It is quite an emotional step to prepare your little one for kindergarten. It means a significant change for you and your child, especially if you are planning for your first child’s kindergarten admission. Every parent is a bit nervous when selecting new items for them, whether it is clothes, shoes, backpacks, or lunch boxes. I was also curious about and did a ton of research about backpacks and realized that choosing a backpack is not easy as it sounds (like some other items, of course), especially for kids.

When I went out to buy a backpack for my son before joining kindergarten, I had the following questions.

• Do kindergartners need a backpack? what are they supposed to carry each day?
• What size backpack does my child need?
• What is the best color for a kindergarten backpack?
• What are other factors to consider when buying a backpack for my child?

Let’s dive deeper and try to figure out an answer because we need a solution based on the following:

• The child’s school or specific directions from school (Yes! many schools do that)
• Weather conditions.
• Child’s Preferences and likes.
• Supplies provided by the school.

But if you are out of time and waiting in a nearby store and looking for a quick answer

You need a backpack that is big enough to carry at least a file/folder, a lunch box, a pair of dress and a water bottle. Consider a smaller size only if you are planning to buy another small carry bag for lunch and/or snacks box. Make sure that the backpack has at least two pockets which helps your child to organize a bit.

Continue reading for a detailed answer. I promise you won’t regret it.

Do Kindergartners Need a Backpack?

Yes, they do in most cases. Though there are some schools where kindergarten children need not carry anything to school, most of the schools expect them to carry some items to school.

The following list should help(Not limited to the following)

• A daily folder: A daily folder secures notes for the teacher or the parent. These days, schools are becoming smart and communications are directed through email or an account in the school’s app (such as School Messenger or PowerSchool). If your kid’s school has one of these options where communications are through electronic media and requires less paperwork, you need not get a folder.
• Change of clothes: Change of clothes is a mandatory backpack item for your little ones. They spill water, spill colors, and cover themselves in the soil. You know! A pair of lightweight dresses are required in the kindergarten backpack. Some schools encourage parents to keep a change of clothes in a locker. But, you may need to replace this extra set at least after a couple of months.
• An extra pair of shoes: A dedicated place in the school should help to keep this extra pair in the school.
• Lunch box and snack box: Schools that do not offer snacks and lunch to Kindergarten students expect them to bring their lunch and snacks for break time. In colder climates, you may need to get a heavier thermal-sealed lunchbox. The snack box should be large enough to contain some fruits and child-safe snacks. Do not forget to check the school’s policy about the allowed snacks and lunch items.
• A pair of winter jackets: This is not mandatory in areas where winter is mild. But, in other places, you should foresee enough space for an additional winter jacket in the bag (or keep one in the school).

Do Backpack Dimensions Matter?

It does. Can you imagine using a big travel backpack as a daily driver? If not, an oversized backpack does the same for your child. A smaller backpack can put them in trouble as they have to struggle to pack everything in the limited space. So a backpack that fits is important.

So what is the deal?

An ideal height for a kindergarten backpack should be less than a kid’s back. The straps should hold to your child’s shoulders and should not slip. The width should be less than the child’s shoulder width.

Some backpacks stay on the shoulder when some weight is inside and tend to slip when the weight is less. This also is not a good fit for your child.

It is always better to buy backpacks for children from the store unless you know the exact size and materials to avoid some last-minute surprises. In case you are out of time or if it is convenient to buy online (offline too), check the following steps for a quick reference.

• Height of backpack: Measure the length from the shoulder line to the waistline ( level of belly button) and add 2 inches.
• The width of the backpack should be less than or equal to the width of your child’s back. Ensure the straps won’t slip from the shoulder.
• Bags with two straps: It is always better to buy a bag with two straps that help the even weight distribution.
• Backpacks with padded straps should add additional comfort and won’t hurt the blood flow.
• Storage: Expect to carry the items in the above section. Consider enough room for the same. Be sure to check with the school directly or through the website to fetch information available regarding the items to carry.
• At least two pockets are necessary. An additional inner pocket should help them to carry more important things—for example, a two-dollar coin for donating to the local fundraising campaign.