How To Choose The Right School Bag

March 21, 2025

Deciding on a school bag for your child doesn't seem like a huge decision, but in reality it should be one of your most considered ‘back to school’ purchases, along with comfortable school shoes. Your child needs a bag that will help carry everything they will need for an average school day but also one that won't cause them discomfort, and that supports them too. We're here to help you decide which bag to choose.

Which School Bag?

When choosing a school bag for your child, there a few things to consider:

• How old is your child?
• How much do they need to carry?
• What size do they need?
• Is it suitable for the school dress code?
• Which style is best for them?

The first thing to look at is the school's rules or handbook to see if they have any regulations about school bags, if they have to be a certain colour or shape. Also, depending on the age of your child, and what school they go to, each child will have to carry a different amount of weight in their bag. Making sure that the bag is comfortable for them, is the right size and is strong enough to carry the weight is an absolute must.

There are lots of different styles of bag, the most common tends to be the backpack. However other options include bags on wheels, over the shoulder bags and simple satchels. Deciding which one is best for your child depends on a few factors. If they have a lot to carry the first thing to look at is if they have any pain or any weak areas, usually a backpack or a bag on wheels is best for someone who has to carry a lot. Satchels and over the shoulder bags are more suitable to those who don't have to carry much around with them. Putting too much weight on one side of the body can provide back pain or problems in future life, especially when carried regularly by growing little bodies!

Types of School Bags

Sometimes, children will carry a bag with their school supplies in it, and a P.E./plimsoll bag if that is needed. This means some of the weight is distributed and not all in one place which can be helpful to the child.

It is handy, especially in hotter months to have a bottle holder on the outside of the bag, as it gives easy access to their water instead of having to rummage around their bag for it. There are also some school bags with lunch boxes attached, handy for those who always forget to take their lunch with them!

Waterproof bags are sometimes difficult to come across however, not impossible. Although, there are rain covers available for bags if you cannot find a waterproof one. These rain covers come for most styles of bags, even bags on wheels!

Due to back packs being the most common school bags, this is the style of bag you will see in most places, with different designs, styles, textures and sizes. This can range from patterned bags to character bags. You can see our collection of school bags here!

Choosing School Bags For Girls

For teenage girls that don't have to carry much when they go to school, satchels are the perfect way to go. There are many different cool patterns available, you're sure to find one suitable. Otherwise, there tend to be lots of different other styles of bags with lovely designs that your teenage girl might prefer.

For younger generations, such as toddlers, usually the best way to go is a backpack; these are easy to carry, come in lots of different designs and shouldn't bother them too much as they still have their hands free. They also make it easy to get things in and out without pulling everything else out.

Overall, due to the many different styles of bags, it's down to what your child prefers, if they prefer to drag their bag, hook it over their shoulder or carry it in their hand, it then should be easy to find a design they like in that style.

Selecting A Boy's School Bag

If you're looking for boy's school bags for high school, due to the fact that high school students have to carry the most amount of weight around with them, it is important to make sure the bags are secure and are going to last them for a decent amount of time. Otherwise, a few months into the school year you could find yourself needing to buy your teenager a new school bag.

The bag must be supportive, especially if it's putting pressure on the shoulders and back. Make sure the straps have a little bit of padding to take away some of the hardness of the bag, especially for an over the shoulder bag as carrying these bags around for a long period of time could cause quite a bit of pain.

Again, for toddler boys, the best bags are usually backpacks due to the efficiency and easiness of the bags, there are usually a wide range of designs too so your toddler shouldn't go without his favourite characters or design.

Choose An Age Appropriate School Bag

For different ages and years at school, different kids have to carry a different amount with them to class. It usually gets heavier as the children get older, due to the classes becoming harder and them having to carry their books home and to school to study.

This means that the older they get, and the more they have to carry, the more supportive and bigger the bag needs to be, this is important so the effects of having to carry all of that extra weight around with them for most of the day doesn't affect them in later life. Two strap backpacks do tend to be some of the more supportive bags out there for school however, it is important to make sure they're only carrying what they need and not extra weight that could affect your kids and their posture.

Younger children may not need their school bags to be quite so supportive if they don't have a lot to carry, although it is always a pro if it is distributing the weight across the body. Having two straps will make it safer for the carrier’s back, neck and shoulders.

These points should help you decide on a school bag that is suitable for your child, as well as being supportive and stylish. Make sure to ask your child to try it on before buying to make sure it fits them, and isn't too big or small for their back. Happy school shopping!

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