5 Keys to Choosing the Right Backpack

The right backpack for your child should be comfortable, washable, safe, easy to carry, and adapted to their needs. Learn more.

Now that children are starting a new school year, they’re excited about the idea of buying their school supplies and, of course, a backpack in which they can carry their materials: Books, notebooks, crayons, and everything else they need during this period. Here are some keys to take into account when choosing the right backpack for your child.

First of all, it should be comfortable, easy to carry, and have several pockets and compartments to store objects. These are features that you should consider when going out to buy the perfect backpack for your child. Keep reading and learn more!

Know the keys to choosing the right backpack

On the market, you’ll find a wide variety of backpacks. They can be large, small, square, round, with thin or thick straps, plain or patterned. Of course, there’s something for everyone. The question is, which one best suits your child’s needs? Read these keys and you’ll know which one to buy.

1. Choose the right size and weight

Knowing how to choose the right backpack for your child means choosing the right size and weight, according to their anatomy. Remember that they’ll carry it with them every day, so it should be comfortable and easy to carry. If the child goes to preschool or early childhood education, then their backpack should be smaller. Larger backpacks are better for those who attend elementary or high school.

Regarding the size, to protect their posture, it’s essential that the width of the backpack isn’t wider than the child’s shoulders. Likewise, it shouldn’t exceed 2 inches below the waist.

Also, make sure that the material it’s made of is light so that when it’s time to include the school supplies, it doesn’t weigh too much. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the weight a child can carry should not exceed 15% of their own body weight.

For example, if your child weighs 70 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than 10.5 pounds. But if the child is bigger and weighs about 90 pounds, what they’re going to carry shouldn’t exceed 13.5 pounds. As for the time of use, from school to home and from home to school, it shouldn’t take longer than half an hour.

2. Choose one with an ergonomic backrest and adjustable shoulder straps

An ergonomic backrest that adapts to the child’s back will provide greater comfort. In addition, they’ll be able to move it without any inconvenience or physical damage in the future. A reinforced backrest will also help distribute the weight.

Equally important are the shoulder straps. Look for a backpack with two straps that can be adjusted to the child’s height. It’s best to opt for one with thick, padded straps for greater comfort on the shoulders.

If it’s a backpack with wheels, you should evaluate if the child feels comfortable walking with it and make sure they can walk without stumbling. Otherwise, discard this option.

3. Make sure it’s washable and easy to clean

When choosing the right backpack, look for one with strong fabrics for safety and durability. There are some that are made of hard fabric and are resistant to cuts.

At the same time, if there’s something that worries mothers, it’s the issue of washing and maintenance. Needless to say, children tend to leave their backpacks lying around, so they tend to get dirty. Therefore, there are backpacks that are made of fabric or material that’s easy to clean with a damp cloth.

4. Choose a backpack with several compartments

The more pockets and compartments the backpack has, the more the weight will be distributed and the less it’ll hurt your back. In addition, this allows you to better organize the items inside and your child will find them more easily.

Remember that inside the backpack, they’ll carry their notebooks, lunch bag, and water bottle. Therefore, if it has several pockets, they’ll be able to accommodate everything in different parts. There are also backpacks with mesh pockets to store the water bottle in.

5. Go for colors and designs that your child likes

Your child will carry this backpack every day to school during this school year. For that reason, buy one that fits their style and is to their liking, with the colors or motif that they like.

If it’s a boy who loves the adventures of Paw Patrol, then choose one with the image of the rescue dogs from this TV series. If it’s a girl who loves Disney princesses, then see that her backpack has this design. In any case, the best thing to do is to let them choose their favorite motif.

A backpack adapted to the tastes and needs of the child

There will always be a backpack that’s comfortable, safe, and adapted to the needs and tastes of your little one. What you have to do is choose the right one. This means looking for the best weight distribution so that it doesn’t affect your child’s back and shoulders.