10 Tips For Choosing A Kids Backpack
A kids backpack can help you out in a number of different ways. It can lighten your load by getting your child to haul some of their stuff around. You have to be careful to make sure you choose your child's backpack carefully though. If you don't you will be hauling everything.A kids backpack can also make your child feel like on of the big kids. They can put all of their 'important stuff' in it when they leave the house.
Choosing a kids backpack can be challenge with all the different shapes, sizes, and options.
Hopefully these 10 tips will help you when trying to decide on your child's backpack:
1. Material. Lightweight materials are the best choice for a kids backpack. You may have heard about kids in middle school developing back pain or injuries from their heavy loads. A lighter backpack will decrease overall weight and be easier on the back. This may help prevent injuries and discomfort when carrying a heavier load.
Also consider the material your kids backpack is made of. Will it be easy to clean? Will it absorb odors? Make sure you look at the cleaning instructions to see how easy this will or will not be.
2. Straps and Hooks. Padded and adjustable back straps are essential for your child's comfort. Additionally think about where you are going to store the pack. You (or school or daycare) probably don't want it just laying around. Consider a backpack with a hanging hook. These loops are ideal for hanging the backpack near an entrance way in your home or on a hook at school.
3. Pockets. Pockets are essential to make sure items are easily accessible. While there is no right or wrong number, you need enough that you can easily store and retrieve items you want frequently. Front and side pockets are great for easy access to frequently used items. Additionally, many kids backpacks now include a holder for a water bottle or other drink.
4. Size. Size matters- make sure that you pick a bag that fits on your child's back. If a bag is too big it will overload your child and weigh them down. Bags that are too big can be overstuffed and make your child unbalanced. Additionally, a bag that does not fit correctly can rub and wear your child leading to discomfort.
5. Weight. Weight matters too. Your child should not carry loads in excess of 15% of their body weight. Doing so can lead to potential injuries and the potential to develop back problems if your child lugs heavy loads for long periods of time.
6. What if my child carries heavy loads? If your child is a middle schooler carrying around 10 different textbooks or other heavy loads and there is no way around it, consider a kids bag that includes support straps. A waist belt and chest strap can effectively redistibute weight making injury less likely. Additionally, these straps improve your child's posture while carrying loads, which may decrease discomfort and back pain.
7. Durability. What the bag is made of will play a significant role in how long your kids backpack will last. Bags that are made of plastic tend to tear and wear more easily than those made from canvas.
You will have to make some choices here. Canvas material such as a 600D Polyester is much more durable than plastic material that tends to tear easily. However, the thicker and heavier canvas bags will also weigh more.
8. Purpose. Kids bags tend to fall into one of three categories- toddler, mid-size and full-size. What you choose will depend on what you need the kids backpack to do. Ask yourself what your child needs to carry and where the backpack will be going.
9. Zippers. Here again you must ask yourself some questions. Can my child use a zipper to get in and out of the bag? If you think the answer is 'no,' a bag with a Velcro closure or a drawstring might he a better option.
10. Logo or Theme. While this may not be important to you, it may be the most important feature to your child. If your child watches the cartoon network they will likely see one of the many licensed character backpacks available today. These include Disney character backpacks such as the Disney Princesses, Mickey, Minnie, and characters from all the Disney movies. If you think you will get your child a new backpack next year, than this is probably ok. If you need the backpack to last longer I would stay away as your child's interests will wane by then.
