Begin with what has to fit
Check folder, binder, lunch, laptop, and sports requirements before choosing capacity. A kindergarten backpack and a high-school laptop bag solve very different problems even when both are labeled for students.
Check the fit while the bag is loaded
- The top should sit near the shoulders
- The bottom should not hang far below the waist
- Both shoulder straps should be used and adjusted
- A laptop should sit close to the back
- The student should be able to lift and carry the normal load comfortably
Do not buy empty space just in case
A larger bag invites a heavier load and becomes harder for younger students to manage. Buy enough room for the known daily items, with a little flexibility for a sweatshirt or library book.
