In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared wins our Top Pick award. The Be Prepared is a more robust bag for moms needing more room, whether for multiples or full day outings. The Be Prepared offers quality, storage, and all the bells and whistles like a full zip-down mommy pocket with attachments for keys, glasses and picture pockets, two external 3M Thinsulate bottle pockets, a plush changing pad, a removable messenger strap, and metal luggage feet. Perfect for the Mom who appreciates extra storage, taking multi-day trips, or those with two in diapers, the Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared is a top pick for a diaper bag.
REASONS TO BUY
Roomy
Mommy pocket
Insulated bottle pockets
Nice changing pad
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
A bit cumbersome
Not as stylish as similarly priced bags
Update — July 2018
JuJuBe has updated the Be Prepared with bright new colors and fun patterns. There are currently 8 new designs available. We have contacted JuJuBe, and they have assured us that the features and functionality of the bag remain the same, as well as the price.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Ju-Ju-Be offers multiple bags for a variety of occasions. They conveniently offer bags for moms, dads, breastfeeding and more. With their offerings of cute patterns and styles and high quality, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Performance Comparison
This photo shows the Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared bag in Jujuberry Squares fabric, just one of the several colors and patterns available.
Credit: Ju-Ju-Be
Likes
We are very pleased with the overall performance of the Be Prepared. While bags like the Itzy Ritzy Boss have the upper hand on style, the Be Prepared is no fashion flunky. Your style selection is large, and you can choose from multiple patterns and colors. All styles boast metal hardware and cutting-edge material. They are water and stain-resistant with Teflon coated fabric and machine washable (air dry). The interior linings are naturally protected with Agion providing easy cleanup and assurance against microbes.
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared is large enough for multiples and machine washable.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
The exterior storage system has excellent functionality and capacity. The Mommy pocket is well-organized and large enough to store personal items as it zips down fully and is gusseted which helps prevent things from falling out of the bag. It comes complete with 1 attachment for keys, another for glasses made of soft cleaning fabric, 1 zipping mesh pocket, 2 open mesh pockets, 2 open fabric pockets, 2 picture pockets, and a good-sized internal area. The entire Mommy pocket snaps outwards revealing another large gusseted storage pocket. And, an additional large and open outside pocket has 2" crumb drains on either side which is quite handy, so instead of turning the bag upside down to remove crumbs, you can just push them out the sides. However, beware of not putting smaller items of importance inside as they may fall out. There are also two exterior 3M Thinsulate bottle pockets with magnetic closures that will keep drinks hot or cold for up to 3 hours. Additionally, a structured bottom with metal luggage feet prevents the bag from both slouching or falling over on its side and from getting dirty.
The parent pocket has a place for keys, a wallet and phone, sunglasses, and more, with room to spare. The soft sunglass case is suitable for cleaning lenses.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
The interior also reveals well-organized, ample storage. The gusseted internal compartment is luxuriously roomy; it can comfortably fit a laptop with both internal bottle holders occupied. It zips open widely and has a light-colored lining, so it is easy to see and access everything inside. There are color-coded tabs on 4 internal mesh pockets to let you know which pocket is for which child.
Cleaning the Be Prepared is easy. The Teflon treated outer fabric means it is stain and water-resistant so you can throw it right into the washing machine. And, Agion protected linings means you can be confident that unwelcome microbes will not be visiting.
You can zip down the interior for easy access, and gusseted pockets help prevent items from tumbling out.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
All closures are either zippered, magnetic, or snap with absolutely no velcro present anywhere in the bag. The self-healing coil zippers are durable and easy to use. The messenger strap is adjustable and removable with memory foam in the shoulder pad and grippy textile underneath. The soft tote handles which are great for carrying the bag by hand or slinging it over your shoulder can be tucked inside the exterior pockets when not in use. There are also attachments for the Be Connected stroller clips which fit any Ju-Ju-Be bag and stroller. However, we do not recommend using hanging diaper bags off of the back of the stroller, and neither does the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. The changing pad is pleasantly among the largest we found in our testing. However, what really sets it apart is that it is stain-resistant and machine washable with memory foam that will feel good for your baby during diaper changes.
The changing pad features memory foam.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Dislikes
This bag is the bee's knees. Although, there are a few things that deserve mention. With large capacity comes heft: it is weighty at 3.5 lbs. However, it delivers superior storage for its weight. Additionally, because of its size, it is somewhat cumbersome to manage, yet, nowhere near the previous two bags just mentioned.
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared bag includes small details in its design.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Conclusion
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared is a complete, quality diaper bag with well-appointed features, cutting-edge materials, large capacity, and functional storage, which earns it a Top Pick. If you are in the market for a large diaper bag that will last for years to come, check out the Be Prepared, you won't be disappointed.
