Helping your kids select a backpack for school isn’t just about scoping out trendy brands, eye-catching fabrics and adequate space to tote back-to-school essentials. Choosing fashion over function can actually be unsafe, and the wrong size backpack can lead to neck, back and shoulder pain. Large bags are often packed with loads that are too heavy for small bodies to carry, and even older children are saddled with more weight than is healthy. According to the National Safety Council, children often carry up to a quarter of their body weight in their backpack, which can lead to posture problems and even disability later in life.
So until digital textbooks become more widespread, what’s your child’s best option to carry the supplies they need for school while remaining injury-free?
First, measure your child’s back from the base of their neck to their hips to get the correct backpack length. Then, look for ergonomic backpack styles that can hold 5 to 10 percent of your child’s body weight, with padded straps and compartments to balance the load. And don’t forget to ask your child what catches their eye. Just as your favorite bag or piece of luggage can be a statement piece, a backpack is a fun way for your child to showcase their personality or hobbies…or blend in with the crowd.
Check out our guide below with important backpack features by age and school stage, as well as some fun backpack options for every child.
Preschool—Ages 2 to 5
Most kids can wear a backpack by the time they start to walk, and a mini backpack is a great way to send your preschooler off to school with their essentials. Backpacks also foster a sense of independence and build responsibility to care for their favorite toys, snacks and other necessary items. While messenger, sling and rolling backpacks come in sizes appropriate for small children, a traditional style backpack with a padded back and chest strap or belt is a safe choice for most kids this age.
Two to try: State’s Kane Mini Backpack comes in a range of patterns and hues, while Skysper’s Toddler Backpack is an outdoorsy, breathable option equipped with a leash and whistle to give you peace of mind in case you have a wanderer.
Elementary School—Ages 5 to 10
Reading comprehension, writing and math are all important skills during your child’s elementary school years, so an ergonomic backpack with padded straps wide enough to make holding books and school supplies a comfortable experience is key.
Two stylish yet durable options: Mideer’s 3-D waist relief backpack, which can do double-duty as a crossbody bag, and Herschel’s Heritage Backpack, a classic style with a front-zip pencil compartment and water bottle compartment.
Crossbody style backpacks are great if your child tends to carry their bag on one shoulder, which can lead to injury.
Middle School—Age 11 to 13
During your child’s middle school years, toting more complicated – and larger – textbooks becomes a priority (think: history, science and algebra), so a larger backpack with space for notebooks and folders for homework is a must.
Middle school is also when students have strong opinions about their gear. If you want your middle schooler to actually use the backpack, be sure to get their opinion before you buy—or let them pick it out themselves.
For a retro classic that’s been upgraded with space for your child’s laptop, LL Bean’s Comfort Carry Laptop Bag is stylish for this age group and has ample compartments for papers and other classroom essentials…though we think any of this brand’s bags would do the trick.
A more modern option that can make the transition to high school is The Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack.. Though this one is a back-to-school splurge, allowing your kids to select the colors to create a custom design is a cool conversation piece for downtime with friends.
High School—Age 14 to 18
Your teen will probably go through more than one bag as they transition from junior high to high school, but why not invest in one that’s sleek enough to stay with them the entire time? Dakine’s Campus Backpack has room for binders and a Chromebook; it can also be machine-washed to remove stubborn stains. Bonus: It can also double as a travel bag when they head off to college, as it comes in a range of colors and is compact enough to fit in an overhead compartment or under an airline seat.
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