Few things are as emotional for a parent as your toddler starting his or her first day of school. And even though preschool isn’t quite to the degree of kindergarten, it’s still their first step in the direction of no longer needing Mom or Dad 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
But instead of blubbering like a mess, you can do everything necessary to ensure they are prepared, including figuring out what the best preschool backpacks are.
Obviously, you want your little one to be prepared for preschool and the first step is making sure that they have something to carry their favorite stuffed animal and maybe some crayons in.
Luckily, the real work will start once your toddler hits kindergarten, but there’s no reason not to treat preschool like an important milestone in your child’s overall development. They will start to learn how to be more independent than ever before and they will learn firsthand what authority figures other than parents and family members look like.
It might be a difficult transition at first, but preschool can be an exciting time for your little one. Even if it’s a somewhat stressful and totally emotional time for you as a parent.
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- Our List of the Best Preschool Backpacks
- 1. Urban Infant Toddler/Preschool Packie Backpack
- 2. Abshoo Little Kids Toddler Backpack
- 3. Wildkin Backpack
- 4. Yisibo Dinosaur Backpack
- 5. Camtop Preschool Backpack
- 6. Yodo Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack
- 7. Kasqo Preschool Rucksack Backpack
- 8. Zenith Life Toddler Backpack
- 9. Stephen Joseph Mini Sidekick Backpack
- Final Thoughts on Best Preschool Backpacks
Our List of the Best Preschool Backpacks
There are tons of preschool backpacks to choose from to help keep your child excited about starting school. Whether you want something a little more heavy duty or a backpack that comes in the shape of an animal, there are plenty of options to go around.
1. Urban Infant Toddler/Preschool Packie Backpack
This particular bag also has a corresponding pencil case that can be purchased separately and although the backpack is on the smaller side, it can still hold all of your preschooler’s essentials for school. Plus, there is a water bottle pocket on one side of the backpack so give your child easy access to his or her water bottle.
There’s even a ring on the front of the bag to allow your kid to hang their toys. This not only makes the backpack even more fun for them but also adds a little personality to better tell the bag apart from others.
- Special Features: The Packie Backpack also has a special outer pocket to hold rolled-up artwork your child will inevitably bring home from school.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon.
- The Best Part: The backpack is sturdy, but still lightweight enough to not be a strain on your child’s shoulders or back.
- The Not So Great: The backpack might be a little small to fit all of a child’s folders they might bring home from preschool.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
2. Abshoo Little Kids Toddler Backpack
The Abshoo Little Kids Toddler Backpack comes in a variety of different fun designs, but that, of course, is not where the benefits end with this particular preschool backpack. It has adjustable shoulder straps that are padded enough to provide comfort while also being on the right side to not add too much weight on your child’s shoulders when they carry it in and out of school each day. It is on the smaller side, but that is to be expected with preschool backpacks.
It’s made of high-quality water-resistant polyester so you can easily keep it clean and there are inner and outer pockets for your child’s convenience. Maybe they won’t necessarily need to utilize each compartment for preschool, but it is always a plus to have those at the ready just in case. Plus, the foam mesh padding on the shoulder straps is breathable to prevent overheating, which can certainly happen when carrying a backpack.
- Special Features: The backpack comes with a convenient 12-month warranty so you can have peace of mind in case its performance isn’t up to par.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find it on Amazon at this time.
- The Best Part: Although it’s small, the backpack can still hold some children’s books, a change of clothes, and other necessities for a child’s day at preschool.
- The Not So Great: When you put one too many items in the backpack, it can look overstuffed and almost bulky.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
3. Wildkin Backpack
At 12 inches tall, the Wildkin Backpack might not be able to fit everything under the sun, but it can fit your preschooler’s necessities each day, including some space for an after-school snack they will probably want on the ride home.
It comes in a ton of different patterns to suit different children’s tastes and interests and the padded straps are completely adjustable. So in case, your little one grows a lot from the start of the school year to the end, they can still get used out of their little backpack.
The Wildkin Backpack also has inner and outer pockets to keep things organized and you can easily spot clean the backpack as needed. And because of the fun patterns, you can purchase corresponding nap mats, lunch boxes, and even water bottles to go with whichever pattern backpack your child wants.
- Special Features: The front pocket is fully insulated, so you can keep snacks in the pocket fresh.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon.
- The Best Part: The front insulated pockets mean you may not even need a separate lunch box.
- The Not So Great: Although the bag is sturdy, it might feel on the thinner side to some parents.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
4. Yisibo Dinosaur Backpack
The Yisibo Dinosaur Backpack might be a little more specific in its design since it looks just like the back of a dinosaur, complete with spikes and all. But for your dinosaur-loving preschooler, it might be the best option out there for his or her backpack.
But it’s not just about flash and creative design with this particular preschool backpack. It’s also comfortable and roomy enough for most, if not all, of your child’s essentials.
The backpack is more than 12 inches tall and large enough to put most of what your child needs without looking or feeling like it’s overstuffed. The back of it is covered in breathable mesh fabric and the straps are cushioned and adjustable. Together, these aspects make the backpack comfortable for little ones to carry in and out of school each day. And yes, because of the fun design, they will probably love the backpack that much more.
- Special Features: The breathable back liner helps keep your little one from overheating while they wear the backpack.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find it on Amazon at this time.
- The Best Part: The backpack can be cleaned in the washer, which makes getting any stains or smells out of the bag a lot easier.
- The Not So Great: It might be almost too big on smaller preschoolers.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
5. Camtop Preschool Backpack
So rest assured, it’s not just one big pouch to toss in all of your little one’s preschool essentials. The straps are cushioned and fully adjustable and there’s even a cross strap to secure the backpack even further across your child’s chest if needed.
The main compartment of the backpack is still roomy enough for your child’s folders and even a pencil case if they need to toss one in there. There are also side pockets and the outer fabric is water-resistant so you can wipe it clean when needed.
- Special Features: Unlike some other smaller preschool backpacks, this one stands at more than 14 inches tall, making it a roomier option overall.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find it on Amazon at this time.
- The Best Part: It’s large enough to fit more than your preschooler will even need for school each day.
- The Not So Great: The main zipper might develop the tendency to get stuck or jammed each time you or your child uses the bag.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
6. Yodo Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack
This is because this particular preschool backpack has a tether on it so parents can hold onto it to keep their child close to crowded places. The tether is removable, so you don’t necessarily have to use it, but it is a welcome addition for some parents.
The backpack is also insulated, which almost makes it like one large lunch bag if that’s what your child needs. The straps are completely padded to keep your little one’s shoulders comfortable while they carry their bag and other than that, you really can’t ignore the adorable shark, owl, unicorn, and dinosaur designs that this backpack offers.
- Special Features: It comes with a detachable tether, if needed, to hold onto and keep a close handle on your little one.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on Amazon at this time.
- The Best Part: The insulated aspect of the bag means you can also put snacks or beverages in it for your little one.
- The Not So Great: It might not be the most durable preschool backpack out there.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
7. Kasqo Preschool Rucksack Backpack
If you’re after a preschool backpack that isn’t too small but not too bulky, then the Kasqo Preschool Rucksack Backpack is easily one that falls somewhere in the middle. The backpack is lightweight and is made with a water-resistant material that makes cleaning it a little easier. The fabric is also perfect for ensuring that your little one doesn’t overheat while wearing the backpack.
The backpack has convenient cushioned straps and a top carrying handle if that’s what your child needs instead of the standard straps. The back panel is also ultra-padded and the zippers have extenders to make them easier to grab and pull for little hands. There are even a safety chest clip and roomy interior for all of your child’s needs.
- Special Features: It has a convenient padded carrying handle on top for little ones to have more than one way to carry the backpack.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find this one on Amazon.
- The Best Part: It’s big enough to fit all your child’s needs each day at preschool.
- The Not So Great: Despite the zipper extenders, the zippers can still get stuck at times.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
8. Zenith Life Toddler Backpack
The fabric is water-resistant and the back panel of the backpack has a breathable fabric over it to prevent overheating while your child wears the backpack, regardless of how long they need to wear it at a time. It has the usually cushioned shoulder straps, but also a carrying handle on the top in case your little one prefers to utilize that way of carrying their backpack.
- Special Features: It’s made with additional side mesh pockets so your child can keep some things on hand and easier to grab.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find it on Amazon.
- The Best Part: The backpack is lightweight enough for even younger toddlers to carry it around.
- The Not So Great: The material might have a strong smell at first that some parents may not be able to shake.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
9. Stephen Joseph Mini Sidekick Backpack
All of the different options that come with the Stephen Joseph Mini Sidekick Backpack make the preschool backpack hard not to love for both children and parents. It has a side mesh pocket and a side zippered pocket so you can keep things organized for your child.
The mesh pocket is also perfect for a water bottle or sippy cup and keeping it on the outside of the bag makes it easy to get to and helps prevent spills inside the backpack.
It also has cushioned adjustable straps that sit comfortably on kids’ shoulders. Since preschool-aged children are prone to easy complaining, comfort is definitely key. It comes in different designs and shapes, from unicorns and frogs to cats, airplanes, and more. There is easily something for any child’s interest and if you can get your little one excited about preschool through their backpack, that can be a wonderful thing.
- Special Features: It has a side mesh pocket and an extra side zippered pocket.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on Amazon.
- The Best Part: Although the backpack is small, it is still made to be durable.
- The Not So Great: The zipper can be fickle, which can be annoying for parents and kids alike.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this backpack.
Final Thoughts on Best Preschool Backpacks
Finding the right preschool backpack might not be the only thing you will need to do to make sure your toddler succeeds in preschool, but it is certainly a start. Having the right backpack can help keep your child excited about being a “big kid” and starting school.
Whether you go with a tiny backpack that is adorable but they’ll grow out of by the end of the year or a more sturdy backpack made for preschoolers, you definitely can’t go wrong with any of the packs on this list.
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- The Best Leak-Proof Sippy Cups For Toddlers
- 7 Best Stainless Steel Toddler Cups All Kids Love
- The Top 4 Best Sippy Cups for Toddlers
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