Your child’s backpack is the probably the most used and hardest working item in the school essentials list.
Choosing the right backpack can do away with common problems like back and neck pain and promote a healthy spine condition. The cases of Backpack Syndrome – Yes, it’s actually a thing - has risen dramatically over the past 1-2 years.

Plus, there are always plenty of styles and designs to pick from! So, here are some tips to help you pick the right backpack.
As children grow older, they carry bigger, heavier notebooks, food, and a lot more stationary. This calls for a good quality, spacious backpack that’s ergonomically designed to fit their body structure and weight.

1. Finding The Right Size

The first thing to do when shopping for a school backpack is finding the perfect size; a large backpack may offer more storage space but could lead to physical discomforts and obviously, if it’s too small, it may not be able to hold everything that needs to be carried. So, it’s best to go to a store and try out backpacks that could suit the child; this includes checking for the adjustability of straps.
Ideally, the width of a backpack should be relatively proportionate to the person’s width.
 

2. Opt For Broader, Padded Straps

Ideally, you should be looking for a backpack with broad shoulder straps and the required cushioning to provide extra comfort so to prevent the shoulders from taking on excessive pressure. Your child should make use of both the straps while carrying the bag, for even weight distribution; using only one strap puts additional strain on that one shoulder. The straps should be adjustable for the right fit and where the bag sits - just above the waist, and both straps should be the same length.

3. Compartmental Organization System

Nobody likes digging into a messy bag that’s got no chambers to neatly arrange your stuff. So, it’s important to choose a backpack that has multiple organizer panels; a large one for books, tech pockets that prove to be useful when travelling, and smaller compartments for quick-access essentials. And of course, a side water bottle pocket.
 

4. The Material

Using a weather-proof backpack is definitely a smart choice. Come rain or shine, your child can commute hassle-free, without worrying about the books getting drenched; holding an umbrella isn’t always adequate to completely block out the water.
For example, the Wildcraft Polyester Kid’s Backpack. It is water resistant and can save you from the trouble of ruined notebooks.
It’s also equally important for the bag to be resistant to wear and tear. The bottom part, especially, needs to be the most durable, made of a tough, abrasion-resistant material.
 

5. The 10% Rule

Remember: The weight of the school bag (including books, water bottles and everything you store in it) must not exceed 10-15% of your child's weight.
 

6. Personal Style

Lastly, but of course most importantly, consider your child’s personal liking. Your child will be wearing this backpack to school every day, at least for a year.