Choosing a backpack for school

Types of school bags

Once upon a time, back in Soviet times, a school bag was popular, a rectangular bag with and without a handle, quite roomy, but at the same time, heavy and negatively affecting the child's posture. Hard times have passed, and uncomfortable briefcases have been replaced by backpacks — soft compact shoulder bags with straps.

The backpack is student's.

It is easier to carry textbooks and school supplies in them, while the hands remain free. Backpacks are bought with pleasure by young people of all ages. Although, for primary school students, it is more correct to purchase products with a rigid frame, a bottom and a special orthopedic back, so that the baby can conveniently get and fold the contents, while maintaining good posture. Such bags are called knapsacks.

Backpack for elementary grades.

Tips on how to choose a backpack for a first grader come down to several criteria, which are based on the safety for the health of the child and the comfort of using the product. A backpack with an orthopedic back satisfies both conditions. Today, such models are offered, both for kids and for teenagers. The back of an anatomical shape and dense structure reduces pressure on the spine, preventing the development of scoliosis, which is especially important during the period of intensive growth of boys and girls.

Backpack with an orthopedic back.

In addition to orthopedic models, they also produce backpacks with one strap, located obliquely. Unlike products with two straps, they distribute the load on the spine unevenly, so buying a one-shoulder bag should be treated with extreme caution, and considered only as an option for a high school student, and even that is more sports than student.

Backpack with one shoulder strap.

Design

Before choosing a backpack for school, you need to come to terms with the idea that, first of all, your child should like it, and only then you, although this is no longer necessary. It is important for parents to understand that the appearance of their belongings is of great importance for the psycho-emotional well-being of the child. Therefore, you do not need to impose your own opinion and tastes on your child.

For children of primary and secondary school age, satchels and backpacks of bright colours are sewn, decorating them with drawings of various themes. It can be cartoon stories, movie characters, dolls, cars, animals. There are images on the theme of "sports", "sci-fi", "space", etc. By design, backpacks for girls and boys are distinguished, but there are also unisex bags — without a pronounced belonging to the gender. High school students prefer restrained tones, elegant drawings and beautiful accessories, while kids prefer bright colours, cartoon characters and comics.

A backpack with an original design will emphasize the individuality of the child.

If your child has decided on the choice of a pattern on his new backpack, it's time to pay attention to the quality of the application. It is high if the pattern is smooth, without cracks and does not peel off the surface. Also, the presence of reflectors in the design of the backpack will not be superfluous — so the child will be better visible to motorists in the evening.

Ergonomics: choosing the right shape and volume

Having finished with the choice of design, it's time to evaluate the weight of the backpack, because, together with the contents, it should not be heavier than 10% of the weight of the student himself. The upper edge should not rest against the back of the head, and the lower one should not put pressure on the lower back. It is also worth refraining from purchasing a backpack for growth: a shift in the centre of gravity will complicate use.

The burden will not be a burden if the backpack has wide straps made of durable material. They do not cut into the shoulders, do not rub the skin and do not tear. It is necessary to see that the straps are easily adjusted and securely fixed when changing parameters. Also, not all backpacks have a handle, although it is much more convenient with it: it is easier to carry the bag from class to class.

But, even taking into account all of the above factors, in order not to make a mistake with the choice of volume and shape, the backpack must be chosen together with the child. He must dress and wear it to say whether it is comfortable or uncomfortable. It will not be superfluous to load the compartments and adjust the straps for height. It is easier and clearer to determine whether the backpack is large or not, whether it is convenient for the student to take it off and put it on, use the departments and carry it by the handle.

If you bought a backpack or knapsack, and your child has the following symptoms after wearing it for a long time (see Figure 6), it is urgent to purchase a new model, this time more scrupulously approaching the choice.

Consequences of wearing the wrong backpack.

Branches

Depending on the model and the needs of the student, backpacks may have:

• one or two pockets for books (tablet) and notebooks;
• external compartments: for a water bottle, removable shoes, etc.;
• compartment for a pencil case;
• capacious compartment for sandwiches or a container with food;
• secret pocket (for money and documents).

It is important that the arrangement of compartments and pockets is convenient for use, and separated from each other by walls or mesh.

When there are more accessories than compartments. We use space in the backpack rationally.

Evaluate the structure of the backpack, and choose one that has enough space for everything you need in excess, because the child will use this functionality almost every day, and at the same time, the backpack should not be stuffed to capacity.

accessories

Having decided on the insides of the backpack, it is necessary to check the reliability and convenience of its fittings. Large sections are usually closed with a zipper. It is convenient if the dog on the lock is paired — this allows you to open the backpack from any side. In addition, if one dog breaks, the second will remain. Most often, on school bags, dogs are made large and strong — just right for children's hands.

In addition to zippers on backpacks, metal or plastic latches and Hook-and-loop are also used. All mechanisms should close tightly and securely, but open easily. Therefore, let the child try to cope with the fasteners himself, and if there are no problems, we add a plus to the piggy bank of such a backpack.

Production material

How long a school backpack will last depends on the material from which it is made. Of course, the most durable are models made of genuine leather. It does not rub, does not lose colour, is easy to clean, and retains its attractiveness for many years. But leather products are expensive, so they are purchased, perhaps, for high school students, since younger children are very changeable in taste and will not walk with the same model for a long time, changing their backpack, usually, every year.

A leather backpack for high school students and students is distinguished by practicality and durability.

Leatherette is similar in texture to natural material, but much cheaper. Bags made of leatherette, as well as genuine leather, are available in different colours, and can be equipped with decor, like fabric or synthetic models. Such backpacks look neat, strict, and unpretentious in care.

There are also many backpacks made of textiles. Denim and other dense, wear-resistant fabrics are used for their tailoring. Such products are light in weight, durable, tolerate temperature extremes and the influence of ultraviolet rays well, but poorly resist moisture. In this regard, backpacks made of synthetic materials are much more practical: polyester, polyurethane, polyspandex.

Backpack made of synthetic materials. Lightweight and waterproof.

Such products are durable, do not deteriorate in cold weather and do not fade in the sun. The price of a synthetic bag will depend on the composition and thickness of the material. Models made of polyspandex and polyurethane are highly elastic and retain their original appearance even after stretching. They are pleasant to the touch, keep their shape well. Synthetic backpacks do not get wet, which is a very important quality, and do not fade, allowing you to enjoy a bright design for a year or even two.

The quality of staining can be checked with a damp cloth — it should not leave marks, and the appearance of the surface should not change. Otherwise, you have come across a poor quality backpack, which you should refrain from buying.

Regardless of the material of manufacture, a backpack to school should not have a chemical smell, moreover, there is no need to hope that it will fade, moreover, a child may experience an allergic reaction to poor-quality materials. Therefore, the quality of the goods is also far from the last selection criterion, in addition, synthetic backpacks can be washed in a typewriter, and this is a significant plus when it comes to restless kids.

So, we summarize the main criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a school backpack:

• Design. The colour scheme, the shape of the backpack, applications and drawings should please your child.
• Ergonomics. The volume and weight should not exceed the norm, the student should be comfortable and not hard to wear a backpack, even when it is full.
• Convenient filling. There should be enough departments and they should meet the needs of the student.
• Accessories. Locks, zippers, fasteners, clips, carabiners, everything should be comfortable and reliable.
• Production material — from genuine leather to synthetics. The more expensive, the better quality.

Before the onset of September, parents worry about how to choose a backpack for school, what clothes to buy, and school supplies. These are pleasant chores, and they will certainly be crowned with success, because the modern school market is full of high-quality, interesting, practical, comfortable and beautiful things, and the recommendations of specialists and experienced mothers will always help you choose the best uniform, stationery, and, of course, a backpack for your child.