The perfect school bag: Tips for choosing design, ergonomics, and size
For many children, the first school bag is a real highlight – and for parents, it's an important decision. Besides colorful designs and cool motifs, it's primarily about the bag being comfortable, practical, and healthy for the little back. But how do you find the perfect school bag? Let's clarify the most important questions!
When should you buy the school bag?
Most parents start their search for the suitable school bag in the spring before school starts – at this point, school enrollment is still six months away. Parents thus have enough time to compare different models and prices. Moreover, there's the largest selection of school bags in the spring, and many stores offer discounts.
If school start is still six months away, your future first-grader's body size might still change. Therefore, opt for school bags that grow with your child, e.g., school backpacks with an adjustable carrying system.
Some parents wait for deals shortly before school begins. This is often cheaper, and you can adjust the backpack's fit to your child's current body size. However, the selection might already be limited shortly before school starts.
Are you still looking for a school bag for school enrollment? Discover current models for first-graders from manufacturers like ergobag, Step by Step, Scout, DerDieDas & Co.
-> School bags for the 1st grade
School bags – what should you pay attention to?
When choosing the right school bag, parents should consider these 6 criteria:
Ergonomics
Ergonomic school bags focus on back-friendliness. To prevent overloading the spine, the school bag should have padded shoulder straps, a reinforced back part, and ideally a chest or waist belt. With the practical belts, it's possible for your offspring to carry the daily weight of school books with minimal health impact.
Visibility
Reflectors on school bags are a must, so your child is well seen in traffic during bad weather or in the dark.
Size
Many children experience significant growth spurts - nevertheless, the satchel should fit optimally from 1st to 4th grade. Therefore, make sure that the ergonomic school bag has a continuously adjustable back system and an adjustable chest strap. This way, the backpack can be adjusted to the back of the schoolchild after each growth phase.
Storage space
Pay attention to clever compartments and pockets so that your child can keep things organized. Ideally, the main compartment close to the back is larger to store heavy books. The closer the heavy items are to the back, the easier they are to carry. An external side pocket for drinks could prevent hurriedly closed water bottles from damaging the inside of the satchel should the bottle leak.
Quality
During school time, the satchel has to withstand a lot - after all, it is used 5 days a week. Durable and waterproof materials protect notebooks and books from rain and snow. Closures with a magnetic function offer your schoolchild an easy and quick way to open the school satchel - even with just one hand!
Design
In the end, the school satchel should of course also appeal to your child. Let them have a say in the choice, because after all, they will be carrying the satchel every day. Whether with dinosaurs, princesses, or cool color gradients - the design is at least as important to children as the carrying comfort. Kletties in various designs can be attached to many models as desired - so your schoolchild can alternately attach their favorite motifs to the satchel.
How heavy can a school satchel be?
The weight of the school satchel is one of the most important criteria. Ideally, the satchel should not weigh more than 10–15% of your child's body weight - including content. If your child weighs for example 20 kg, the satchel should have a maximum weight of 3 kg. So, when buying, pay attention not only to the satchel's own weight but also consider how heavy the school materials could become in everyday life.
A little tip: Regularly check the satchel. Often, toys or unnecessary notebooks sneak in, increasing the weight.
How much volume should a school backpack have?
The volume of the school satchel mainly depends on the age and the number of school materials needed:
- For primary school (6 to 10 years) models between 15 and 20 l are sufficient.
- In secondary school, often more books, larger notebooks, and additional materials are needed, so the backpack should have a volume between 20 and 30 l.
-
In the upper level, a backpack with up to 35 l can be sensible.
Buying school bags: Our top brands
With all the great brands, are you unsure which one fits your offspring best? Here are the advantages and special features of our top brands at a glance:
ergobag
Ergobag combines ergonomic innovation with sustainable materials:
✓ Ergonomic school bags modeled after trekking backpacks
✓ Environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, often made from recycled PET bottles
✓ Long service life thanks to a growing carrying system for the optimal fit
✓ Interchangeable Kletties for individual design
-> Discover ergobag school bags now
Step by Step
Step by Step offers maximum safety and design variety for the perfect school equipment:
✓ Focus on safety and visibility in traffic through reflective elements and bright colors
✓ Wide range of designs for different preferences and adaptability through interchangeable motifs
✓ Expandable sets, often including accessories like pencil cases and gym bags
✓ Complete solutions with all accessories
DerDieDas
DerDieDas sets new standards for comfort and ergonomics with ultra-light school bags:
✓ Extremely light school bags, ideal for smaller or delicate children
✓ Ergonomic back padding and adjustable straps
✓ Thoughtful, structured interior layout
-> Browse through DerDieDas now
Coocazoo
Coocazoo stands for stylish, ergonomic school backpacks with an individual touch and a focus on safety:
✓ Ergonomic school backpacks for older children and teenagers
✓ Diverse designs, large selection of colors and personalization options, often with reflective details
✓ Plenty of storage space for books and leisure items
-> View Coocazoo school bags now
Scout
Scout is known for safety, durability, and child-friendly designs:
✓ A classic among school bag brands with decades of experience
✓ Safety through generous reflectors and signal colors
✓ Wide variety of designs with child-friendly motifs
✓ Proven quality and durability
Conclusion: Take enough time to choose the optimal school backpack. The backpack should definitely be ergonomic and fit well - this way, the load on the back won't become a health burden. With these tips, you are guaranteed to find the perfect school bag, which not only protects the little back but also makes every school day a bit brighter.
