Not to be missed for the start of the school year: 5 essential criteria for choosing your child’s school bag, including weight

Choosing the right schoolbag for your child requires taking into account their age, school level, and specific needs. Don’t forget to respect the rules regarding the weight of the schoolbag to protect their health and 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. Doctissimo guides you on what you need to check before buying your child’s schoolbag.

Choosing the right bag/schoolbag for kindergarten

The start of the school year in kindergarten marks the beginning of a great adventure for little ones, a first step towards discovering school and community life for some! Choosing a schoolbag with your child can help them plan for this new daily life.

Here are the criteria to check:

• Suitable size: The schoolbag 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 schoolbag must not exceed the width of the child’s shoulders.
• Weight of the school bag: When empty, the school bag 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 shoulder straps should be adjustable and padded to ensure good support. The back of the schoolbag should also be lightly padded.
• Ease of use: Kindergarten children should not carry a heavy schoolbag. Choose a model with a simple closure (zip or velcro) to make it easier for the child to open and close it himself.
• Attractive design: To motivate your child, choose a schoolbag featuring their favorite character or theme, while ensuring that the design remains functional.

Choosing the right schoolbag for primary school

The start of primary school is an exciting time when children are preparing to explore new learning while continuing to develop their curiosity and autonomy. Don’t hesitate to please your child by letting them choose their schoolbag or backpack for the start of the school year (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 school bag should 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, including contents.
• Ergonomics: An ergonomic schoolbag is essential to prevent back pain. It should have wide, padded and adjustable shoulder straps, as well as a reinforced back to distribute the weight evenly.
• Quality and durability: The school bag must be durable and able to withstand 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 school bag with multiple compartments to organize supplies and avoid having all the weight concentrated in one place.

Choosing the right backpack for college

Starting middle school represents an important step in the lives of young people (and their parents), with new subjects, increased responsibilities, and the opportunity to grow further academically and personally.

Here are the criteria for choosing the right backpack:

• Size and volume: In middle school, books and notebooks are more numerous and bulky. Choose 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 shoulder straps is essential. Some models also have a chest or waist belt for better support.
• Durability and style: The school bag should be sturdy enough to last the entire school year. Style is also important for a middle schooler, so choose a design that matches their tastes while being functional.
• Laptop compartment: If your child needs to carry a laptop, choose a bag with a padded compartment to protect it.