What size backpack should my 3-year-old be wearing?

Other than ‘no!’, Claire’s current favorite words are ‘why?’ and ‘mine!’. She’s a happy camper when it comes to her backpack because when she says ‘it’s mine!’ it’s actually true. 3-year-olds and their parents love toddler backpacks. They are fun and your toddler gets to carry their own food and water. All you have to do is make sure they are carrying a backpack that is the right size for their little bodies.

Do 3-year-old toddlers need a backpack?

No, toddlers don’t necessarily need one. But they love to carry their own items with them. A backpack is a safe and easy way for them to do that.

Why would I want to give my 3-year-old a backpack?

There are lots of amazing benefits of giving a 3-year-old a backpack:

• They are learning the concept of ownership. Giving them something that they chose and is entirely theirs helps them to develop this concept.
• 3-year-olds love carrying their toys and food around. A backpack is better than a box or tote for carrying all their stuff in.
• If they are attending day care or nursery, a backpack is convenient to carry all their knick knacks in and for you to carry as well when they get bored of carrying it themselves.
• A toddler backpack is a good starting point for your child to get used to carrying backpacks. They will need to as they grow older.

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How can my 3-year-old wear a backpack safely?

A 3-year old usually wears a small or medium backpack, but it is important to make sure the pack fits properly in order to avoid any injuries. The backpack should be a maximum length of 10 inches and a maximum width of 7 inches. When trying out the backpack, make sure it sits 2 inches below their shoulders and 2 inches above their hips. Also make sure they don’t carry more than 10% of their body weight. If they are leaning forward or bent backwards when carrying their backpack, it’s too big and heavy.

What should I look for when buying a backpack for my 3-year-old?

Style

There is no shortage of style and design when it comes to toddler backpacks. 3-year-olds are nimble with their hands by now so any zippered backpack is fine. I find bags with multiple compartments and a side bottle holder handy. Most toddlers love colorful backpacks and ones with cartoon characters. At the end of the day, the style of backpack that you get really depends on your child. They are extremely opinionated at this age and will tell you what they like. They love colorful backpacks and ones with cartoon characters. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices of appropriate backpacks, let your toddler choose. They will love the autonomy!

Size

Backpacks for toddlers should be lightweight and small. As mentioned before, for a 3-year-old, their backpack should be a maximum length of 10 inches and a maximum width of 7 inches. This recommendation is based on the average size of a 3-year-old but your child might be bigger or smaller. You’ll still need to try the backpack on for fit.

Safety features

• When buying a backpack for your toddler, comfort and support are key.
• The best backpacks have padded shoulder straps and a foam-padded back panel to protect their little shoulders and back.
• An adjustable chest or waist strap is a plus and helps distribute some of the weight off of your child’s back and shoulders
• While you don’t want to buy a backpack that is too small and might not have enough room to hold all of their belongings, don’t buy one that is too roomy either. Children (and adults) have a tendency to stuff their backpacks. As long as there is room, they will find more stuff to put in it.

Material

3-year-olds are a rough bunch. Especially if they are going to day care or nursery, buy a backpack made of durable material that can withstand some rough handling. If it is waterproof, even better. Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester are durable, lightweight and cleanable, which is perfect for a 3-year-old.

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What can I put in my 3-year-old’s backpack?

These are some of the common things that go into a toddler’s backpack:

• Notebook and crayons or colored pencils
• Lunch or snack box with favorite snacks
• Change of clothes
• Favorite stuffed animal
• Bedsheets and blankie for their afternoon nap in day care
• Toys, toys, toys!

Just make sure of 2 things:

1. that the total weight of your child’s backpack plus all that is in it doesn’t exceed 10% of their body weight and they are not leaning backwards or forwards when carrying the backpack
2. You clean out their backpack regularly. It is amazing how much random stuff gets left in there. Think rotten apples, melted chocolate and leaking marker pens. I found a half-chewed stress ball once (not kidding!). Claire swore it wasn’t her.

To wrap up

If your 3-year-old doesn’t have a backpack yet, it’s ripe timing for one. They will love it!