Kids Backpacks

Kids backpacks should be durable enough to hold up well in a busy school environment. They should also be comfortable to wear with a padded back and straps.

Parents appreciate models that offer plenty of room, including a padded pocket for a laptop or tablet and a clip to hold a lunch box. Other helpful features include a height-adjustable sternum strap and a water bottle pocket that fits smaller bottles.

Size

Kids’ backpacks should be sized appropriately for the child, as the back muscles of young children are not yet developed to bear heavy loads. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that backpacks should not weigh more than 10% of a child’s body weight, with heavier items placed lower and closer to the center of the pack. Bulky backpacks can also cause tripping and are difficult to handle.

In our testing, we’ve found that children’s backpacks should be spacious enough to hold school books and supplies for a day of classes as well as lunch, a water bottle and light gear like a hat or rain jacket. Our picks for best backpacks for kids have plenty of nooks and crannies to stash everything, plus comfortable padding on the straps for happy shoulders. They feature easy-to-open zippers that even little fingers can operate, and a spot to scribble a kid’s name on the front for extra safety.

For a stylish and practical backpack for students, check out our pick from Kane Kids, which comes in multiple colors and designs to appeal to kids of all ages and interests. It’s sized for elementary-aged children and features a large main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve as well as smaller pockets and organization. It’s also built for travel, with designated spots for a change of clothes and an air travel essentials kit, and it has the added benefit of being able to be wheeled around instead of carried, which can help kids navigate busy airports.

Material

A backpack should be durable for everyday use, yet comfortable enough for children to wear. Consider a material that is resistant to rips and tears, such as 600D oxford fabric or rip-stop nylon. This kids backpacks material features a grid pattern of durable threads sewn closely together to prevent tearing, and it also resists degradation from sunlight. Look for backpacks with a front pocket organizer to help kids keep track of small items and a padded laptop sleeve for older students. Backpacks with single or dual water bottle side pockets are helpful for keeping kids hydrated on the go.

A padded back panel and shoulder straps are essential for comfort while carrying a loaded backpack. A sternum strap and waist belt are additional options for added comfort and to redistribute the weight of the pack. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child’s wholesale handbags suppliers backpack should not be wider than their torso or hang more than 4 inches below their waist.

Kids backpacks come in a range of colors, patterns and designs to reflect each child’s personality and style. Select a bag with a fun print to speak to their interests or opt for a classic polka dot design for a timeless back-to-school look. Many styles are available with a personalized front panel to add a monogram or design for school, day-care or travel.

Design

Unlike adult backpacks, kids’ backpacks are used all day long, so they should be comfortable and have features that help them stay organized. They should also be sturdy enough to withstand the normal wear and tear of a school year. Our picks include padded straps and support for the chest, back and shoulders; pockets for water bottles, electronics and other gear; and compartments to help kids organize. They’re also available in a variety of colors and designs that kids will love.

While kids’ backpacks aren’t likely to cause long-term damage to muscles and bones if they’re worn all day, if the wrong one is used or it’s too heavy, it can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain. A good backpack should be lightweight, with padded shoulder pads to prevent the straps digging into the child’s shoulders, and it should have a sternum strap to keep the pack secure on narrow shoulders.

When choosing a backpack for children, consider whether it’ll have a separate padded sleeve for a laptop or tablet, which is important if your child will be carrying a digital device to class. Also, look for a bag with external bottle pockets that have some combination of mesh, woven nylon and elastic tops, as these are less likely to snag or rip than other types of pockets.

Organization

Kids tend to lose things in their backpacks, especially those needed for school, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. One way to help prevent that from happening is by establishing a dedicated backpack drop zone in your entryway or mudroom where each kid can hang up their bag. That eliminates the time they spend looking for their backpack in the morning or after school.

Another way to keep kids backpacks organized is by helping them assign homes in the bag for their belongings. For example, the back larger compartment can be home to their planners and binders and the smaller forward compartment can be for notebooks, folders and books. This helps them find what they need and also keeps their supplies organized.

One big cause of backpack disorganization is a lack of space for textbooks. Speak to your child’s teachers if they are having trouble fitting their books in the backpack or if they need an extra set of textbooks to bring home each day.