While you're out shopping for back to school clothes and accessories for your kids, you'll want to make sure that you don't leave one very important item off your list -- the perfect backpack.
Having a sturdy bag to transport all of your kids' books, papers, and other belongings to and from school is a definite must, but with so many different bags out there to choose from, finding the right fit isn't always easy.
A good rule of thumb is to gauge what kind you buy based on your child's age and size, because that alone will help determine how much weight they can carry.
Here are some recommendations to help you find the perfect backpack for your kids based on what grade they'll be going into.
Preschool -- For little ones who are just starting off, make sure to purchase a mini-backpack; otherwise, you may witness your child falling over from the weight of too many arts & crafts projects!
Kindergarten -- For your child's first experience in "big kid" school, you'll want to make sure to step things up and get them a junior sized backpack to make sure all of their papers fit.
1st Grade to 3rd Grade -- Get your grade schooler a backpack that is more of a standard size, without being too overwhelming or huge. The straps on the bag should not be too large for your child's height and frame.
4th Grade to 6th Grade -- As your child's books get heavier, so does the weight on their shoulders. This is a good time to start thinking about getting a backpack with wheels so they can pull it on heavier days.
Have you purchased a new backpack for the upcoming school year yet?
Image via lori05871/Flickr
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Comments 50
I'm getting mine LL Bean backpacks when they're old enough and plan on not buying backpacks for several years. ;) Those things last forever! I still have mine that I've had since grade school. It still looks great (if just a little worn) and I STILL use it!
Roller backpacks are kind of a waste of money where I live--it's snowy and icy at least six months out of the year. It's kind of hard to roll a backpack that's caked with snow and mud. Plus, it gets soaking wet...as does everything inside. And most little kids I know keep flipping theirs over (because it's top-heavy) and need help to flip it back, only to flip it over five steps later. They're not practical.
Also, this sizing list is arbitrary, especially for parents who live in snowy areas. You need room to hold not only papers, but snowpants, boots, hat, mittens, extra sweatshirt, etc. A normal sized backpack would be fine for all age groups, so long as it wasn't overloaded and the straps were fitted to their shoulders. And a tip I taught my first-graders: teach your kids how to pack their snowclothes so that have room for snowclothes AND homework by having them fold snowpants and sweatshirts in half lengthwise, and then rolling them into cylinders. Also, a backpack with two pockets is helpful for separating wet snowclothes from important papers that should stay dry and grit-free.
@the4mutts, maybe the next backpack he destroys, you SHOULD give him your purse/beach tote to carry his books in. Either that, or just not give him anything to carry his books in at all. Make it clear that you will be checking every day to see if he has homework and tell him that if he doesn't bring home the books on days he has homework, he will be doing without tv, video games or even extracurricular activities. After all, if you have to take time from your schedule to get him to the library so he can do his homework, he should also pay the penalty for "forgetting" his books. Or, as much as it hurts, let the teacher fail him for not turning in homework. I am not accusing your son of not doing his homework, I just know from experience that if the kids find it inconvenient to carry their books home, homework "magically" becomes done in the course of the school day and then they are "shocked" when the teacher "lost" it and they get no credit for it.
I have not, but I know what kind I want to get ! :)
I like the idea of the wheeled packs. They didn't have these when my boys were in school.
My kindergartener will not need a new backpack this year because he will use the same one as preschool. My 1st grader will need a new one but we haven't gone school shopping yet.
Interesting...
I could have used this when my son started preschool. His backpack was so big for him and we ended up buying a smaller one later.
We bought a new backpack this year and he picked it out. I hope it will be okay, but if not, I can get him another one using these tips.
Im pretty sure my 5th grader would NOT appreciate a bookbag with wheels. We are just looking for a bookbag with wider straps with cushion to help her carry the heavier load. My 5 yo's bookbag is small enough for her, yet wide enough to carry a duo tang if need be.