The reason for this “reluctance” toward satchels is obvious, namely their practicality. A satchel’s design does not include straps for carrying it on the back, whereas the main purpose of backpacks is precisely to transport textbooks and notebooks on the back.

If you are still thinking about buying a backpack, then, as before making any worthwhile purchase, you need to follow certain tips that will help you safely avoid pitfalls and choose the right accessory.

What to look for when choosing a backpack

Let us therefore consider the main points that adults may encounter to some extent when actually making a purchase before the start of school.

1. Pay attention to the construction and shape of the backpack itself. This should be done not only for aesthetic reasons. The main point here is the presence of an orthopedic back panel, which will help keep the spine in the correct position during the initial stages of use, preventing the development of scoliosis. It is desirable for the back panel to be exceptionally rigid, with a “mixture” of soft pads designed to ensure comfort during use. The presence of a lumbar support at the bottom of the backpack will be an additional way to distribute the load evenly across the entire spine.

However, you should not assume that the orthopedic design of your purchase will be able to solve emerging or existing spinal problems. Remember that, to ensure the proper development of a young person’s back, you will gain much more benefit by teaching your child to maintain the correct posture at their desk.

2. The material used for school equipment must be of high quality. Modern manufacturers make such accessories mainly from fabric, nylon, vinyl or leather. Each of these materials has its advantages, but when making the final choice, it is worth checking obvious visual signs. For example, an unpleasant chemical smell may suggest that the school item is counterfeit. Dye left on a damp cloth after wiping the inside of the backpack will reveal that the material may bleed when washed, while any tearing of the fabric on the straps after sudden use of physical force will show that the product is not very durable.

A separate safety advantage of a potential purchase may be the presence of reflective strips on the backpack, which are especially clearly visible at night.

3. Large sizes should not be given priority. Some parents believe that the larger the product for carrying books purchased at a market or in a store, the more knowledge their offspring will have. It is worth noting that this is not true! A student’s equipment should not even remotely resemble a climber’s gear. The ideal backpack size is: no wider than the shoulder line and no lower than the lower back. Moreover, a large backpack will in no way contribute to carrying comfort.

4. Choosing a backpack with an optimal weight that does not increase the load on the child’s back is the best solution. Most medical experts agree that children often carry weights that many adults cannot carry. To avoid any possible negative effects of backpack discomfort on the child, it is recommended that the “equipment” weigh no more than 10% of the child’s own body weight. There is a conditional classification of the optimal carrying capacity of the accessory, including all its contents, according to the child’s age:

  • 2 kg – from 6 to 8 years old;
  • 3 kg – from 9 to 13 years old;
  • 5 kg – 14 years old;
  • 6 kg – from 15 to 16 years old.

5. Make the purchase together. Do not forget that a schoolbag is not only responsible for transporting school equipment, but is also part of your beloved child’s appearance. We all know how important it is for children growing up to maintain a good image among their peers. Therefore, to avoid the development of various complexes in the child, it is best to buy school supplies together. What is more, modern technology offers the chance to “upgrade” both your child’s belongings and accessories.

Today, various online stores, such as PrintSalon, offer a wide range of stylish backpacks and bags decorated with images of your favorite characters, animals, zodiac signs, themes related to hobbies, travel and learning, funny inscriptions, and many other original prints that will make a child’s everyday look unique.

So, if your potential purchase meets the specified minimum requirements and the child also likes it, go ahead and part with your money!