Back to school shopping can be exciting and fun, especially if you're scoring items for your toddler who is starting their preschool or daycare. Finding the best backpacks for toddlers is a lot like you remember from the days when you were picking out your favorite backpack to proudly display to your friends at school. But there is one major difference these days, and that's the size.
Backpacks come in a lot of sizes, and since no 3-year-old is lugging a textbook home just yet, a backpack that's 10 to 12 inches in width and height is plenty. To ensure a proper fit, Dr. Matthew Halsey, Director of Pediatric Orthopedics at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, told Lisa Linnell-Olsen of Very Well to choose a backpack with a width that's proportionate to wearer's, and that extends lengthwise from about two inches below the shoulder to waist level, or just slightly above. To be on the safe side, it's a good idea to compare your toddler's measurements with the bag's dimensions before making an online purchase.
Beyond fit, it's all about choosing a bag you'll both love. There are insulated toddler backpacks, rolling backpacks if you're worried about your little one carrying too much weight, and backpacks with safety harness leashes. And, of course, the best part: they're all super cute.
1A 3-In-1 Insulated Backpack That Won't Slide Off Their Backs
This three-in-one bag is a toddler schoolbag, insulated lunch bag, and a safety harness all in one. It's made from BPA- and phthalate-free material, has two mesh pockets on the side for storing drinks and other items, and a name label on the backside.
2A Mini Backpack With Lots Of Storage Compartments
The draw of this colorful and fun mini toddler backpack is that it has a number of separate zippered compartments where little ones can store all of the crayons, toys, papers, and various goodies they find throughout the day. It has two front pockets, two drink side holders, and adjustable straps. The material is polyester, but many reviewers say they were surprised to find this is a pretty sturdy little bag.
3A Rolling Toddler Backpack With A Retractable Handle
For children and parents who prefer a rolling backpack to prevent back or neck pains, this one scores points for its retractable handle, easy gliding wheels, and a removable, adjustable parent strap. It has a main compartment, front zip compartment, and an adjustable mesh bottle pocket.
4A Cute Backpack With A Cartoon Zipper That Won't Get Stuck
Zippers are still tricky and frustrating little features for toddlers, and this toddler backpack eliminates unnecessary stress with a rust-proof aluminum alloy zipper head that won't get stuck. It features a large cartoon character, which makes it easier for your child to find and work the zipper independently. It's made from sturdy dacron and comes in two colors: rosy or blue.
5A Backpack That Keeps Everything Inside Dry, No Matter How Hard It Rains
This water-resistant toddler backpack (which also comes in a tiger design) is made from durable neoprene that's used in diving suits. No matter how many water it encounters, everything inside its large compartment will remain dry. This lightweight bag even has adjustable padded shoulder straps to keep your child comfortable.
6Perfectly Sized Toddler Backpacks For Your Smallest Disney Fan To Choose From
These 10-inch Disney toddler backpacks are the perfect size for preschool children and have a zip closure, adjustable shoulder straps, and a top loop for hanging. This backpack comes in so many Disney character designs that the most difficult part for your young one will be choosing whether to carry Supergirl, Dory, Nemo, Simba, or Sofia the First.
7An Easy-To-Clean Canvas Bag With A Front Zipper Compartment
When you give a toddler snacks, a drink, crayons, and a backpack, their backpack is going to get messy. That's why this canvas toddler backpack is so great. It's simple to wipe down and has a zipped main compartment, a front compartment, and two side pockets. Choose among six fun and artsy designs and colors that include dogs, fish, and various animals.
8A Toddler Backpack Big Enough To Fit A Folder
One of the biggest complaints some parents have about toddler backpacks is that they simply aren't roomy enough to fit a standard folder. This backpack not only fits a folder, but comes with a matching folder. How perfect is that?
9A Roomy Backpack Made With Waterproof Environmental Neoprene
Not only will this toddler backpack serve as your little one's favorite sidekick, but it's made from waterproof environmental neoprene that allows it to retain its shape and quality after multiple washes and accidental spills. It has a roomy, 8.5 inch main zippered compartment, dual adjustable straps, and comes in animal designs that include elephants, penguins, frogs, and dinosaurs.
10A Soft, 3D Backpack That Is Lightweight And Durable
This 3D owl toddler backpack is made from soft, lightweight cotton, which makes it feel totally comfortable and safe on your child's back. It comes in red or blue, and reviewers say it can fit small books, a change of clothes, and two snacks.
11A Fun Bag With A Safety Harness & Detachable Tether For Young Toddlers
The Skip Hop zoo characters your child knows and loves are splashed across the front of this lightweight, but durable toddler backpack, which features a safety harness and optional, detachable tether. This bag has a zippered main compartment, top handle, mesh pocket for drinks, and adjustable shoulder straps.
12A Water-Resistant Backpack With High Visibility Reflective Straps & A Dry Seal Top
The unique thing about this water-resistant toddler backpack is that it features a roll top that clips together to create a dry seal with a breakaway safety clip. It has a reflective trim and high visibility reflective straps to keep young children extra safe.
Romper may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Romper's editorial and sales departments.
