Whether your little one is off to nursery this September, or getting more and more jealous about their older siblings’ stationery sets and back-to-school supplies, a backpack is an essential item whatever school year you’re in. If it's your child's first year at school, mark this special occasion with the best backpacks for nursery.
When your child starts nursery they may need to bring supplies with them. Some nurseries will require you to bring bottles, a change of clothing and perhaps some baby sunscreen in the warmer months. Little ones may have a few toilet accidents or become dirty when engaging in messy play. Not all nurseries will have the space for your tot to keep their clothes in the setting. It's the ideal time to stocktake and invest in good essential pieces that will last a long while.
Editor's choice:
•Best backpack with a chest strap: LÄSSIG Tiny About Friends Rucksack - Buy now from Laessig
•Best waterproof backpack: TEAMEN Toddler Kids School Bag - Buy now from Amazon
•Best backpack for safety: Babymel Mini Backpack with Rein - Buy now from Kidly•Best personalised backpack: Personalised Backpack School Bag - Buy now from Etsy
Your child might be taking snacks or a packed lunchbox with them to nursery now, rather than it all being provided on-site; so you'll need a bigger rucksack than normal to contain everything safely. We'd also recommend making sure all their school supplies are labelled with their name in case anything gets lost and this includes their backpack.
We’ve taken a look at our favourite backpacks for younger children - although to be honest, we want the dinosaur one for ourselves! Check them out below.
Best backpacks for nursery 2023
Best backpack with a chest strap
www.zalando.co.uk
Description
With wide and adjustable carrying straps, a chest strap and a bottle holder, this is the perfect little backpack for all your tot’s possessions. This will definitely stand the test of time. We also love the handy name badge to avoid confusion.
One reviewer said: "It is a very small bag and the only problem was that I was expecting slightly bigger. Other than that, the design is as illustrated on the pictures provided by seller. It is super cute!"
Pros
- Inner label with space for three names and numbers
- Secure back strap
Cons
- Smaller than expected
Best sturdy backpack
Description
It might be a little too expensive for a school backpack, but we’re sure your little one will love this for years, and that this cute bag is great quality that will last. Made by Kipling, the bag has one main compartment with an interior zipped pocket, and a smaller pocket on the outside.
One reviewer said: "This was such a great price and an adorable bag! Makes all adults smile when they see my toddler with it! Fantastic quality as always from Kipling."
Another reviewer said: "This was so perfect for my little girl. All my bags are from Kipling and I've always been so happy, so my daughter wanted a Kipling bag and chose this one. It's the perfect size for her. Good quality too!"
Pros
- Water repellent
- Iconic gorilla keyring attached
Cons
- No back strap
Best colourful backpack
redirect.viglink.com
Description
With the clever addition of reins, this mini unicorn backpack is an essential for your little explorer. The unicorn face, complete with a 3D horn is bound to go down well with your toddler and make this a bag they won’t want to take off.
One reviewer said: "My daughter loves this backpack. I bought it for nursery and it’s the perfect size to fit a change of clothes, slippers, a few nappies/pull-ups, wipes and a drink. She’s 2.5 and the bag is a little bit larger than most toddler backpacks on her back but it needed to be to fit everything for nursery and she’ll soon grow into it! It’s well made and good quality so I’m hoping it will last her for the 2 years of nursery before she starts school."
Pros
- Available in a broad range of designs
- Lining is easy to clean
Cons
- Not very spacious, according to some users
Best waterproof backpack
Description
This adorable backpack in a choice of cute characters is perfect for little ones aged two to six years old. Suitable for school and outdoor use, the bag is made of a waterproof neoprene material and is high-quality and durable. With a front pocket, side pockets for water bottles, and adjustable padded straps, it ticks all the boxes.
One reviewer said: "It was much brighter than I expected, but at least my granddaughter can be seen! She absolutely loves it and it goes everywhere with her. Her water bottle fits in the side pocket. There’s room for her lunch and a change of clothes!"
Pros
- Affordable
- Two water bottle pouches
Cons
- Carry handle is small
Best backpack for safety
Best backpack with rei
www.kidly.co.uk
Description
The Babymel Mini Bag with Rein is a great pick for toddlers who don't want to hold your hand while you're out. Featuring padded shoulder straps, this bag fits comfortably onto kids' shoulders and has a safety strap to make sure it stays secure. With a zipped main compartment, which has plenty of space for snacks and toys, this bag is perfect for nursery or pre-school when you remove the rein to let them roam freely.
One reviewer said: "Love this backpack and so does my toddler. It is the perfect size for her to wear and roomy enough for everything she needs for nursery."
Another reviewer said: "Wish I had one of these when little. Useful pockets, smart yet not overly done. Stylish is the word! Absolutely love it and so well made."
Pros
- Safety strap
- Machine washable
Cons
- Reviews say it's not very big
Best personalised backpack
www.etsy.com
Description
One of the biggest challenges for nurseries is identifying which bag belongs to each child. This backpack leaves no room for error as you can personalise it with your child's name. This not only helps the nursery staff but will help your child to become more familiar with the letters of their name.
Mother&Baby writer, Hannah James, mother of three, said: "Having three children at the same nursery is very challenging. Just getting them out of the car and into the nursery with three children and three bags is a real juggling act. Often the nursery would become confused about whose bag was whose. After the kids started coming out in each other's clothes I decided to get these personalised bags. It makes the morning drop-offs much easier and the kids now know which bag is theirs."
Pros
- Lots of colour options
- Customisation makes it easy to spot
Cons
- Lots of zips
Things to consider in a toddler's backpack
Size: Your little one will not be able to carry an adult-sized bag.
Design: It is best to pick a backpack that reflects their style and personality. This will mean they are more likely to want to carry it and you won't be left lugging yet another bag.
Practicality: Whilst you may be tempted to purchase the cutest bag possible. It is important that the bag has enough space to carry all of your child's necessary belongings.
When should I get my toddler a backpack?
It depends on the child and their walking abilities. If they're going to be carrying it themselves, it depends on how steady they are on their feet. If they're a bit wobbly still, you may want to hold off on getting one (or store one in a cupboard) until they're ready. You could always purchase one for all of their essentials, such as a change of clothes, a water bottle and some snacks and carry it yourself until they're able to.
Lorna White has been a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby since 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics, from potty training and nutrition to baby names and maternity fashion.