I didn't realize how OCD I was about organizing until I started diaper bag shopping!! I purchased so many bags over the past few years and I had issues with all of them not fitting my specific needs: either not enough compartments, or if there were compartmentsthey weren't usable sizesor they were designed to where if you actually use the pockets then one pocket would block anotherOR the diaper bags didn't have an appropriate closure, or they toppled over rather than standing-you get the picture!
Since being blessed with baby # 2 (now with a toddler and a newborn) I needed a better bag and I started my search for the perfect diaper bag all over again... but this time I happened upon the BFF and I fell in LOVE (actually I am in love with a LOT of Ju Ju Be bags, but this is my FAVORITE)!
All the good things:
* Gusseted pockets! The main compartment opens so ingeniouslyyou can see what you have and GET to anything on the very bottom without pulling everything out, or clumsily knocking items out of the bag!
* The fabric is stain resistant, teflon coated, microbial treated, and MACHINE washable!
* Lots of pockets, usable sizes, some zippered, some open, and also a large open space in the middle for awkward shaped things
* Quality metal hardware everywhere (no cheap plastic stuff): zipper pulls, d-rings, buckles, and the zipper itself is super smooth
* METAL FEET (seems so obvious, but so many diaper bags don't have themGROSS!)
* LOVE the 2 photo pocketsvery cool (my hubby also pointed out a practical yet scary benefitgood to have in the case of the un-thinkable like losing a child in public)canNOT imagine thatmakes my head hurt typing that, sorry.
* 3-way carry style (top handle, shoulder/messenger, or backpack) with fully adjustable, padded strapscool I have choices!
* 2 Thinsulate lined bottle pockets on the outside (they are not SUPER insulated, since they are not "sealed-all-the-way-around" the bottle) but do the trick at keeping things from getting hot so fast)
* Mommy pocket is well designed for today's things (can fit an iphone, reading/sunglasses, wallet, keys, lipstick, pills, and more misc)no need to dig through the kids' things to get to mine quickly and no need to carry a separate purse!
* Since there are no magnetic closures anywhere on the bag, all of my electronic devices are SAFE!!
* Love the fleece lined pocket (and placement)perfect for my slim camera, or anything else I want to protect from scratches/dings (expensive glasses)and the pocket placement is high on the bagso it is not battling the lower/full part of the bag (like not pressing against items on the inside of the main compartmentgenius)
* Can't forget the key scrunchythat is SUPER helpful! I can move my keys out of the way, to get to other things in the mommy pocket without setting them on the counter (no more losing my keys) they just hang from the pocket AND anytime I need my keys from the bagNO more diggingI pull the string!
* Memory-foam padded changing pad included-memory foam? yep, squishy and comfy! Huge lifesaver in places with super hard surfaces (like the wooden shelves on planes or the marble counter top area at Disney)!!
Now for the one disappointment:
Just like other reviews have noted:
The original design of the backpack straps were set too low on the bag which makes the bag (when worn backpack style) sag, droop and is too uncomfortable to actually wear-but that problem was rectified in 2011 made ones-but nobody advertises which model you will receive.
I ordered 2 BFF's (in 2 different prints) and crossed my fingers hoping I would receive the newer style.
I ordered Sangria Sunset from Amazon and Shadow Waltz from Little Dudes and Divas
I received:
Sangria Sunset OLD style, Shadow Waltz NEW style
Much afterwards, I learned that most retailers will happily check their stock for you if you ask so I would definitely suggest doing that.
Second thing I learned is that 2 prints (Sangria Sunset and Dizzy Daisies) are NOT made in the new style AT ALL because these prints are being discontinued (at least in the BFF, not sure if they will use the prints on other bags). I am bummed I can't attain one with the 'fixes' in that print (you can find this info in the ju-ju-be forum Pink Room).
Truthfully I had no idea that I would even use the BP feature, until I received the Shadow Waltz one and had the option of throwing on my back-WOW that is nicehands freeand I didn't realize how lop-sided I feel carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder tote style!
So with my Sangria Sunset one, this problem takes away ONE cool feature of the otherwise totally awesome bag. Since I cannot carry it BP style with the weight distribution causing instant back strain/discomfortI removed the B/P straps (since they are useless) but I decided to keep the bag since it is cute but mostly because it looks good with my stroller (the orange/grey city mini doublewhich is a hard one to match). Honestly, it will probably always bug me a little that my Sangria Sunset one is less than perfectand I do miss the B/P feature on it. If there was any other print that looked as cute with my stroller (with the fixes)I would exchange it in a second!
Sorry for the super lengthy/detailed review, but I hope it helps anyone that is considering this bag to know the features and other info. I have MANY different Ju Ju Be bags, and although I love them all, this is my favorite as my everyday diaper bag. It holds all of my needs for my newborn and toddler for the day.
On longer days/trips, although I considered the BePrepared, I felt it was WAY too big/heavy (when full) to actually carry (without my hubby) so I found the MightyBe to be a GREAT companion to the BFF. The MB is great for handling the "extras" (my DSLR, extra drinks, and 3 sweatshirts (me and 2 kids), coloring books/doodle boardyep in one load) for long days at Disney or long days in general. To my surprise it is easy to carry BOTH bags when I need to (BFF backpack style, MightyBe on my shoulder/tote style) although I haven't had to do it for long distances, since I attach both to the stroller for the most part. So I highly suggest picking up both bags which will give you so much flexibility, plus the MB folds TINY and FLAT which makes it cool to take with you empty and grab all of your loose goodies from the car when you get home! BFF + Mighty Be = Match made in heaven!!
Other bags I purchased for extra organizationto go INSIDE my BFF/MightyBE's are the: Fuel Cell, Be Quick, and Be Setthey are fabulousand they make my bags uber-organized!
I only wish I would have met my BFF sooner!
It is a good ju ju be bag. I am coming from owning three ju ju be bags: packabe, between, and BFF. I also own many other diaper backpacks. This is a good messenger bag and is as good as the ju ju be video describes except: The bag is flawed as a backpack. The bag will pull away from you on the top, while the bottom of the bag pokes at your spine. Because of that, the bag looks stupid and sagging in the backpack mode. I realized this is a design flaw. If ju ju be positions the top set of rings(where the backpack straps hook onto) further up/higher up, it will alleviate this problem somewhat. If you watched the ju ju be video, the demonstrator has to hold both straps with both hands to prevent the bag from sagging down. I called ju ju be about this. They said this is the first run of the BFF bags so we are the testers. They will let the design team know.
Otherwise a very good messenger bag. It's not too big or too small and has tons of pockets.
I am thinking about taking this bag to a tayler and has it altered by repositioning the top rings as high as possible. But that is going to cost extra $ for an expensive bag already!
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I love this diaper bag! For months I stubbornly believed that any diaper bag would do, so was using a basic, cheap bag for months. I finally got sick of not being able to find things and decided to look for a new bag. I love this bag and it has made life so much easier. We ordered the cobalt blossoms print, which came with the newer style backpack straps, so it works well as a backpack (straps connect at the top of the bag, just below the handle). The print is very cute, and I receive a lot of compliments. Sometimes the white does get a little dirty, but with the bag being machine washable it has not been an issue. Here is a basic overview of my thoughts on the bag:
Pros:
Mommy pocket has lots of room and pockets. 1 zippered pocket, 2 open pockets, sunglasses holder, key holder. I can fit 2 packs of gum, a small kleenex box, my full sized wallet, keys, cell phone (galaxy nexus), granola bar, few personal items.
zippered front pocket holds my small sony camera and flip camcorder. It is a soft pocket that keeps things protected
Main compartment has 4 open pockets (2 on each side, 2 at the back), and 3 zippered pockets (1 at the front, 2 at the back behind the open pockets), plus the clear pockets for pictures. Currently I have the nursing cover, 4 size 2 diapers, 2 burp cloths, 1 8-oz bottle of formula, 2 bibs, a 9-month onesie, a package of disposable dirty diaper bags (those dog-poop-like bags to hold dirty diapers), 4 small toys, and a snack container in the main compartment. I still have some extra room and can fit in a itzy-ritzy snack happens bag filled with a gerber NUK baby bowl (covered), spoon and banana.
2 insulated side pockets. I usually have a bottle on one side and a sippy cup on the other
back pocket holds the changing pad, wipe holder, disposable changing pad. I can fit more if I don't mind the pocket bulging out.
Easy to carry, fits in the basket of my chicco stroller with room to spare.
Cons:
Insulated side pockets are a little tight I need 2 hands to get the sippy cup in. Kind of annoying, but probably better than the cup falling out.
Changing pad is small about 12" wide by 21" long. It is nice and padded, but if I try to change my wiggly 7 month old on it, chances are his butt is no where near it. I usually end up putting a disposable changing pad down, and using the ju ju be changing pad as a pillow.
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I AGONIZED whether to get the BFF or Be Prepared. I ended up getting both and returning the Be Prepared. Here's the deal ladies. The BFF is a little smaller than you think, and the Be Prepared is a little bigger than you think. So you have to make a choice -do you want a super cute bag that you'll want to take with you everywhere and is not a pain to lug around, but you'll be forced to pack a tiny bit lighter than you might like? OR do you want a bag where you can throw in your every whim, but it'll be heavy and look a little awkward as a messenger bag. I ultimately decided that if I got the Be Prepared, I'd probably end up wanting to leave it in the car or throw just what I need into the stroller, thus defeating the whole purpose of having everything you could possibly need with you. So I went with the BFF and I have to say I am so happy! My husband even likes it. Some of my favorite features are the handle on top, the strap (it stays put!) and the changing pad it's not too bulky just right. At first I wasn't a huge fan of the prints but now I'm loving my "fun bag" and embracing the crazineses of it (I have royal envy). The neon green inside doesn't even bother me. Now if you have multiples or cloth diapers, you will want to go with the Be Prepared .. just make sure you have a nice hubby who will carry it for you. (And get his input on the print!) :-) I hope this was helpful. I read every review/video on the planet about these bags.
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I'm a new mommy and also a bag-aholic. I love bags and Ju-Ju-Be is perfect for the bag lover in me. Not only do they have great products, but the prints are beautiful! I wish I could afford to buy a bag in every print! My friend who is also a bag lover also has quite a few different JJBs and love them all. She highly recommended them to me.
The BFF is my everyday bag and it has been great so far. I cloth diaper and am able to fit 3-5 cloth diapers (I use prefolds or pockets), wipes, a wet bag, a couple changes of clothes, a formula dispenser (can't BF, so formula feeding baby), a couple burp cloths, and a few other little items in the pockets. I keep bottles in each of the two outside pockets. I like the Mommy pocket, but it isn't very roomy. I had to get a smaller wallet because my old one was too large. It does have a nice spot for a cell phone, sunglasses, and other little items. If you are like me and have gotten used to carrying a large purse, this doesn't quite cut it. I've had to cut back on what I carry with me. I don't want to carry a diaper bag and a purse both.
I have already gotten compliments on the bag while out and about at a baseball game. As it was being checked for "contraband," the worker commented that it was a very cool bag. My husband thinks it might be a little too girly for him, but he is willing to carry it anyway.
I also own a few other JJB products including the paci-pod, BeLight, PackABe, BePrepared, and a couple others. So far, the BFF is my favorite. The BePrepared is also awesome, but too big for daily use. I use that one for traveling.
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This product is neither spectacular nor amazing but it does its job. It is a little smaller than expected I compared my sons 16in backpack to this one and it is a little smaller. There is also only one pocket which is ok for smaller children but I would not recommend this backpack for anyone who is in a grade higher than first. It is winter so my son has snow pants, gloves, a folder, and sneakers in his backpack and it all fits but it is very cramped without the extra front pockets most back packs have. Also the material is a little generic. I read a review that someone said the back pack has a funny stench and they are not crazy because it does stink a little but febreeze and some airing out did the trick. Overall its pretty cute but not really functional for older children.
