Once your toddler becomes more stable walking and running around, it might also be the time to let them have their own bags! It is a great way to store the child’s essentials for the daycare or pre-school, for a day trip or during travel. It also encourages them to think of themselves like ‘big kids’ and gives them a sense of being independent and responsible – just a little bit though!
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kids Backpack, Llama. Great design, thousands of sale and great review - must check out this one! | $49.95 | Buy |
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Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kids Backpack, Fox. Great design, thousands of sale and great review - must check out this one! | $49.95 | Buy |
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Skip Hop Spark Style Little Kid Backpack - Rainbow. Great design, thousands of sale and great review - must check out this one! | $49.95 | Buy |
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Dinosaur Toddler Backpacks,VASCHY Cute Water Resistant Little Boys Girls Backpack Chest Strap for Kindergarten, Rucksack Schoolbag Bookbag for Kids Black | $39.89 | Buy |
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Dinosaur Toddler Backpacks,VASCHY Cute Water Resistant Little Boys Girls Backpack Chest Strap for Kindergarten,Rucksack Schoolbag Bookbag for Kids Green | $40.89 | Buy |
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Cute Toddler Backpack for Boys and Girls, KASQO 9.4" 3D Soft Plush Animal Mini Lightweight Travel Bag for Baby 2-6 Years Old, Green Dinosuar | Buy | |
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Skip Hop Toddler Backpack, 12" Narwhal School Bag, Multi, 0.4 Pounds | $49.95 | Buy |
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Unicorn Backpack for Little Girls,VASCHY Cute Rainbow Glitter Lightweight Water Resistant Preschool Backpack for Kids,Toddlers Kindergarten School Bag | $41.89 | Buy |
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Mini Toddler Backpack with Leash,VASCHY Ultra Lightweight Tiny Little Daycare Backpack (Pink Dinosaur) | $29.89 | Buy |
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Skip Hop Unisex Kids Little Kid Zoo Backpack, Koala. Great design, thousands of sale and great review - must check out this one! | $34.95 | Buy |
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Bansusu 3D Cute Bunny Pattern Baby Plush Mini Backpack Cartoon Animal Toddler Travel Bag Rucksack | $14.99 | Buy |
Backpacks vs Other Types of Bags
Backpacks are usually the more ergonomic choice for younger children. These can carry more items, and importantly, the bag’s weight can be distributed evenly on the child’s body. Shoulder bags, sling or messenger bags and wheeled bags are also possible options. However, these may pose risks.
A shoulder bag or a sling bag’s weight will be uneven across shoulders. Meanwhile, wheeled bags may need to be carried when climbing steps or dragged up a slope. It might also be a tripping hazard for the child and others.
Choosing the Perfect Backpack
A toddler’s backpack should be:
- Lightweight and small. The bag should not be more than 10% – 20% of the child’s body weight. It should not be too big that it rises above the child’s neck or reaches below the waist, nor should it be wider than the torso.
- Ergonomic and comfortable. It must have two wide and padded straps for even weight distribution on the toddler’s shoulders. Both straps must be worn and the length of the straps adjusted. It should also have a foam-padded back panel that is breathable to prevent the child’s back from getting sweaty.
- Cute and Colorful! It also wouldn’t hurt that the backpack is cute and with a design that the child prefers – whether it is a favorite animal or character! The attention-grabbing designs and colors also help when you need to keep an eye on your toddler from a certain distance.
Some backpacks also have additional features like waist straps, multiple compartments, insulated pouches, side pouches, reflective strips and more. While not essential, these are advantageous for the toddler and the parent as well.
What Backpacks are Made From
Here are some of the materials that are usually used to make backpacks:
- Cotton – Washable, lightweight and breathable and safe for the toddler’s skin too. However, it can easily get dirty or torn.
- Silicone or Neoprene – both are synthetic rubbers that are elastic and flexible and can be resistant to tears, abrasive contact and damage.
- Polyester – Stain-resistant and less absorbent but less breathable as well and may be highly flammable.
- Nylon – Water-resistant and very flexible, but retains heat on the material.
Inside a Toddler’s Backpack
The backpack can contain any of the following: some snacks, a water bottle, a change of clothes, a favorite toy or playbook and crayons, some tissues or sanitizers and the likes. But try not to get carried away, as it should only contain the essentials.
But the must-have in any toddler’s bag: an information card with the details of the child’s emergency contact.
Giving the child his backpack need not be a boring ceremony, instead, make it into a fun activity! Help your toddler choose the bag, and guide them in “packing” their belongings.