How to choose an orthopedic backpack for a first-grader?

When getting their child ready for school, parents buy clothes, stationery and a backpack. The choice of a bag for school supplies directly affects not only the degree of convenience for the child, but also his health.

Does a first grader need an orthopedic backpack?

When buying a backpack, you need to focus on the model that is most comfortable for a particular child.. To do this, it makes sense to try on several models and determine the most comfortable one. An orthopedic backpack is necessary for primary schoolchildren, as it has an anatomical back, which ensures uniform distribution of the load on the spine and promotes the correct formation of posture.

The back part of such a backpack is a rigid frame covered with soft textiles with a concave X-shaped insert. Thanks to this design, school supplies do not put pressure on the child’s back.. The height of a briefcase for a first-grader should not exceed 30 centimeters, and the width should not protrude beyond the child’s shoulders.The lower part of the backpack cannot go below the hips.

Parameters of such a backpack

A satchel is the thing that gets caught in snow and rain, can be thrown on the floor or fall into a puddle. It happens that students sort things out with the help of a briefcase, so a bag for school supplies should withstand any disaster. It is better to purchase a backpack made of synthetic waterproof material that is easy to wash.

Information on the weight of the briefcase can be found on the manufacturer's label. According to medical indications, the weight of a first-grader’s backpack should be no more than 10% of the child’s body weight. A first-grader carries textbooks, notebooks and second shoes to school every day; accordingly, the lighter the backpack is purchased, the more functional it is, and the more you can carry in it. On average, the weight should be from 500 to 1000 grams.

The backpack straps must be at least 5 centimeters wide, soft, following the curve of the shoulder, with adjustable length. They do not cut into the child’s body and are lined with soft material. The ideal backpack has a couple of additional straps that allow some of the weight to be transferred from the shoulders and spine to the waist and hips.

Important! You must buy a bag for school supplies together with the child who will wear it.

A first-grader needs to try on a backpack in a store; it is advisable to put several books in it before. If a child tries to adjust something, it is uncomfortable for him, the back of the briefcase does not fit tightly - it is better to try on a different model.

A student's bag must have at least two compartments and numerous pockets. The more there are, the more convenient it is for the student to lay out things, evenly distributing the weight.

What to look for when choosing a model for school?

First of all, a backpack is bought for a child; it should appeal to him and be as comfortable as possible. Younger schoolchildren prefer backpacks with pictures and images of their favorite characters. What you need to know about the backpack:

• horizontal models are more convenient than vertical ones and distribute the load more efficiently;
• some briefcases have legs and a hard bottom, thanks to which they better retain their shape and contents, but they themselves have more weight;
• zipper or clasp - there is no fundamental difference, it all depends on the choice of the student;
• The transformer model is very convenient. It involves opening the backpack along the entire width, making it easier for the child to navigate the contents.

Important! A first-grader's schoolbag should have reflective stripes for safety in the dark.

How do you know if the backpack is chosen correctly?

You have purchased a wonderful school bag if:

• it does not rest on the back of the head and does not put pressure on the lower back;
• The straps are easily adjustable and do not rub or squeeze the body;
• the back of the briefcase fits tightly to the child’s back;
• The weight of the bag is no more than a kilogram, it does not deform under load;
• the model has several convenient compartments and functional pockets;
• the child likes it.

Top 5 best brands with descriptions

Like any product, backpacks come in different price categories, from inexpensive to premium. The most popular manufacturers, in order of increasing cost of products, have proven the price-quality ratio to be optimal:

Mike-Mar – has been producing backpacks for schoolchildren of various designs for 20 years. Options for boys and girls vary in weight from 840 to 950 grams. Special the material does not get wet, is protected from ultraviolet radiation, thanks to this it does not fade in the sun. The briefcase has a large compartment, the side pockets are thermally insulated.All models have an anatomical back and wide straps; the kit may include a bag for replacement shoes.

Erich Krause - briefcases from a popular stationery brand that have an ideal price-quality ratio. The backpacks have a rigid shape, a volume of 16 liters and a weight of 830 grams. The configurations are different, some options come with a shoe bag and pencil case. Models made of water-repellent and frost-resistant material are multi-colored, decorated with key chains, and have reflective stripes.

HERLITZ - a huge selection of models of German quality standard weighing from 700 to 1200 grams and with a capacity of 13 to 18 liters. Backpacks are beautiful and durable, have an anatomical back and reflective elements. The price range ranges from the lowest to the very expensive, there are models with different contents.

All backpacks from this manufacturer are made of waterproof material, have an anatomical back, hard bottom and legs. A variety of models are beautiful on the outside and comfortable on the inside; they have several compartments with pockets, functional zippers and fasteners. The choice of color and decor is also striking in variety; all backpacks have reflective elements.

HAMA is a well-established manufacturer that produces two types of backpacks:

• with a hard body, weighing 1 kilogram, volume – 20 liters;
• soft, weight – 700 grams, volume – 14 liters.

Backpacks from this company have a one-year warranty. Briefcases with a rigid shape are optimal for schoolchildren; they are equipped with thermal pockets for food and have a convenient clasp. The undoubted advantages are the orthopedic back, wide straps and the presence of reflective elements.

DerDieDas are backpacks from a German manufacturer that have earned the title of the best for schoolchildren.The only disadvantage of the product is its high cost. The advantages include the waterproofness of the backpack, low weight - from 800 to 900 grams, a wide selection of volumes from 18 to 25 liters, an orthopedic back and wide straps. The company develops models taking into account the wishes of the customer; the equipment is also varied. It may include a pencil case with everything you need, a shoe bag, a wallet, etc. All models have reflective inserts.