I realize that many of you may have cell phones that have cameras in them, but not everyone does.  Besides, having a disposable camera comes in handy for a day at the zoo - no picking and choosing which shots to delete.  Keep Snapfish mailers handy at home and drop the camera in the mail right away.  Gramma and Grampa will be thrilled they can order prints of your little darling within days (and you don't have to spend time at the photo hut).

There's more where these came from, trust me.  But now I'm wondering - what do you throw in your diaper bag that nobody ever mentions in the books and magazines?  Share your tips!