What Size Backpack to Get for Kindergarten

Starting kindergarten is a monumental milestone for you and your little one. They’re becoming more independent, starting a new routine, and laying the groundwork for academic and social learning.

What better way to prepare for kindergarten than with a new backpack? A perfectly fitting backpack not only helps them safely carry their belongings but also gives them a boost of confidence during those first daunting days of school.

Follow along as we help you answer the question, “What size backpack for kindergarten kiddos?” and tackle how to choose the right size backpack for your not-so-little kindergartner.

If your child has a small backpack, it might not contain enough space to carry all of their kindergarten essentials. However, a backpack that’s too big could feel uncomfortable to lug around all day. That’s why it’s important to find a kid’s backpack that’s just right. A well-sized backpack promotes comfort for all-day wear and can help them avoid strain or discomfort.

Before you begin shopping for your child’s backpack, here are a few aspects to help point you in the right direction.

Your child’s backpack should only be as wide as their torso.¹ With a flexible measuring tape, you can quickly obtain their measurements:²

• Find the C7 vertebra – We promise it’s easier than it sounds. Simply tilt their head forward until you find the bony spot where their shoulders and neck meet. This is the top of their torso.

• Locate the bottom of the torso – Place your hands on their hips until you find the top of their hip bones underneath—also known as the iliac crest—under the rib cage.

• Measure the torso length – Use a flexible measuring tape to measure from the C7 vertebra to the top of the iliac crest.

• Measure the torso width – Measure across the widest part of their shoulders.

At one point in our childhood, most of us probably carried a quarter of our body weight or more on our backs—textbooks, notebooks, gym clothes, you name it. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that children should wear a backpack that carries no more than 15% of their weight.³ A heavy backpack can cause discomfort on your little one's shoulders, so make sure to adjust each strap to a comfortable height so they can carry their bag with ease.

While there’s no such thing as the perfect backpack, you can do your best to purchase one that’s perfect for them.

Using the information above, you can find a backpack that aligns with the width of their torso. As for depth, you want it to have enough space to comfortably carry their supplies without feeling too bulky or cumbersome.

When your little one puts the backpack on, check that the top sits comfortably below the shoulders. In addition, make sure the bottom of the backpack sits at the curve of your child’s lower back.

When you start shopping for backpacks, you'll want to include a few key features.

Instead of throwing all of their school supplies in one big sack, organize them by putting everything in the right compartment. Your kid's lunch box or books can slide into the main section, while smaller pockets are ideal for pencils, erasers, and other essentials. Compartments also distribute the weight more evenly and make it significantly easier when your child goes searching for a pencil or lunch bag.

If your little one loves being decked out in vibrant patterns and colors, Posh Peanut’s kids backpacks certainly deliver—and then some. You can mix and match fun prints to pair with all your toddler accessories to keep your kiddo outfitted head to toe. From dinosaurs to floral patterns (and plenty in between), many of our backpacks are made just for little learners, with the following measurements available:

• Full-size backpacks – 11"W x 15"H x 5 1/2"D

• Mini backpacks – 9 1/2"W x 11"H x 4"D

Below are a few extra suggestions for making sure your kiddo sports the mightiest backpack in kindergarten.

Just because your little one is in kindergarten doesn’t mean their proclivity to messes suddenly disappears. (If only).

For this reason, consider a backpack material that’s durable enough to withstand a few juice and paint spills throughout the year and is easy to clean. Posh Peanut’s backpacks feature a 100% polyester interior and exterior, which makes spot cleaning a cinch.

Your five or six-year-old is bound to have a few style preferences of their own, so consider allowing them to take part in the shopping process. After you’ve found a few backpacks in sizes you approve of, your kiddo can make the final judgment call on the color and pattern.

children's clothingOnce your child starts kindergarten, there are many exciting life changes. You can make sure they start on the right foot with the best backpack that combines style and comfort (in the right size).

Posh Peanut is your one-stop online shop for all of your children's clothing and backpack needs for the back-to-school season. Our durable, trendy backpacks and comfortable clothes crafted from buttery soft viscose from bamboo will boost their confidence as they embark on their first day.

Sources: 

¹ NSC. Backpack Safety: It’s Time to Lighten the Load.

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/backpack-safety-for-kids

² Outdoors Geek. Easy Guide for Measuring Backpack Torso Size.

https://www.outdoorsgeek.com/backpack-torso-size

³ Cleveland Clinic. Is Your Child’s Bookback Weighing Them Down? Here’s How to Lighten the Load.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-tips-to-a-lighter-safer-school-backpack