10 of the best school bags for big and little learners
Ensure your little one not only has the best-suited school bag but that it also supports their spine health.
Choosing the right school bag for your child is a bigger decision than many people realise. Size, material, weight… they’re all important back to school decisions to ensure that your little one has the best bag for them… and their spine.
Plus, you want one that lasts too, right? By making the right choices, you can find a school bag that will last the test of time.
Choosing the right-sized school bag for your child
As cute as your little kindergartener looks with a backpack that is bigger than them, it’s not a great idea.
Ideally a child’s backpack should be proportionate to their size ie if they’re sitting down with it on their back, it should not extend up past their shoulders, and it should not be wider than their chest.
Once you have the right size, the shoulder straps should be adjusted so your child can stand and walk straight without having to lean forward for balance. The base of the bag should be resting on their hips, not any lower.
The wrong sized bag, or wearing the right sized bag in the wrong way can contribute to acute and long-term spinal problems, it’s so important to get it right. Encourage your child to always wear their backpack correctly, with both straps on the shoulders from an early age.
What to look for in a school bag
So what kind of bag should you be looking for? As a mum of four, my tips are first and foremost to find one that is washable, or at least wipeable. Kids are gross.
Similarly, we would suggest finding one with a drink bottle pocket on the outside to help keep inside contents dry.
For practicality I would suggest finding a good sturdy bag that looks like it will make it out of the playground alive. Choose one with a solid, reinforced base that will survive asphalt scrapes, with the rest of the bag made from a material that will hold it’s shape, and is waterproof, or comes with a waterproof cover.
10 of the best school bags for 2024
Mambo Kids Camo Print 4 Piece Set, RRP $45, Big W
This set is not only stylish but value for money too. The Mambo Camo Print 4 Piece Set includes a backpack, pencil case, drink bottle and lunchbox.
The bundle is also available in black and tie-dye pink.
Smiggle Jurassic Park Junior Character Hoodie Backpack, RRP $74.95
Perfect for school starters who can transform into a dinosaur with this fun Jurassic Park Junior Hoodie Backpack! Pack everything for school and the jungle with stacks of handy features including three zipped compartments, dual drink bottle sleeves and comfy shoulder straps. Pull out the water resistant hood to reveal a padded applique dino spikes – be a Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus or Velociraptor for a day! Check out the awesome applique lenticular front badge and watch the dinosaur’s surroundings transform from red to green!
Personalised Floral Name Backpack, RRP $72
Choose from the range of bright colours and then personalise your backpack with a name.
There are five colours available including: Sage, Navy, Mustard, Dove Grey and Blush.
The bag has a handle at the top and back straps. The top of the bag folds down and it has a front zip pocket.
(Image: Hard to Find)
Milkshake Animal Print Backpack, RRP $31.49 (was $44.99)
Bright, playful and practical for little people with big imaginations. Available in junior girls and boys, these sturdy and reliable backpacks make a perfect option for junior schoolies.
Santa Cruz Beware Dot Backpack, RRP $37.45 (was $74.99), The Iconic
The ideal bag for school, the skate park or the beach. Convenient features include a top handle for easy carrying, side mesh pockets for your essentials, and a zip main compartment for secure storage.
Puma Phase II Backpack, RRP $44.99, Rebel Sport
The two-way zip main compartment, zip front pocket, and side mesh pocket will keep your items organised and secure. With adjustable padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel, comfort is a priority.
Trolls Kids 5 Piece Backpack Set, RRP $29, Big W
This adorable set includes everything your little Troll fan needs, from a wallet to a bag tag, pencil case, and a lunchbox. It’s a great way to add a touch of Trolls magic to their daily routine, ensuring they’re ready for all the exciting places they want to explore!
Kids 3 Pack Backpack Set, RRP $10 (was $25), Target
This gorgeous rainbow ombre set includes a backpack, a practical pencil case, and a handy drink bottle. The bag features three zipped compartments and provides ample space to store school supplies, snacks, and more. The top carry handle and padded adjustable shoulder straps offer comfort and convenience, while the side mesh drink bottle holder keeps their hydration within easy reach.
Smiggle Disney Princess Classic Backpack, RRP $84.95
Bring everything needed for school, weekend activities and trips around the Disney castle with the Smiggle Disney Princess Classic Backpack. Featuring three zipped compartments and dual drink bottle sleeves, this bag has plenty of space for all princess essentials. Featuring shimmering opal fabric with all their favourite princesses, travel in true Disney style!
Kids Mini Neoprene Backpack, RRP $84.95
Willow Bay Kids Mini Neoprene Backpack is the ideal way for your child to carry their gear in a way that is both compact and lightweight.
With an internal pocket that will fit your childs iPad, side pockets for their drink bottles and space inside the bag for their lunch, our mini backpack is perfect for kids on the go that don’t want to be too weighed down.
(Image: Hard to Find)
