Choosing a backpack for a first grader

Before the school year, there is always a rush for children's backpacks in the markets and in stores. It is important for parents to choose the best model for the baby who goes to first grade. It should be comfortable, lightweight and roomy.

The school backpack is specially designed so that the child can carry the necessary supplies. Modern models are made taking into account the needs of the child, his weight and height. The bags come in a variety of colors and fun prints that will definitely appeal to a first grader.

Unlike a briefcase, the backpack does not have a rubberized handle and solid walls. And in comparison with the knapsack, it is equipped with a less dense body.

Backpacks differ from each other not only in prints and general decor, but also in quality. Manufacturers who value their own reputation try to compose their assortment from the best models. In this area, there is a very strict quality control, a special technology for creating products is observed, because we are talking about children's health.

Consider the main types of school backpacks.

This is an unremarkable type of backpack, familiar to almost everyone. Most often it consists of two parts: a main compartment for storing educational supplies and an additional pocket for small-sized study items. Today, almost all manufacturers produce backpacks in the classic version. He has a large number of positive qualities:

• such products are cheap;
• due to the simplicity of the design, these bags can be presented in any design;
• classic backpacks can be found in any store;
• do not deform when washed in a washing machine.

This type of school bag also has disadvantages:

• one internal compartment is often not enough for sorting things;
• in case of careless handling of the product, its fabric often breaks.

Such backpacks can often be seen among first graders, but experts recommend that parents think several times before buying a bag-like model. The fact is that its back is made of a soft single-layer material, which negatively affects the health of the back. In addition, notebooks and books will constantly mix and turn over inside.

Such a backpack is well suited for going to extracurricular lessons or to a tutor. It is also useful when traveling, but for daily trips to school, it is better to look at other options.

Frame backpacks are available with or without an orthopedic back.

Orthopedic models are the best on the market today. Such bags began to be actively produced after massive back illnesses among US schoolchildren. Scientists have conducted many studies and have proven that a backpack has a bad effect on the health of the spine: it provokes curvature of posture, low back pain and numbness of the limbs.

After the announcement of doctors, all manufacturers began to look for a solution to the problem of a negative effect on the back. This is how frame backpacks with or without backs appeared.

Consider the positive aspects:

• frame backpacks protect the spine;
• they are presented in various designs and rich colors;
• products are made of dense material;
• there are additional straps to fix the bag on the back.

The disadvantages of frame backpacks are as follows:

• you will have to wash only by hand, the washing machine will ruin the product;
• more weight than other products;
• take up a lot of space.

The functional model of backpacks is often oversized and equipped with many additional compartments and pockets. It holds a large number of school supplies for the whole day.

Pros of functional backpacks:

• there is a separate organizer for pens and pencils;
• can be used outside the educational institution;
• quality material, soft straps.

Minuses:

• due to the large amount of free space, children often overload their backpacks, take with them a lot of unnecessary things;
• there is no frame.

And also on the market you can find horizontal backpacks and backpacks-folders. The former are not recommended for purchase due to the wide frame, and the latter due to the lack of straps.

A backpack is the first thing that can suffer, because every first grader loves noisy games. The school bag can accidentally fall, which is why these models are especially durable. School bags are created with the expectation that they will become "participants" in the adventures of a seven-year-old child. The manufacturers took care of this in advance, so the latest models of backpacks for first-graders do not get wet in the snow or rain, they are easily washed.

It is better to decide on the design of the best backpack together with the first grader. Children are well aware of the latest fashion trends and will be happy to choose a stylish model for themselves. The child will be able to choose a print with the hero of his favorite cartoon, for example, with a dinosaur, he will be able to choose an option for his hobbies. With this approach, the first grader will adore his backpack, the thing will create pleasant associations.

The most purchased products are considered to be products of several companies.

• Erich Krause. Russian brand of stationery and education products. Products manufactured under this brand strictly comply with all quality standards, are hygienic and safe.

• Oxford. The company makes quite expensive backpacks compared to the competition. Most models are offered with reflective side panels. These bags are renowned for their durability.

• DeLune. The backpacks are made in Italy. The company pays great attention to small details: the backpacks are 3D printed, and the material itself does not fade even when constantly exposed to direct sunlight.

The safety and durability of school bags is checked by specialists who make calculations for many characteristics. Sometimes even independent experts are involved to confirm the undoubted quality of school backpacks.

An incorrectly selected model can cause back pain in a child, due to improper distribution of the load, posture can deteriorate, and joints often hurt. Because of all this, scoliosis can even develop. In order to choose the best option for your child's school bag, it is worth learning about the recommendations of orthopedists.

The material from which the backpack is made has certain characteristics. It is better to give preference to dense synthetics, since they are easy to care for.

One of the most common options is polyester, which is durable and breathable.... Polyester is easy to wash and dries quickly. There are practically no greasy stains on the material, and any dirt can be wiped off with a napkin.

It is better not to choose products made of oilcloth or nylon, as these materials are practically impervious to air. Leather backpacks are quite durable, but they can also cost more than synthetic counterparts.

Ideally, the back of the school bag is rigid with massage curves. The anatomical base will reduce the risk of spinal problems. Better to choose options with special cushions made of "breathable" fabric. These elements help to support the child's spine in the correct position and help to evenly distribute the load.

Models with a rigid frame are considered the best, they are the ones who best keep their shape. The frame of this configuration will allow school supplies not to move to the side, and will not cause discomfort to the child. The frame backpack will not fall to one side, so books and notebooks will not wrinkle. The bottom will not sag under heavy textbooks, and the bag will not put pressure on the baby's lower back.

The straps on a child's backpack should be wide. Typically, these straps are made of a very durable material, complemented by height adjusters and special inserts. The straps do not dig into the shoulders of the child and do not slip. Already at the fitting stage, you need to understand whether the child will be comfortable wearing a backpack. It is better to choose models with a strap width of 5 centimeters or more. Sometimes products have an additional belt strap, which makes the carrying of the bag even more comfortable.

You should not take bags without compartments, because a young student will have to carry a huge number of textbooks, an album and other school supplies. It is better if the model has many compartments in which the student can put everything he needs. The clasps should be strong and easy to open.

It will be difficult for a child to carry a very large and heavy backpack. The width of the product should not exceed the size of children's hangers. The length of the bag should reach the waist of the baby, without dropping below. The bottom of the shoulder bag should not press on the lower back. The bag in the put on position should not be higher than the back of the child's head. It is better not to take a backpack to grow: if a child puts on an unsuitable model, he may have health problems.

Ideal weight - no more than 1.5 kg.This is the mass of the backpack with filling.

Not every parent can meet and accompany the child to the school gates. In order not to worry about the safety of your baby on the road, you should choose models with reflective inserts.

These elements are clearly visible even at night, which is very important when the child independently crosses the road on the way to school.

A good backpack has many requirements. Consider the basic recommendations for choosing a children's backpack.

• First, you need to familiarize yourself with the offers of the stores and choose several options at once. It is necessary to read the reviews about the model you like, find out in detail about the brand and technical characteristics of the backpack. After that, you need to check with the store staff if the model you like is available.
• When choosing a backpack, it is important to pay attention to the fasteners and locks, open and close them several times. It is also necessary to look at the quality of the seams. If the purchase is carried out with a first grader, then you need to try on the product. The child must determine whether the backpack will be comfortable for him or her. The kid can independently inspect the school bag, open and close the zippers.
• The size of the product should be suitable for the growth of the baby. The bag should fit well to the back, there should be no sagging of the satchel below the waist. If the backpack, when put on, is above the child's head, then the model does not fit.
• It is better to opt for models with an orthopedic base and with inserts for ventilation.
• The backpack must be impervious to moisture.
• The weight of the empty product should not exceed 1 kg (the weight of the filled bag should not exceed 12% -10% of the total weight of the child).
• You need to find out about the features of washing for a particular model.
• The bottom of the bag must be reinforced.

Inexpensive backpacks can be purchased at prices ranging from 800 to 1000 rubles. However, the quality of these bags will not be very good. Products with a solid support and a solid bottom cost about 2 thousand. Finnish leather backpacks are usually priced between 1,500 and 2,500 rubles. Italian leather models are more expensive: from 2500 to 4000 rubles.

Lightweight models that do not provide an anatomical base and other important characteristics can be purchased for an amount of 2 thousand or more. The most expensive are the orthopedic counterparts, which provide maximum wearing comfort. The approximate price range of such models is from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.