See how ready we all are with advice? So fun to give.
I second those first week basics of Tucks and a spray bottle of warm water for cleansing and soothing after each time you go to the bathroom. Also, a million mega maxi pads to help absorb all the bleeding for awhile (that was a big surprise to me after my first). And at the hospital (I've had babies at 5 different ones and they've all had them) they've always given me these elastic mesh-type underwear that hold the pads in place just wonderfully!
I usually have the following right by my bed for quick and easy clean-up and changing the baby during the night -- newborn diapers, wipes, waterless hand cleanser, rubbing alcohol and cotton balls (to clean where the umbilical cord was) and I think last time I even added lotion so my hands wouldn't get all dried out. Also, the best thing for them to wear when so little and sleeping and needing so many diaper changes (so many that you won't believe it) is those gowns with the drawstrings or elastic at the bottom. So much easier to get them in and out of. It's really challenging and frustrating to try to get a newborn to move and bend right to change their clothes or even snap or zip in and out of sleepers. And the best thing I've found to prevent or help with diaper rash is that powder in the pink bottle, what is it called -- Caldesene maybe?
As for bigger stuff, you'll probably want either a baby sling or front pack (I've used both and like both for different reasons) to hold your baby throughout the day when he/she needs it, but you need to use your arms to get other stuff done too.
Also, those Mylecon drops (can get over the counter and generic, but often you have to ask the pharmacist where they are) have been essential for my last 3 babies because they didn't burp easily and seemed to hold lots of air after feedings and would cry a lot if I didn't use it. So I'd have that nearby to give them a drop or two before each feeding -- especially at night when I needed to rest after feedings.
I'm sure I'll think of more stuff -- you're getting me all excited and I'm just 5 mos. tomorrow
. -- Renee