Which school backpack corresponds to their age
The backpack size is not chosen by the design, it is chosen by the back that carries it. Here are the measurements by age range and the maximum weight you should not exceed.
See school backpacks Character backpacksThe size of a school backpack is given in height × width × depth. The practical reference is that the height of the backpack does not exceed the length of the child’s back, measured from the base of the neck to the waist, and that when loaded it does not exceed 10% of their body weight.
The mistake of buying the backpack "to last"
The most repeated purchase in August is a large backpack, thinking it will last two or three school years. The problem is that a backpack that is too big doesn’t carry worse, it just gets filled more. The child puts in everything that fits because it fits, and ends up carrying a weight that isn’t theirs.
Our recommendation is the opposite: adjust the size to the school year and change it when needed. It costs about the same and the back will thank you.
Recommended selection
Why it works
Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
Both, always, and adjusted so that the base of the backpack is at waist height and not below the buttocks.
The weight, close to the back
The heaviest part goes in the back compartment, the one against the back. If the weight is far from the body, it pulls backward and the child compensates by arching.
Real upper handle
Most of the time the backpack is not on the back: it hangs from a hook or is carried by hand. A handle sewn to the reinforcement, not just the fabric, is what prevents it from coming apart halfway through the school year.
Identifiable from a distance
There are twenty backpacks on the classroom coat rack. An engraved pendant with the name on the zipper is visible from the door and does not come off.
Comparison
| Stage | Recommended height | What it carries inside |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare (1-3 years) | 24-30 cm | Change of clothes, bib, pacifier |
| Preschool (3-6 years) | 30-36 cm | Lunch, bottle, soft folder |
| Primary (6-12 years) | 38-45 cm | Books, pencil case, lunch, bottle |
Frequently asked questions
How much weight can a child carry in the backpack?
The usual reference is not to exceed 10% of the child's body weight. A 25 kg child should not carry more than 2.5 kg, and that already includes a full water bottle, which weighs more than it seems.
Is a wheeled backpack worth it?
It depends on the route. With stairs or uneven ground, the wheeled backpack ends up being carried in arms and weighs more than a normal one. On flat routes and with primary school books, it is worth it.
How do I know if it is too big?
When worn and adjusted, the base of the backpack should be at waist height. If it reaches the middle of the buttocks or lower, it is too big no matter how tight the straps are.
Are character backpacks smaller?
They usually are, because most are designed for young children. On each product sheet, we indicate the exact measurements in centimeters so you can compare them before buying.
Can they be personalized with the name?
The plain fabric ones from our own catalog, yes, with heat-transfer textile vinyl. Licensed character ones are resale and are not personalized: for those, we offer an engraved pendant that attaches to the zipper.
Choose the size before the design
Check the measurements of each product sheet and compare them with the child's back.
See school backpacks