Best Backpacks for Preschoolers

Preschoolers may not tote around textbooks, but they do carry supplies; blankets, snacks, artwork, and teacher’s notices. So yes, backpacks for preschoolers are a must, too.

But how do you choose the right one? You’ll want it to be compact, so your kid can comfortably and easily carry it around; but it should be roomy enough to hold all of his essentials. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends backpacks that are lightweight and that have wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waist strap. Rolling backpacks are a great alternative, too.

Note also that the name tag should be on the inside of the bag, so strangers cannot see your child’s personal information. On that note, as cute as monograms and other personalizing options are, you should steer clear of them.

Our Favorite Backpacks for Preschoolers

Without further ado, here’s a selection of school backpacks that check all the boxes — bonus point for being so cute.

7 A.M. Enfant Mini Dino Backpack ~ $44

With this Dino backpack by 7 AM Enfant, your little one’s obsession with dinosaurs will never go extinct. This is the perfect size for tots who are going to daycare or preschool. Compact but mighty, it can fit all of his daily essentials: a lovey, a blanket and food. We love that it is light, and that the shoulder straps are padded. Plus, the top handle makes it super easy to grab on your way out, and it’s machine washable — RAWR-some!

Parkland Edison Backpack ~ $34

The Edison backpack is one of Parkland’s smaller options, which is perfect for preschool-aged children. The backpack features a front pocket, a side water pocket, mesh padded shoulder straps and an interior name tag. Plus, it comes in 31 fun styles. But what we love the most is that this backpack (and all of the brand’s backpacks) is made of 100% recycled polyester. This one in particular was made with 5 repurposed water bottles.

Wildkin 12” Backpacks ~ $32

The Wildkin 12” backpack is one of the most popular backpacks on the market for kids 3 to 6 years old, and for good reasons. It literally checks all the boxes. First, kids are bound to love how playful and colorful the patterns are. But it doesn’t stop there, of course. The main pocket of this backpack is big enough to fit a notebook and take-home projects; plus, the front pocket moonlights as a lunch bag. That’s right… it is big and insulated, which is perfect to store snacks or even lunch. It also features a side mesh pocket for a water bottle and a reflective tape around the front pocket.

Wildkin Rolling Backpacks ~ $54

If you want to spare your tot’s back, you can opt for the Wildkin rolling backpack. It’s a bit bigger than the 12-inch backpack, but the brand still recommends it for kids 3 years old and up. Since it is bigger, it will likely last you longer, too — more bang for your buck… ka-ching! This backpack also features a large front pocket and a mesh pocket.

North Face Youth Sprout Backpack ~ $34

The Sprout backpack by The North Face, which is designed specifically for 2 to 4 years old, earns an A+ in our eyes. Simple, but efficient, it has everything you need for school setting while still being compact! It has multiple compartments, an interior name tag, a foam back panel, padded straps and even a chest strap.

LL Bean Junior Original Book Pack ~ $29

As with its lunch box, the LL Bean Junior Original backpack is a solid choice all around. Designed for kids who are 4 years old and up, it has enough room to fit projects, a lunch box, a few toys and even an extra set of clothes. It has a side water pocket made of the same material as the bag, which is more durable than mesh; and we love that it is waterproof. Plus, your little one can choose from 6 vibrant patterns.

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Related: Best School Lunch Boxes, Bags and Sippy Cups

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