When it comes to choosing the right kids backpacks, the sheer number of backpacks on the market may make it seem overwhelming. It seems like there are backpacks available in zillions of colors and styles. Before you head out with your children to select a backpack there are seven tips that I would like to offer you.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip One- Durability
Some kids backpacks just aren’t made to last past the first quarter of school. They are made of flimsy fabric that just can’t handle the rough and tumble life a backpack can lead. Kids need a backpack that can handle being tossed into the backseat. They also need a backpack whose seams can handle the pressure of heavy objects like books being pulled by gravity downward.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip Two- School Rules
At my school the kindergartners are given string bag backpack to use so, they don’t need to bring in a backpack. Other schools have rules that state that kids backpacks can’t have wheels. I am not sure why they have those rules, but they do. You will want to check with your school to see if they have any backpack guidelines before buying your kids backpacks.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip Three- Straps
Kids backpacks can have straps that start in various places on the back of the pack. Some backpacks offer a waist strap that will make carrying those heavy books and notebooks home from school. It is totally worth having your child try on a backpack to see how it feels on their backs.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip Four- Number of Compartments
Kids love compartments in backpacks. Zippered and snapped areas, places for a thermos, and small items that make them seem really cool. I believe it is possible to have too many compartments. While we tried to keep everything in the main compartment of my son’s backpack last year, there were a few times that he couldn’t figure out where something was.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip Five- Clean-Ability
Things happen both inside and outside a backpack that leads to them needing to be cleaned. If your kids’ backpacks might accidentally be placed near a puddle of mud while they wait in car line, you may want to have a backpack that is easy to clean. I tend to pick backpacks that can be placed in the washer. They look and smell so much better after being washed.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip Six- Size Matters
When you think about all the things your children are going to need to carry to school, will they fit in the backpack you have selected? It is so important to think about size while choosing a backpack. We had to move to the next size of backpack after hearing one of JDaniel’s teachers describing what he was going to need to carry home every day. We needed a backpack that was big enough to carry his lunch and school items, but we didn’t need a supersize kids backpack that would hit his legs when he wore it. Finding the right backpack for a kindergartner can be tricky. Once again trying on a backpack was key to making the right selection.
Choosing Kids Backpacks Tip Seven- Cost
Just as size matters so does cost. There are wonderful backpacks available at almost every price point. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a really nice one.
Notice that I didn’t mention color, characters, glitz, of fun elements that can be used to decorate a kids backpack. Kids will know what they just love and have to have. They are all kinds of style options and while they are important I think looking for the seven elements are more important.
I really want my son to have a backpack that will make it through this year and maybe even into the next. If that is what you are looking for too, I hope you will follow the tips I shared above.
This is the second in a series of Back to School posts. The first was posted on Wednesday and is called 12 Back to School Shopping Tips.
For more Back to School ideas, you may want to visit my Back to School Pinterest Board.
Follow JDaniel4’s Mom’s board Back to School on Pinterest.
This is the first year I have to choose a backpack for my daughter so this is very helpful!
I am glad these tips will help!
Hi, I am one of those teachers that requests “no wheels” for my first graders. There is one main reason- they don’t fit in the cubbies we have to store the backpacks. The ones with wheels are heavy and usually larger and I have never found one that is big enough to hold the standard homework folder and library book and yet “fit” the cubbies. A second reason, at my school, is that our halls are small- with 450 kids all exiting the building at the same time, pulling a rolling backpack causes tripping, kids getting hurt, etc.
Just thought I’d put out my reasoning for the “no wheels” backpacks.
I loved your list- used it to buy my first grader her new backpack- we got such a good one, I think it will last a few years!
My boys all have LL Bean backpacks – because I still have my LL Bean backpack from middle school! I took it to high school, college, cross country tips – the works. And it is still going. So I know they make a great product 🙂
That is what I got for JDaniel this year. He old backpack is falling apart!
I wholeheartedly concur – durability and practicality over the latest trendy picture on the back. Pay for zippers that work instead of a Disney princess or car picture! So many of my kindergarten kids’ backpacks barely make it from September to Christmas. And the wheelie thing – wheelie backpacks take up more room than regular ones – and many classroom cloak room areas are not big enough for all the coats, shoes and regular backpacks.
we got him a nice big backpack… and got it solid colored, so if he changes his mind on what character he likes, he still has a good bag 😉
Bookbags with wheels can be a nightmare! The children can get carried away rolling them down the hall, also the wheels can also tear up the school’s flooring!
I’ll admit I let my two get the cheaper character backpacks. They are entering kindergarten and aren’t going to have heavy books to transport. Their backpacks from preschool still look good other than the water bottle holders. Yes, they will need something more durable as they get older, but for now I’m happy to let them have something fun.
It sounds like you have a great backpack plan. It makes sense to go for the fun now. The heavy books in a backpack will come later.
This makes me feel good about getting a Gymboree one for my daughter starting preschool. It may have kitties on it, but with her love of animals I should be good for a while. As far as having to have their favorite characters, my game plan is to go with key chains and small pins. Really lucking out with Minnions in those quarter machines and using them as occasional rewards for being good in the store.