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Best Backpacks for Preschoolers

Updated December 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
LONECONE
Kids' Canvas Preschool Backpack
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Bottom Line

A very lightweight backpack sized for little shoulders that comes in several cute patterns for both girls and boys.

Pros

Large enough to hold a spiral or a standard folder. Machine washable canvass fabric. Bright colors. Fits a change of clothing. Don't not weigh much when unpacked. Perfect for preschoolers who like brightly colored design choices.

Cons

Could be better quality and a little larger, but a small child should be able to handle this pack.

LYCSIX66
Toddler Kids Backpack
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Bottom Line

Cute 3D design on this backpack that little mermaid fans will love.

Pros

Small size works well for toddlers. Bright color design. Good zipper. Padded interior pocket for a tablet. A good "fun" backpack for little kids. Durable machine washable material. Also comes in a butterfly.

Cons

While most preschoolers don’t need to carry folders, if your school requires it, this bag will be a little too small.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kids Preferred
The World of Eric Carle Backpack
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Bottom Line

A good value on designs inspired by favorite children's storybook characters.

Pros

Nice size for a preschooler – at 14" it is a little taller than some, but still small enough that your child can handle it easily. Also comes in a caterpillar and ladybug. Adjustable straps. Drink pocket on the side. Sturdy and well made for the price.

Cons

This pack is appealing to very little kids, but probably won't transition into grade school.

HanLingGG
Backpack Preschool Nursery Bag.
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Bottom Line

The backpack you will want if your preschooler is prone to wander because it comes with a detachable leash.

Pros

Front strap holds the bag on your child's back so that you can use it as a safety harness. Help keeps kids from darting too far from your side. Also comes in blue trim. Leash detaches if you do not need it.

Cons

Very small height of less than 10" makes it difficult to fit everything you might need for daycare or school.

Wildkin
12 Inch Backpack
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Bottom Line

A 12" backpack that has a front pocket which can double as a lunch box.

Pros

Front pocket is insulated to help hold food or drinks. Double zipper with big pulls. 19 design choices that appeal to lots of kids. Can fit a standard sized folder. Big enough to use through kindergarten. Holds up well under daily use.

Cons

The top strap on this pack tends to fray with use and may come undone.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 44 Models Considered
  • 7 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 313 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    Preschoolers need backpacks just like their big-kid counterparts – there’s snacks and lunch to tote to school, plus a change of clothes for when things get messy. Backpacks for preschoolers should be appropriately scaled down to ensure they don’t get too heavy, and features like padded straps and easy-open zippers mean kids can wear and use them with ease and comfort. Of course, durability should be a big consideration since the bag is bound to get dragged on the ground or wedged on the car floor. Bright colors or characters may also encourage kids to carry their own bags instead of it handing it to mom or dad.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Karen
      Karen
      Writer
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    LYCSIX66

    Toddler Kids Backpack

    LYCSIX66

    Toddler Kids Backpack

    Cute 3D design on this backpack that little mermaid fans will love.
    $25
    ×

    LONECONE

    Kids' Canvas Preschool Backpack

    LONECONE

    Kids' Canvas Preschool Backpack

    A very lightweight backpack sized for little shoulders that comes in several cute patterns for both girls and boys.
    $18
    ×

    Kids Preferred

    The World of Eric Carle Backpack

    Kids Preferred

    The World of Eric Carle Backpack

    A good value on designs inspired by favorite children's storybook characters.

    $20
    ×

    HanLingGG

    Backpack Preschool Nursery Bag.

    HanLingGG

    Backpack Preschool Nursery Bag.

    The backpack you will want if your preschooler is prone to wander because it comes with a detachable leash.
    $15
    ×

    Wildkin

    12 Inch Backpack

    Wildkin

    12 Inch Backpack

    A 12" backpack that has a front pocket which can double as a lunch box.

    $16

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