One of the things children look forward to at the start of the school year are their new clothes and new school supplies. But for a majority of kids, the one thing they look forward to the most is their new bags. A big majority of kids choose backpacks because it is easy to carry, very handy, and also quite roomy. But one thing you should remember that not all backpacks are the same.
Backpacks may look generally similar but they have different qualities based on their make and their design. What you need to do is to inspect the backpack to find out if this is the kind of bag your child actually needs. Although there is no perfect backpack, you should look for one that has a good balance of comfort, function and style.
Here are some tips you can follow when shopping around for a backpack:
• The first thing you should remember is that you really don’t need to replace backpacks every year. In these hard economic times, money-saving decisions like this can go a long way. A typical backpack, especially one that’s well made, can be use for two years, or even more. Always consider ‘timelessness’ when choosing a backpack. Getting a backpack with the picture of a currently- famous cartoon character will only look fashionable on the year the character is at the height of its popularity. Two years down the road, your kid will not be caught dead using it.
• Durability is an extremely important feature in any backpack. Look for one that has very strong stitching, uses flexible and stain-resistant fabrics and those with extra protection at the bottom of the pack, which helps prevent scuffing and also allow for added support for very heavy books.
• Backpacks are very convenient to carry because of the shoulder straps, but it can also be painful if the strap is too thin. Look for straps that are not only padded but also wide enough so it won’t dig into your child’s shoulders. For added comfort, look for a backpack that has a rubber back padding. This helps make the bag stand up more effectively, allowing your child to stack books inside without it digging into his back.
• Consider getting a backpack that has wheels attached at the bottom or has a built-in retractable trolley. This is very important especially if you child carries too many books to school that it becomes too difficult to carry on his back.
• Consider the size of the backpack. Look for one that is small enough that it can fit into your child’s locker but also big enough that it can hold a long sized paper without the bag creasing or folding the paper. Additionally, let your child fit the backpack to see if it is the proper size for him.
• Finally, choose for a mix of both function and style. A utilitarian backpack that is very plain looking will not be appreciated by a child and he’ll probably be grumbling about it the whole year. Look for something that he’ll like as long as it is a ‘timeless’ design.
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