What kind of backpack kindergarten parents choose
Published :
02/24/2020 08:52:46
Categories :
Video tips from pediatricians
Is it time for your little baby to go to kindergarten? One of the questions that many parents ask themselves is: What kind of backpack to choose for kindergarten?
If you are wondering the same thing, you have come to the right place because in the next few minutes, we will try to give you some practical tips that can help you in choosing your baby’s backpack .
Criteria for choosing a backpack for kindergarten
When we asked what kind of backpack they choose for kindergarten, many parents responded that they simply choose a model that appeals to their children's style. Of course, style is very important, but there are a few other criteria that should be considered.
Weight
As the backpack is intended to be worn by children aged between 3 to 5 years, its weight should be minimal (200-800 grams maximum). The lighter the backpack, the better.
Size
The size should also be smaller as the product is intended for young children. To choose the right size, you can use the student backpack measurement rule. (The width should not exceed the width of the shoulders and the length should be at most to the waist).
Capacity
The capacity of children’s backpacks available in the market varies from 2 to 10 litres. It is up to you to decide how much space you will be needing, but we advise you to choose a backpack with less capacity, simply because the child will not carry much in it and does not need to have more capacity.
Material
Kindergarten backpacks must be made of high quality materials and contain no harmful substances. One of the most popular materials that are often used in making backpacks for young children is waterproof polyester. Not only is this material easy to clean, it is also waterproof, so that even if it rains, the favourite treasures your child brings with them to kindergarten will remain dry.
In addition to polyester, textiles, eco leather, and other high-quality materials are also used to make children's backpacks.
Adjustable straps
Shoulder straps for baby backpacks should be wide, comfortable, and with soft inserts. They also need to be adjustable, which will allow you to adjust the backpack so that it is comfortable to carry for your child.
It's also a good idea to have a backpack that attaches to your backpack so you can carry it more easily. Because, let's not be fooled, kids love their backpacks, but they don't like to carry them all the time.
Extra belts
It is not necessary for the backpack to have additional belts that fasten through the child's chest, but it is advisable. Why?
Kids love to run and jump, and when the backpack is without extra belts, it will certainly often fall off the shoulder of the child. Therefore, our advice is, if you have the opportunity, choose a backpack for kindergarten that has additional straps for fastening across the chest.
Ergonomic back
This is another criterion that is important when choosing a school bag or a baby backpack. The ergonomic back of the backpack distributes its weight evenly and takes care of the child’s proper posture. What you should not forget when choosing a backpack is that its back should not be rigid.
Distribution
It is sufficient for the backpack to have one compartment or at most two compartments, one outer pocket and one side pocket for the water or juice bottle. However, in your kid's backpack, the little one will mostly carry a few toys, a set of change clothes, a pack of wipes, and a bottle of water and a child’s backpack does not need many compartments and extra pockets.
Easy to open and close
The way the backpack is opened and closed is very important, as a child cannot cope easily, they will exert a force that is most likely to break the zipper. Therefore, before purchasing the backpack you choose, it is important to pay attention to the zippers and whether they are easy to open and close.
One tip for this is that, there are backpacks that fasten with Velcro, and there are zippered ones. If possible, choose children's accessories with zip fasteners, as Velcro does not last long for permanent opening and closing.
Strength
The quality of the materials used and the way the backpack is made depends on its strength. And this baby accessory must be very durable, since young children often do not keep their backpacks in the proper places and they often throw their backpacks on the ground, force them open, kick them, and slide them on the floor.
To make sure you buy a strong and quality product, look at it carefully.
Pay special attention to the stitches and the quality of the zippers. Touch the straps to find out if the inserts are soft enough. Try fastening the extra belts. See if the straps are easy to adjust, take a look inside the backpack and see the material the compartments are made of.
Safety
It's a good idea to buy a backpack with reflective straps and elements. We know that you will not let your child walk and go home alone from kindergarten, but even when they are with you, the little one can suddenly snap out of your hand and run. When there are reflective elements on the backpack, you will certainly be more comfortable regarding his safety.
Design
Available on the market are refined, classic backpack, and animal-shaped backpacks, with applications from popular cartoon characters, 3D neoprene backpacks, and more.
However, we advise you that when it comes to choosing a shape and colour, to a step back and let your child only choose the backpack design that they like best. The good news is that the variety of patterns, colours, and shapes for kindergarten backpacks is so large that the child will have a huge choice.
Comfort
The comfort of a backpack is very important because if it is not comfortable for the little one, they will not want to carry it. Therefore, before buying, make sure that the backpack stays firmly on the back of the child, that the straps are easily adjustable and that when the backpack is full, it does not put any strain on his back.
Quality
You have to be very careful here, because today there are an extremely wide variety of backpacks available in the market and they are all so fresh and cute that the likelihood of going astray and buying a low quality backpack is quite high.
To avoid this, as soon as you stop to buy a baby backpack, pay attention to its manufacturer. If possible, choose backpacks from popular brands to make sure their quality is high.
One more important thing, always ask if your backpack is made according to European quality and safety requirements. Look at the label carefully and if you do not see the CE mark, do not buy it!
Is a baby backpack important for a child?
When you enroll your child for kindergarten, a backpack might not be on the list of necessary things to buy because it is not compulsory for all kindergartens. This means that it is up to you to decide whether or not to purchase this baby accessory.
But experts advise against underestimating a baby's backpack as it is of great importance for a child's self-confidence and peace of mind. Why?
Apart from the fact that the little one can carry all the necessary things to kindergarten, such as water, extra clothes, napkins, and more, they can carry also their favourite toys in it.
The backpack is important not only for the convenience it provides, but it is also important for the child’s psychology because you know how traumatic and frightening it can be to go to kindergarten for the first time.
Suddenly the little one is left alone without you and surrounded by children they do not know. Having a backpack in which they can carry their favourite toys with them helps them to feel safe and to get used to the unfamiliar environment.
Wearing a backpack is also a way for your child to feel independent. Believe me, they have been watching you for a long time and wants to look like you. They know that when you go out, you carry a bag with you that hold important things.
Wearing their backpack to kindergarten, the little one feels grown up because they have their own backpack in which they carry important things. By allowing them to prepare their backpack for kindergarten themselves, you not only vote for them in confidence, but also make them gain more confidence in their own strength.
Lastly, if the child gets used to carrying a backpack from kindergarten, when they go to school, they will also be happy to carry their school bag.
How to make sure the baby backpack you choose is comfortable for the child?
● Once you have settled on a backpack model, place it on the back of your child and measure its length and width. Remember, the width of this baby accessory should match the width of your child's shoulders and the length should be at most to the waist.
● Put the things into the backpack the little child will carry to the garden and see if everything will fit into the backpack without a problem.
● If possible, go to the kindergarten and see if the backpack will fit in the locker.
● Check that the straps adjust quickly and easily.