School backpack for a first grader - comparison of models. School backpack or satchel for a first grader: how to choose

Sooner or later, children grow up, and it's time to get ready for school. This is a very crucial moment and it is worth approaching the choice of school supplies with great responsibility and care.

When collecting a baby for school, many parents are faced with the following problem: which backpack to choose for a first grader? Modern manufacturers offer a fairly large selection of different models of backpacks, briefcases and knapsacks.

What to choose for a younger student, and what is really better for a child? What aspects should be paid special attention to when buying? What requirements should this important school attribute meet? Let's try to figure it out.

Backpack, satchel and briefcase for a first grader - what's the difference?

So, let's first understand what is the difference between a backpack, a satchel and a briefcase. Backpack is a soft, bulky bag with several compartments (usually 2-3), light and comfortable. The backpack has two straps and is worn on the back. Recently, backpacks for boys and girls have been made, I would immediately like to note that these models differ only in colors and patterns depicted on the outside of the backpack.

knapsack - This is an improved backpack, it has a rigid design, also two straps, which allows you to put it on your shoulders. The backpack keeps its shape well, it has one compartment. The main disadvantage of this school bag is its heavy weight. The simplest empty backpack weighs about a kilogram, and the weight of more expensive models can reach up to 2 kg, you see, it’s quite a lot of weight for a baby.

Now large satchels-boxes are very popular, however, not all models meet sanitary standards and many of them can harm the health of a first-grader.

And finally briefcase . It has one strap and has to be worn on one shoulder - this is fraught with curvature of the spine, so doctors do not recommend children to go to school with briefcases.

What should you pay special attention to when choosing a backpack for a first grader?

First of all, it is worth noting that the backpack should not be too large, it must have an orthopedic back. Another important rule that parents should remember when choosing a school backpack for a child is that it should not be wider and higher than the shoulders of your first grader, and you should not buy a backpack that falls below the waist of the future student.

It is better to choose a backpack with which the child will have to go to school every day, together with the future owner, so that the child can try it on and independently evaluate the convenience of the school bag.

As noted above, the backpack must have orthopedic back. Firstly, it will help to form the correct posture in the baby; secondly, the orthopedic back of the backpack significantly reduces pressure on the spine.

Webbing a backpack is another important parameter that must be considered when buying. They should be wide and should not dig into the shoulders.

For a first grader, you need to choose a backpack hard bottom, which will not sag under the weight of textbooks and will not put pressure on the lower back.

Not worth buying for a first grader too big backpack, because kids do not have to carry a lot of textbooks, and a large backpack is likely to be uncomfortable and rather heavy for a primary school student.

What material should the backpack be made from?

Almost all children's backpacks are made of polyester. This is a very durable material that is quite difficult to break, it is resistant to abrasion and does not fade in the sun. If the backpack is reinforced with steel threads (usually on the fabric, in this case, diamonds or cells can be seen), then the baby will definitely not be able to tear it. These backpacks are easy to clean with wet wipes or a rag, they can also be washed.

Lightning on the backpack should be wide, for a first grader it is better to choose a bag that has two runners on the main compartment.

Top handle The backpack can be in the form of a loop and in the form of a regular handle. If you choose a school backpack for a first grader with a normal handle, then you need to explain to your child that only an adult can carry a backpack with this handle.

Of course, there are still important nuances that you should pay attention to, for example, water resistance. If a thin layer similar to rubber is applied to the inside of the backpack, then you can be sure that your child's textbooks and notebooks are reliably protected from water and dirt.

If the back and strap of the backpack is sewn mesh, then you should not think that this is done for beauty. Such backpacks will not slide on the back and shoulders of the child, causing discomfort and inconvenience, the bag will fit securely to the back.

How much should a backpack for a first grader weigh?

Even in a good backpack with an orthopedic back and a wide strap, orthopedic surgeons do not recommend putting more than 10% of the weight of a first-grader. Otherwise, it can lead to pain in the back, shoulders, lower back. That is why the backpack itself should weigh as little as possible. According to hygiene standards, the weight of a backpack with textbooks for a first-grader should not exceed 1.5 kg, and the backpack itself should not weigh more than 800 grams.

Which brand of backpack to choose for a first grader?

Currently, there are many specialized stores that offer a wide range of backpacks for schoolchildren of different ages. The most popular brands of backpacks for first graders are Erich Krause, Hummingbird, Belmil and Hama. Let's dwell on the backpacks of each brand in more detail.

We note right away that the backpacks of all four brands have an orthopedic back, wide shoulder straps and are made of high-quality materials.

Erich Krause offers a backpack for a first-grader with convenient compartments, durable, comfortable, calm colors, models of this brand are fastened with a latch. This weight is correct.

Backpacks for first-graders Hummingbird are dense, close with a zipper, have bright colors with fashionable patterns, the weight of such backpacks is small, and they themselves are quite comfortable and roomy.

Belmil produces high-quality backpacks for schoolchildren in interesting colors, another plus of this model is an attractive price.

In the Hama backpack there is an additional bag for removable shoes, a pen and pencil case, and a wallet. A durable German-made backpack has one weighty drawback - it is too heavy for a first grader.

Of course, many, when choosing a backpack, pay considerable attention to the price of this school attribute. Of the above manufacturers of backpacks for elementary school students, Hama backpacks are the most expensive.

Of course, in a store specializing in the sale of school bags and backpacks, you will be offered a large number of models that will have different advantages and, accordingly, differ in price.

Let's go shopping

Having gone to the store, carefully examine the entire range of backpacks offered for first graders. It is advisable to visit several outlets. It is best if you go shopping with your child so that the baby has the opportunity to participate in choosing a school backpack.

Choose your favorite models and study them. Carefully inspect the back of the backpack, the straps (their width should be at least 4 cm), look inside and evaluate the capacity of the backpack. Give preference to models with several compartments. The straps should be easily adjustable, the orthopedic back of the backpack should be adjacent to the back of the baby. It is better if the back and straps are covered with mesh.

Pay attention to the material from which the satchel is made, smell it. If the bag has strong unpleasant odor, you should immediately refuse to purchase this model. The material must be durable, resistant to abrasion and easy to clean.

It would be useful if the backpack for the first grader has reflective elements, this will significantly increase the safety of the baby.

A backpack for a first grader should be waterproof in order to keep notebooks and textbooks even if the backpack falls into a puddle or mud.

And finally, it should be sure to bring a backpack so that the child can assess how this or that model is convenient for him. Even the most high-quality and seemingly comfortable backpack may not be suitable for a baby due to anatomical features.

Trying on a better-filled backpack will give you the opportunity to really see whether this model is comfortable for a child, whether it puts pressure on the lower back, or whether the straps are too tight. Remember that any discomfort is a reason to abandon the purchase and look for another model that is more convenient for the child. It is necessary that the child independently tries to open and close the backpack, put it on and take it off.

And most importantly, the owner should like the backpack, look for models with your favorite cartoon characters, let the first backpack be not only comfortable and reliable, but also bright, colorful, then you can be sure that your child will go to school with pleasure!

It is worth buying only the model that will meet all the requirements for safety and comfort for the baby.

Exploring the school backpack with your child

So you have acquired the necessary attribute for every student - a real school backpack. Be sure to tell the baby how to properly put things in a bag - textbooks and books should be closer to the back, then notebooks and small items are placed in the most distant pockets. If the backpack is folded correctly, then its weight will be evenly distributed on both straps, which will prevent health problems for the baby.

Be sure to explain to the first grader that Can't wear backpack on one shoulder and don't pull it by the handle. Let the kid practice, wear a backpack at home, learn to put it on and take it off, stack books and notebooks, use a fastener.

So, in conclusion, I would like to draw a small conclusion, for a first grader it is better to choose a soft backpack with a solid orthopedic back that will fit the size of the child, it must be zipped and have several compartments for school supplies. You should not buy a backpack for several years. Large and wide backpacks are uncomfortable for young children and can negatively affect posture development. And do not forget about beauty, the kid should like his school bag!

Preparing a first-grader for school is a troublesome and difficult process, which should be approached judiciously and deliberately. You should definitely buy school supplies with your baby - it will bring pleasure to both parents and the child, and will also be remembered for a long time. Surround your first-grader with care, love and attention, because the child goes to school for the first time, make this day a holiday!

Answers

For a first-grader, what factors need to be taken into account in order not to be mistaken, as well as how much a backpack a first-grader needs, read in our material.

For parents of first-graders, the question of which backpack is better to buy for a child for school is especially relevant. If parents with older children already know what is needed, then the mothers of those who go to school for the first time are usually at a loss. That is why we have collected useful tips on how to choose a backpack for school for a first grader.

After all, when choosing a school bag, you need to know what to look for.

How to choose a briefcase or satchel for a first grader

Initially, you need to forget about briefcase bags as a satchel for a first grader. Carrying heavy things (and school backpacks are not light) is very harmful not only for a fragile children's spine, but even for an adult back.

Based on this, an iron rule No. 1 is formed when choosing a briefcase or satchel for a first grader - it should be a backpack with an orthopedic back. So that the load on the back and shoulders is evenly distributed.

“For children, it is very important to evenly distribute the weight on the back and shoulders. Therefore, bags that are worn over the shoulder are completely unsuitable for younger students,” says orthopedist Mikhail Kozlov. - For children under 15 years old, it is better to buy orthopedic backpacks. And carrying heavy weights can cause early stunting."

Photo how to choose school bags or backpacks for a first grader everydaysavvy.com

11 important rules for choosing a portfolio for a first grader

Schoolbag should not be wider than the child's back , and its weight should not exceed 10-15% of the weight of your first grader or first grader. Without prejudice to health, children aged 6-9 can bring a backpack to school weighing no more than two kilograms . That is, an empty satchel should weigh 500-800 g.
When choosing a portfolio for a first grader, make sure that the backpack reached the child's waist , maximum - 5 centimeters lower. Heavy textbooks are best placed close to the child's back. It is important to check with your student at the end of the working day if they have pain or weakness in their hands after wearing a backpack.
The "proper school backpack" has orthopedic back wall with dense inserts, wide shoulder straps and an ergonomic back.
Also, when choosing a backpack to school for a first grader, pay attention to the presence reflective strips which will ensure safety on the road at night or in bad weather.
The weight of a school backpack for a primary school student should not exceed 1200 grams.
Schoolbag straps and straps must be adjustable so that the child has the opportunity to adjust them to their height and clothing. The straps should be strong, wide and soft so as not to cut into the shoulders of the child. The width of the straps is not less than 4 centimeters.
It is important to remember that a school backpack or satchel that you decide to buy for a first grader should keep its shape well and not be deformed when folding school supplies into it. Check that such a backpack should have a solid bottom so that the textbooks do not "sag" and do not put pressure on the lower back.
It is very good if the portfolio you want to buy in the first class will have additional external and internal pockets . They will help the child to conveniently place, and then find a lot of necessary things. For example, a mobile phone, a pencil case with stationery, a bottle of water or sandwiches for lunch.
The fabric of the school bag must be durable and waterproof. , because children love to run through puddles, and if the backpack suddenly finds itself in the "center of events", it must remain dry and unharmed.
The back of a first-grader's school backpack should ideally be lined with mesh fabric so that the child does not sweat.
Of course, the main connoisseur of a school bag or backpack should be a schoolboy. Trying on a briefcase is better filled so that the child can appreciate its convenience.

Photo portfolio for a school for a first grader garnethill.com

How much backpack does a first grader need

Each school has its own rules. Therefore, the volume of the knapsack that a first-grader needs cannot be called with 100% accuracy.

It is much more important when choosing a backpack to school for a first grader to take into account its size and shape. Too large a briefcase will not correctly distribute the load on the child's spine. It is for this reason that you should not buy a backpack for growth.

To choose the right size backpack for a first grader, you need to try it on a child. The upper edge of the briefcase should not rest against the back of the child's head, and the lower one should not be lower than his lower back.

Photo school bag for a first grader dailymom.com

Schoolbags for boys and girls: teaching a child to handle a satchel

After buying a briefcase for school, boys and girls should learn how to handle it. Explain to your child that you can not carry a backpack or satchel on one shoulder or drag it by the handle on the floor.

Books should be folded from the back of the backpack so that nothing presses or pricks the child's back.

If something doesn't fit in a backpack, it's better to take an extra bag (lunchbox or gym bag) rather than trying to fit everything into one briefcase.

Practice with your future first grader putting notebooks and books into his new school backpack, opening and closing zippers or compartments with buttons.

We hope that our tips on how to choose a school bag for a first grader will be useful for you and you will buy an excellent school bag or backpack for your child.

The beginning of schooling is the most important stage in the life of first-graders and their mothers and fathers. Parents struggle to find the best uniform, stationery and, of course, a backpack. Why is choosing the right school bag so important?

Today's first-graders wear a set of textbooks, a tracksuit and a second pair of shoes. The total weight of this set of educational supplies sometimes exceeds the physical capabilities of a “beginner” student. That is why it is so important to choose the best backpack: it will keep the child in the correct posture and significantly reduce the load on the child's back.

Before choosing the ideal option, let's first understand the terminology. Bags for carrying textbooks, sports uniforms and other accessories come in three types.

Backpack. Traditionally, soft light bags resembling a bag are referred to it. The neck of the backpack is tightened with a cord or fastened with a zipper. This bag is equipped with two straps that allow you to carry it on your back. In addition, the design provides 2-3 large compartments and several small pockets for small items. Manufacturers produce models for boys and girls, they differ only in colors and patterns on the outside of the backpack.
Knapsack. This is a modified version of the backpack, which, in addition to two straps, has rigid ribs that give strength and stability to the entire structure. Properly selected satchels retain their shape for a long time, protect the contents from damage. The main disadvantage of such bags is quite a lot of weight. An empty backpack weighs about a kilogram, and a few textbooks and notebooks will load the child even more.
Briefcase. This is a flat bag with only one shoulder strap. It is precisely because of this feature that experts do not recommend buying a briefcase for a first grader, because a one-sided load on children's shoulders is fraught with a curvature of the spine and a violation of posture.

So, which model of a school bag to choose? It all depends on the physique of the child and his age. For a large first-grader, a satchel is preferable, which will take care of the back and keep its shape if the child rides it down the hill. For a more slender student, it is better to take a light backpack, especially if he has an orthopedic back.

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Backpack for the first grader: three important principles

You need to choose a school backpack with your child, but remember that the functionality of the product is not as important for children as its appearance. Parents also need to pay attention to a number of essential points: weight, size, structural strength. Let's consider them in more detail.

Backpack weight

Orthopedists have established hygiene standards for a children's backpack: the weight of an empty bag should not exceed 800 grams. A fully equipped school bag (with textbooks, notebooks and other accessories) should not weigh more than 9-10% of the child's body weight. Overloading is fraught with pain in the lower back, shoulders, and impaired posture.

Material strength

Many first-graders are not particularly thrifty with their belongings, so you need to choose backpack models made from the most durable fabric.

Many knapsacks are made of polyester - a fairly durable material that is resistant to abrasion and fading in the sun. It is not easy to break it, especially if the satchel is reinforced with steel thread. Such models are easy to clean with a damp cloth or cloth.
The best backpacks are made from waterproof materials. First-graders can get caught in the rain, drop their backpack in a puddle, or knock over a glass of juice on it. To prevent notebooks and books from being damaged, a thin layer resembling rubber is applied to the backpack.
Another useful device is the mesh on the back and shoulder straps. In this case, the backpack will not fall off the back and shoulders of the child, slide, causing him inconvenience and discomfort. In addition, the mesh ensures normal air circulation.

Product dimensions

Some parents take a backpack "for growth", guided by material considerations. It is not right! In order for a student to be able to comfortably carry a backpack, it is important to choose the right size for it as accurately as possible. The width of the "ideal" satchel does not exceed the width of the children's shoulders, and its lower edge runs along the waist of the first grader.

Orthopedic backpack for a future student

Which satchel is in high demand among parents? The answer is obvious - in the name of which the word "orthopedic" sounds. It implies that the model meets certain hygienic standards that protect the child's body from overload.

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It should be understood that such backpacks will not correct the posture of children, but will help to evenly distribute the load over the entire back, preventing pressure on any part of the spine. To be called anatomical, a knapsack must have the following features:

a rigid back that will not allow the child to stoop and protect his back from sharp pencils and sharp book corners;
two wide straps at least 4-8 centimeters wide, also equipped with a mesh;
a hard bottom that will protect the child's lower back from the pressure of the textbooks lying in the satchel.

In addition to these advantages, the orthopedic model also has significant disadvantages:

high price;
large size and voluminous appearance;
more weight than conventional models.

Let's go shopping

So, you and your child go for a satchel. You can also buy it on the market if you trust the seller, but it is best to buy things for children in specialized stores. The first step is to ask for a quality certificate for the product, then you need to carefully inspect the backpack, paying attention to several important points.

Adjust the straps - for high-quality satchels, the ability to adjust them is “worth” by default. As we have already said, the straps should not be very narrow (less than four centimeters). Their material is durable and soft fabric. To prevent the length of the straps from changing arbitrarily, manufacturers supply them with clamps. Otherwise, too long straps will load the spine, and too short will lead to stoop.
Pay attention to models equipped with additional functions and compartments. Small backpacks usually have one inner space and one outer pocket. Pick up a school bag with multiple sections for textbooks and notebooks, with side pockets. Some manufacturers additionally equip the backpack with a pencil case, a bag for second shoes and a sports uniform.
Make sure the fittings are reliable: the zipper does not stick, all fasteners open and close easily. In high-quality backpacks, the details are proportional, the seams are neatly stitched. Ask your child to check the fasteners and zippers for ease of use - it is he who will use them.
Check the safety of the materials from which the satchel is sewn. To do this, you need to open it and smell it. Cheap models of low quality often have an unpleasant "chemical" smell. You should not hope that in a month or two it will disappear, such “aromas” last a long time. In addition, smelling backpacks should not be purchased for allergic children.
Run a damp cloth over the outside of the backpack to check if it's painted well. If there are applications on the backpack, make sure that they do not peel off and do not come off when pressed with a finger.
Be sure to pay attention to the presence or absence of reflective stripes, straps and other stripes coated with fluorescent paints. Such elements are very important, since a child with such a backpack will be clearly visible on the roadway in the dark.

Choosing a backpack for a child going to first grade is a responsible matter. Parents need to take into account many factors and think not only about the appearance of their child's first briefcase, but also about its safety, durability and convenience.

One of the most significant parameters is the weight

A fully equipped backpack, according to the advice of doctors, should weigh no more than 1.5 kg. Therefore, from all the models you like, choose those that weigh no more than 800-900 g.

Rigid orthopedic back

It correctly distributes the load on the student's spine and helps to maintain the correct posture. The rigid back of a high-quality satchel is not only “packed” in a softer, more comfortable material for the child, but is also supplemented with ergonomic pads, anti-slip mesh and even a ventilation system. Reduce the load on the spine and additional chest and waist straps with latches that fix the satchel in the most comfortable position and prevent it from hanging out when walking.

Number and quality of pockets

They should not be too few or too many. It is optimal for the backpack to have one main compartment (with a divider or half-open pockets) for textbooks, notebooks and a pencil case, one middle compartment for small items or food, 1-2 small pockets for a bottle of water or toys. Internal pockets must be mandatory: money, keys, certificates, a cell phone and other valuable items will remain intact in them.

vertical backpacks, in general, are more convenient than horizontal ones, because they do not protrude from behind the shoulders of the student and distribute the load better, but horizontal ones are better for short children, since they do not put pressure on their lower backs when moving;
choose briefcases with soft straps more than 4 cm wide and be sure to check the convenience of adjusting their length;
some of the backpacks have a hard plastic bottom and legs, which slightly increases the weight, but makes the design more durable;
clasp or zipper? Both are durable, it is rather a matter of taste and habit;
pay attention to the backpacks-transformers. Their design allows you to unzip the bag along with the sides, so that the first-grader can more easily navigate the contents.