Kids' Backpacks

How do you choose a kids’ backpack suited to their needs?

Choosing a kids’ backpack is not something to leave to chance. Whether it is a small bag for nursery school or a roomier style for primary school, several things need to be taken into account to combine comfort, function and good looks. Here are the essential criteria for finding the ideal bag, perfectly suited to each child’s build and activities.

1. A backpack suited to the child’s age and size

A children’s backpack should be in proportion to the child’s size. For toddlers at day nursery or nursery school, a light mini bag with adjustable straps is recommended. Primary school children will need a bigger bag that can hold A4 exercise books, a pencil case and a water bottle. See our school bags, then our secondary school backpacks for older children. The child’s back must be looked after, as a bag that is too big can spread the weight badly.

2. Choosing the right capacity

The bag’s capacity depends on the child’s age and what it is used for. A bag of 6 to 10 litres is enough for nursery school. At primary school, a volume of 10 to 20 litres holds the school supplies without weighing down the back. For days out or sports, a roomier backpack can be considered.

3. Carrying comfort

Comfort is essential every day. The bag should have padded straps, a padded back and, ideally, a chest strap to keep it steady on the shoulders. These features prevent aches and support good posture, even when the bag is full.

4. A controlled empty weight

A good backpack for children must be light. For the youngest, a bag weighing under 500 g is ideal. At primary school, staying under 800 g means the essentials can be carried without overloading the child’s spine.

5. Strong, waterproof materials

The choice of materials affects durability. Polyester and nylon are recommended for their water resistance and strength. A reinforced base, strong seams and quality zips give the bag a long life, even with heavy use.

6. A design the child likes

Children are drawn to patterns and colours. A pretty bag with their favourite hero will make them want to use it. A cute, personalised backpack is often better accepted than a style that is too plain.

7. Well-thought-out organisation

A good school bag should have a large main compartment, a zipped front pocket for small items and side pockets for a water bottle or tissues. A name label inside is a plus to avoid losing it.

8. A use suited to everyday life

Every child has different needs, whether for day nursery, school, sport or holidays. There are all-purpose backpacks and more specialised ones such as the wheeled bag or the children’s travel rucksack. Choosing according to the main use guarantees practicality and satisfaction.

What our 48 kids’ backpacks offer, from age 1 to the teenage years

The 48 styles run from day nursery to secondary school. Twenty-five are nursery school styles, most of them for 4 to 6 year olds according to their pages, and the youngest start at 1 year with our digger toddler backpack. Four 360 g styles (a truck backpack for kids, a dinosaur backpack for kids, a lion backpack for kids and a bunny backpack with a strawberry pouch) are described for 7 to 13 year olds, and four larger backpacks are described for teenagers too, such as our rolling backpack for teens.

On weight, the lightest is our small dinosaur backpack at 100 g, ten styles weigh 180 g and thirteen weigh 360 g, all under the 500 g given above. Among the larger styles, several state a capacity of 20 to 35 litres and one of under 20 litres, and seven have room for a laptop, up to 15.6 inches.

Eight 3D designs have a chest strap and a breathable back, among them our astronaut toddler backpack. Several have a side pocket for a water bottle. Two come with a strap to keep a toddler close on walks, a safety leash on our 3D dog backpack for kids and reins on our washable dinosaur backpack, which is the only machine-washable style.

Eleven describe their fabric as waterproof, and five as water-resistant or showerproof. Seven roll on wheels with a telescopic handle. Six of them come in 2-wheel and 6-wheel versions, and four have detachable wheels. One wheeled style, our lightweight backpack with wheels, has 360° reflective strips, and two, our boys gaming backpack with wheels and our boys’ backpack with wheels, come with a matching lunch bag and a pencil case, optional on one of them. Characters include Hello Kitty, on our kawaii laptop backpack for girls, and Cinnamoroll, on our kawaii school bag, and two backpacks have a USB charging port, among them our cat print backpack.

A well-chosen kids’ backpack for a stress-free start to the school year

A well-designed, comfortable and hard-wearing kids’ backpack goes with little ones every day while protecting their health. With colourful styles, clever features and suitable shapes to choose from, there is bound to be a bag that reflects them, ready for every adventure at school and beyond.

And if you are looking for a backpack specifically for nursery school, see our collection of nursery backpacks. To choose by style, also browse our girls’ backpacks and boys’ backpacks.