I remember the day I went out with my mum to buy my first backpack like it was yesterday. It was like entering an entirely different world full of princesses, kingdoms, happy colours and all kinds of fun patterns. I remember just how much excited I was and how much I loved it. But what I also remember is that back in the day, backpacks didn’t have all these amazing features that the ones we have today do. All those cool mini pockets, tons of zippers, and padding is not something my backpack had.
Now that I have a beautiful daughter who is about to start with school, I certainly know what to look for. So if you are a parent who is on the hunt for the perfect kids backpacks for their forever little ones – here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Material – Backpacks come in different materials, with polyester and nylon being the most commonly used ones. They are water-resistant, however, they are not as eco-friendly as some other materials are. Therefore, if you are looking for durable kids backpacks that are non-toxic, waterproof, easy to clean and also environmentally-friendly, choose linen. They look ultra chic and modern and are designed to carry everything a toddler needs. The zippers should zip smoothly without catching on the fabric as this can affect the backpack’s durability.
Available space – The backpack you choose should have enough room to fit all the essentials your kid needs for school. However, bigger is not always better, so make sure to choose the right size. Also, be careful when packing the backpack and make sure to not overload it. The load should not be more than 10-20% of your kid’s body weight. Pack all the heavy items close to your kid’s back as this is the best way to maintain balance and proper weight distribution.
The straps – The role of the straps is to evenly distribute the weight of the backpack load. The best ones are wide and padded as this kind reduces the risk of injury or muscle strain. Avoid one-strap or narrow strapped bags because they will put too much pressure on your kid’s body. Some models come with chest or waist straps for additional support – which is a great option but it is not obligatory.
The padding – A quality backpack should be comfortable to wear and carry for a prolonged time period. Therefore, when looking for a quality bag make sure that the shoulder straps and the back panel are padded with foam. A quality padding should not crinkle like wax paper or pop like a bubble wrap.
