What Happened to JuJuBe Diaper Bags? Why Fans Say the Brand Changed and the Best Alternatives

Once upon a time, JuJuBe wasn’t just a diaper bag—it was the diaper bag. If you’re wondering what happened to JuJuBe diaper bags, you’re not alone.

Founded in 2005 by Joe Croft and Kristin Hunziker, this Southern California-styled brand built its reputation on smart, fashion-forward designs with cutting-edge innovation. Everyone was obsessed with the anti-stain treatments, memory foam changing pads, and machine-washable fabrics, all backed by a lifetime warranty. We couldn’t get enough.

Fast forward to a couple years ago, and longtime JuJuBe devotees started noticing the shift:

Quality seemed to dip—cheap-feeling materials, flimsy zippers, stitching that frayed too fast.
Style leaned toward bland—sleek and “on-trend,” sure, but missing the quirky, functional flair that made the originals iconic.
Customer service hardened—fans complained about lost orders, warranty headaches, broken zippers, and feeling ignored by a brand they once trusted.

One Target review cuts deep:

“I got my bag and let me tell you, I’m really disappointed in the quality. This is not the Jujube I’ve come to know and love. This new style feels very cheap and the zippers are unsightly and hard to zip. I hope the older styles reappear as this new style is NOT it.” Target reviewer

Sounds like the classic tale of a cult-favorite brand getting sold, stripped of its soul, and left us fans betrayed. Not only that, many of the OG die-hard JuJuBe fans like myself quickly traced positive reviews back to new JuJuBe employees that were scrambling on a rampage to counter-balance the hate and disappointment their new products were garnering. Absolutely disgusting for a company to run around posting fake positive reviews to try to save their image.

My “vintage” bags? I’m hoarding them like precious relics because nothing compares to their unmatched quality, style, and versatility in my eyes. And I’m definitely not going to be purchasing any of their new styles. Ever. I’ll die on this hill.

Vintage JuJuBe Forever, But Here’s Who Took the Reins

Sadly, JuJuBe doesn’t even publicly admit to a sale or ownership change—so the breadcrumbs are from reviews, complaint threads, and that sinking feeling moms felt when quality suddenly nosedived.

Yet despite any investments in eco-conscious collections or celebrity collabs, that brand magic, the community trust, and the “white-glove” vibe? Poof. Gone. I still carry my OG collection bags, but the new releases? They’ve lost me entirely. I’m not buying it.

Why Petunia Pickle Bottom Is the New Diaper Bag Crush

Enter Petunia Pickle Bottom! This Ventura-based diaper bag genius was founded in 2000 and has soared in popularity. While JuJuBe fell from grace, PPB stayed shining all this time.

What makes PPB earn our mom trust?

Design & Quality That Feel Premium
Think quilted canvas, chic hardware, refined colors and fabrics that could pass for a luxe handbag even with bottles and wipes peeking out.
Function Without Sacrificing Style
The Boxy Backpack includes ample pockets, a zip-out changing pad, wide top opening, and multiple carrying options (tote, strap, backpack, stroller), all while looking elegantly put together.
Built to Last
Tests from Mommyhood101 put PPB’s Boxy Backpack among the most durable and stylish on the market after rigorous tests. Stains wiped clean, structure stayed upright, and even the small details held up to “the test of time” Mommyhood101.
Credibility from Trusted Reviews
Parents magazine awarded the Petunia Pickle Bottom Tempo Backpack Diaper Bag “Best Vegan Leather,” praising its fold-out changing pad, multiple bottle pockets, water-resistant exterior, and spacious organization Parents.

From the Ridiculously Real Reddit Threads:

“I love my Petunia Pickle Bottom! My daughter is 2 and it’s been so great to have all the space, compartments and the change mat all while looking cute.” Reddit

So for moms like us whose loyalty waivered post-JuJuBe collapse, Petunia Pickle Bottom hits the sweet spot. Stylish, practical, and still built to last.

The Brand Betrayal & the Comeback Kid

JuJuBe used to be the top name in diaper bags. They were high innovation, fun style, community-first, and had that sweet lifetime warranty legacy. Then something changed: cheaper feel, lame styles, crappy zippers, shoddy service, and a brand that no longer cared about their customers.

Meanwhile, Petunia Pickle Bottom stayed true: fashion-meets-function diaper bags with thoughtful organization, chic design, tried-and-tested durability, and still capturing that modern-mom enthusiasm.

What To Buy Instead

If you’re hoarding your vintage JuJuBe bags like precious artifacts (guilty!), you’re not alone… But for the moms bravely moving on, there’s one name that’s earned a 2nd shot at our homes and hearts.

Here is my favorite Petunia Picklebottom Bag: