Choosing the right school bag for your child requires taking into account their age, educational level, and specific needs. Don’t forget to respect the rules regarding the weight of the schoolbag to preserve its health and to follow these few tips. Thus, according to health professionals, a schoolbag should not exceed 10% of the child’s weight. That is on average 3.4 kg for an 11 year old student and 4.4 kg for a 13 year old student. True Medical guides you on what you need to check before buying your child’s school bag.
Choosing the right bag/schoolbag for kindergarten
The start of kindergarten marks the start of a great adventure for little ones, a first step towards discovering school and community life for some! Choosing the school bag with your child can allow them to project themselves into this new daily life.
Here are the criteria to check:
- Suitable size: The school bag for a child in kindergarten must be light and adapted to his size. It is advisable to choose a small model, between 25 and 30 cm in height. The school bag should not exceed the width of the child’s shoulders.
- Weight of the satchel: When empty, the satchel should not weigh more than 200 to 300 grams. A school bag that is too heavy could tire the child and cause back pain.
- Comfort: The straps must be adjustable and padded to ensure good support. The back of the binder should also be lightly padded.
- Ease of use: Kindergarten children should not carry heavy school bags. Opt for a model with a simple closure (zip or velcro) to make it easier for the child to open and close it themselves.
- Attractive design: To motivate the child, choose a schoolbag bearing the image of their favorite character or theme, while ensuring that the design remains functional.
Choosing the right school bag for primary school
The start of primary school is an exciting time when children prepare to explore new learning while continuing to develop their curiosity and autonomy. Don’t hesitate to please your child by letting him choose his school bag or backpack for back to school (by setting a budget for example!).
Here are the criteria to check:
- Size and capacity: In primary school, the schoolbag must be larger (around 35 to 40 cm in height), to be able to contain notebooks, books, and other school supplies.
- Maximum weight: The weight of the schoolbag must not exceed 10% of the child’s weight. For example, for a child weighing 25 kg, the school bag should not exceed 2.5 kg, contents included.
- Ergonomics: An ergonomic satchel is essential to prevent back pain. It should have wide, padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a reinforced back to evenly distribute weight.
- Quality and durability: The schoolbag must be durable and capable of withstanding daily use. The seams and zippers must be strong. A school bag with reflective strips is a plus for safety in low light.
- Choose a binder with multiple compartments to organize supplies and prevent all the weight from being concentrated in one place.
Choosing the right backpack for college
Going back to college represents an important stage in the lives of young people (and their parents), with new subjects, increased responsibilities, and the opportunity to flourish more academically and personally.
Here are the criteria for choosing the right backpack:
- Size and volume: In college, books and notebooks are more numerous and bulky. Opt for a bag with a height of around 40 to 45 cm with sufficient capacity (20 to 25 liters).
- Maximum weight: As for primary school, the schoolbag must not exceed 10% of the child’s body weight. For middle school students, the bag can weigh up to 4 kg maximum, depending on the child’s weight.
- Ergonomics: A backpack with a reinforced back, adjustable and padded straps is essential. Some models also have a chest or waist belt for better support.
- Strength and style: The school bag must be sturdy enough to last the entire school year. Style is also important to a middle school student, so choose a design that suits their tastes while still being functional.
- Computer compartment: If your child must carry a laptop, choose a bag with a padded compartment to protect it.