Backpacks are among the most favorite accessories for most school kids around the world. They are usually available in different sizes, colors, shapes, and textures.
They are not age-specific, so you can choose one for your kid based on his or her tastes, style, and convenience.
All kids have unique preferences when it comes to space and storage. Some prefer less space while others need space on every side of the bag. Having more storage spaces allows your kid to arrange his books, pencils, and notebooks in order.
Backpacks are better than shoulder bags because they are easy to carry. Unlike shoulder bags, the weight gets distributed evenly all over the body. However, you must ensure that your kid wears it properly.
Before investing in a backpack, it is important to learn more about them so that you can make informed decisions.
The ideal backpack for your kid
School kids are happiest when it is time to reopen the school as they’ll get a new backpack. However, no bag pack in the world will satisfy you and your child 100 percent.
There’ always be room for improvement no matter how good the backpack is. While you may be focused on durability and strength, your child prioritizes style and space.
Strength and durability
According to professional essay writers from the paper service called Assignment Geek, strength and durability are important because your kid should be able to use the backpack for a long period without any issues. It should also be spacious to accommodate books, pencils, and pens in an organized and stylish fashion.
Product reviewers who test backpacks tend to look at the strength of the straps, wear and tear, comfort, ideal weight, and the padding feature especially when looking at durability. Resistance to water and the design are also tested.
So, what should you consider to choose a great backpack for your kid? Let’s get started!
Shoulder straps
You need to look at the pair of wide shoulder straps to ensure that they are strong and comfortable. This is one of the most important sections to check before buying a backpack. It’s important to go with your kid to buy his or her backpack so that you can fit it on his back.
Ensure that the bag is well positioned on his or her back to minimize the risk of muscle strain and injury. Encourage your child to use both straps all the time. It’s common to see some kids using only one strap most of the time.
This puts too much pressure on one strap and greatly reduces the life of the backpack. It also strains the shoulder muscles especially if the bag is heavy.
Some backpacks also come with a chest or waist wrap to provide extra support. Before your child leaves for school, adjust the straps, and ensure the backpack fits around his or her body well. Do not let it tilt down. Teaching your child how to adjust the strap is important to avoid injuries in the long run.
Check the padding
The shoulder straps and the back panel should be padded with foam to provide support, and comfort, and enhance durability. To ensure that they are padded, you conduct a rebound test.
This involves squeezing the pack and waiting for the foam to rebound to its shape. It should not crinkle or pop. Also, it shouldn’t take too long to rebound.
Choose a spacious backpack
The ideal backpack for your kid depends on the classroom essentials that he or she needs to carry. As your child progresses in school, more books and other items will be added to his or her collection.
If you are focused on the long term, a spacious backpack will do. On the other hand, if you are focused on the short term, you can invest in a backpack that suits his or her needs at the moment.
Your child needs to try out different backpacks before settling for one. If the foam pad comes to the back of the head or neck, the backpack is too large. Ensure that the backpack is relative to your child’s torso.
Also, look at the zippered pockets and ensure that they can hold items such as ID cards, pencils, and phones securely whilst offering easy access. Padded compartments for heavy objects like laptops should make it easier for your child to carry.
Fabric
According to Michigan State University, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are water-resistant but less eco-friendly compared to natural fibers. If sustaining the environment is a priority to you.
If your child is not prone to spilling water or other liquids, choose a backpack that’s made with natural fibers such as hemp.
Zippers
According to essay writing service, quality zippers zip smoothly. This means that zippers that don’t catch on fabric are durable. In most cases, you’ll find that Velcro is not as durable compared to a well-made zipper.
Remember, the backpack is just as good as the quality of the zippers. Without zippers, it will be impossible for your child to carry his or her items securely.
Reflector
For additional protection against bicycles and cars late in the evening or at night, the majority of backpacks come with a reflective panel. If your ideal backpack doesn’t have a reflector, consider adding one to enhance the safety of your child.
Go for wheels
A rolling bag might be a great option especially if your child tends to carry lots of heavy stuff. A rolling bag will greatly minimize the risk of injury and even fatigue in the long run. Just like a double-edged sword, rolling bags have their disadvantages.
If your child has to take the stairs to class, it will be extremely difficult to drag it. Also, rolling it through snowy conditions (if you live in such areas will be harder than carrying it on their shoulders).
It’s important to consider all these scenarios before investing in a backpack to make your child’s school life easier.
Color
Choose a color that can go with most of your child’s outfits. Don’t be focused on the uniform alone if your child wears one to school.
Bag’s interior
It’s important to open the bag and see how it looks inside. This will be impossible if you are buying it online.
A checklist that will help you choose the ideal backpack
Since you now know that selecting a backpack for your kid isn’t going to be easy, it’s important to know what you should check before investing in one.
Here is a checklist that will help you choose the right backpack for your kid:
Heavy backpacks and your kid
Investing in the wrong backpack will lead to bad posture and an increased risk of injury. Carrying a backpack in the wrong manner will strain the shoulders, back, and spine.
Heavy backpacks are not good for kids because they bend toward the hips and create a tendency to bend forward.
Conclusion
There are many things you should consider before investing in a backpack. While strength and durability are key, it’s also important to prioritize the child’s sense of fashion and style. After all, he or she is the one who’ll be spending a lot of time with the bag.
While putting your kid’s name on his or her backpack may help in recovering the bag when it’s lost, it’s important to avoid it for safety issues. Most predators get children’s information from the tags without struggling.
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