How do you attach a lunch bag to a backpack?

Has your child ever had juice leak onto their crayons? Or did they open their backpack to find the cover of their lunchbox had popped off and their deconstructed sandwich was decorating their artwork? Unfortunately, dirty backpacks from spilled lunches are too common. That’s why some moms have taken to attaching lunch boxes outside of the backpack instead. There are plenty of ways to attach a lunch bag to a backpack. You can buy backpack with a detachable lunch bag or get a lunchbox that has a clip. However, it’s not recommended as the increase in bulk and weight at the front of the backpack might unbalance your child and cause them to fall. But you came here looking for ways to attach a lunch bag to a backpack so let’s look at 3 easy ways:

Backpacks with detachable lunchboxes

The easiest way by far is to buy one of the numerous kids backpacks with a matching detachable lunch box. These lunchboxes come with clips that you can attach to the front of the backpack. Check out this Trolls school bag with matching lunch bag. The lunch bag clips on to the front of the backpack in place of a front compartment.

Check it out on Amazon

Clip-in lunchbox

Many lunchboxes are sold separately but has handles that clip together so they can be attached to a backpack. The good thing about this is you don’t have to buy a new backpack if your child already has one. Depending on the type of backpack your child has, you can either clip your child’s lunchbox to the front or top of the backpack. This insulated Wildkin lunch bag measures 9 inches long and 7 inches wide, and has a side mesh pocket for a water bottle. Notice the strap with clip at the top? Your child can either carry it in their hand or clip it on their backpack.

Check it out on Amazon

Mesh bag with clip

If your child already has a favorite regular lunchbox at home, you can get a simple mesh bag that clips on to their backpack. Just put their lunchbox in the mesh bag, clip the mesh bag on and off they go. You can also use these handy mesh bags to store lots of other things.

Check it out on Amazon

Why you shouldn’t attach a lunch box to your child’s backpack

While in theory having a lunchbox that clips-on is a great way to free up your child’s hands, it makes for a clunky setup. Especially if your child is a small preschooler, the increase in bulk and weight further away from their body will probably unbalance them and cause them to fall. Children also like to pull on things and having a dangling lunchbox is like baiting a fish. If your child is walking by and another child decides to yank on their attached lunchbox, they are almost certain to trip. I am not a fan and definitely don’t recommend you attach your child’s lunchbox to their backpack. Fortunately, there are other ways your child can carry their lunchboxes to preschool:

How should children carry lunch boxes?

• Carry the lunchbox in their hands. Most lunchboxes come with an easy-carry handle that is perfectly sized for little hands.
• Fit the lunchbox in the backpack main compartment, nearest to the back. If you’re worried about spillage, put it in a zip lock bag or other spill-proof bag
• Some backpacks have insulated front compartments for lunches. While the weight is still distributed towards the front of the backpack, there are no dangly bits for kids to pull at.
• If your child is younger, they won’t be able to carry much in their backpack. Remember they shouldn’t carry more than 10% of their body weight. The best way would be for you to carry their lunch in for them.

Check out this Hipewe Backpack with insulated front compartment on Amazon

 

To wrap up

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to attach a lunchbox to a backpack. However, it’s not a good idea, especially for younger children, as it can cause them to unbalance and fall. There are lots of other ways your child can carry their lunch bag. My favorite way is to carry their lunch bag in their hand but you can buy a backpack with an insulated front compartment instead. It’s basically a built-in lunch bag.