When a child needs a new school bag, it's not just about color and design. A good school bag should be practical, comfortable to carry, and have space for the things the child uses at school and in everyday life.

There are many different school bags and children's backpacks, so it can be difficult to know what to choose. Should the bag be large or light? Should it have many compartments? Is it best with a model that includes a pencil case, or is the backpack alone enough?

In this guide, we go through the most important things you should consider when choosing a school bag for your child.

What should a good school bag be able to do?

A good school bag should first and foremost fit the child's everyday life. It should have space for books, pencil case, lunchbox, water bottle, and other small items, but at the same time, it must not be too heavy or difficult to carry.

It is an advantage to choose a school bag with:

• good spaciousness
• padded shoulder straps
• adjustable straps
• several practical compartments
• side pockets for a water bottle
• lightweight material
• a design the child likes

When the child likes the look of the bag, there is often a greater chance that the bag will be used happily every day.

How big should a school bag be?

The size depends on the child's age, height, and how much the child needs to bring to school. For school children, a children's backpack around 38-41 cm in height is often a practical size because it provides space for most everyday items without seeming too large.

A school bag about 38 x 30 x 20 cm, 40 x 29 x 17 cm, or 41 x 28 x 20 cm can be a good size for many children for school use. It typically provides space for books, lunchbox, pencil case, and water bottle, while still being easy to carry.

If the child needs to carry many books or folders, a slightly larger model with more compartments can be an advantage. If the bag is mainly for the early school years, leisure, or short school days, a lighter model may be enough.

Comfort is important in everyday life

A school bag is often used every day, so comfort is important. Padded shoulder straps can make the bag more comfortable to carry, especially when the child has books, lunchbox, and water bottle with them.

It is also an advantage if the straps can be adjusted so the bag can be adapted to the child's body. The bag should sit well on the back and not hang too low.

A lightweight school bag is often a good choice because the child already has to carry several things throughout the school day. The lighter the bag itself is, the more comfortable it will be for daily use.

Compartmentalization makes the school day easier

A practical school bag should have good compartmentalization. It helps the child keep track of their things and makes it easier to find books, pencil case, lunchbox, and small items.

Side pockets are especially practical for a water bottle, so the bottle doesn't lie loose inside the bag. Several internal compartments can also be an advantage if the child needs to carry books, paper, a pencil case, and smaller items.

For many families, it is an advantage to choose a bag that has space for both school and leisure. That way, the children's backpack can be used for school, trips, leisure activities, and weekend outings.

Should you choose a school bag with or without a pencil case?

Both options can be good choices. It depends on the child's needs.

A school bag with a pencil case can be practical if you want a complete set where the bag and pencil case match in design. This can especially be an easy solution at the start of school when the child needs both a bag and a pencil case anyway.

A school bag without a pencil case can be more flexible if the child already has a pencil case or if you want to choose a separate pencil case alongside it.

If you are buying a school bag for the start of school, a model with a pencil case can be a practical solution. If you only need to replace the bag itself, a model without a pencil case might be enough.

Design also matters

Although function and comfort are important, design also matters a lot to the child. Many children choose their bag based on colors, patterns, and style.

Some children prefer cute and whimsical designs, while others like sporty or cooler motifs better. For parents, it often comes down to finding a balance between a design the child will be happy with and a bag that is practical enough for everyday use.

A school bag should be something the child wants to wear in the morning. Therefore, it can be a good idea to let the child help choose between different designs.

Which school bag suits your child best?

If your child needs a bag for school, you should choose a model with plenty of space, comfortable straps, and practical compartments. If the bag will also be used for leisure, trips, or weekend outings, a spacious and lightweight children's backpack that can be used for multiple purposes can be an advantage.

For children who love colors and cute details, a school bag with a nice and whimsical design can be a popular choice. For children who prefer a more sporty or cool look, a bag in darker colors or with an action-inspired design might be more exciting.

The most important thing is that the bag fits the child's daily life and is comfortable to use.

Brief summary: What to look for

When choosing a school bag for children, you should especially look for:

• appropriate size
• lightweight
• padded and adjustable shoulder straps
• good compartmentalization
• side pockets for a water bottle
• durable and practical material
• a design the child likes

A good school bag should make everyday life easier for both the child and the parents.

See our selection of school bags and children's backpacks

At Lilla Villa, you will find practical school bags and children's backpacks for school, everyday use, and leisure. Choose from various designs, sizes, and features to find a bag that suits your child's needs.

School bags and children's backpacks