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Little kids love to feel big. Whether they are starting school for the first time, want to be just like older siblings, or need a way to carry ALL of their toys, a toddler loves a backpack. Finding just the right backpack for your toddler or preschooler can be overwhelming. What size do you need? Which of the many, many multi-colored dino prints will you toddler like best? If you can’t wait to experience the immense joy of watching your toddler run about your house in their new favorite pack, then check out our buyer’s guide and top picks below for the best toddler backpack.
Quick Picks for the Best Toddler Backpacks (read ahead for the guide and individual reviews)
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Toddler Backpack Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Backpack?
There are a few main features to consider when picking out your child’s new backpack. It’s definitely best to think these through now to avoid having to return an already loved pack.
School, Play, or Travel?
How is your little one’s backpack going to be used? If it will only be used for carrying around their own personal treasures, then any pack on this list will work great. However, if your toddler is about to attend pre-K or kindergarten, then there is more to consider.
Be sure to check with their teacher to know what they are expected to bring to school every day. Most of the packs on our list are not big enough to hold a standard school folder without some bending of the corners. This may be a deal breaker for many parents.
Some parents buy their toddler a backpack that is also doubling as a diaper bag. Most of the bags on our list will work great for carrying around a few diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. A few even have insulated pockets, perfect for snacks. While reviewing our top picks, it definitely helps to keep the bag’s primary purpose in mind.
Size
How big is your toddler? There can be a huge difference between what is comfortable for an 18 month old to carry and what a 4 year old can haul. If your 3 year old is on the small side, then some of the bags on our list may seem too big, depending on their purpose. However, all of these bags were designed with small children in mind, and are sized accordingly.
If you find a bag you love, they often come in multiple sizes, so be sure to check the brand’s other offerings. Oftentimes you will find a small toddler size, a larger size meant for a pre-K aged child, and maybe even a full size pack for older children, all by the same brand with the same basic designs.
Pockets and Buckles
Most of the packs on our list offer a large main compartment and a front zippered pocket. This tends to be just right for toddlers. If you need a pack that will also carry a water bottle, be sure to find one with side pockets. Also, as mentioned above, a few come with insulated pockets for snacks or lunch. This can be a great feature, minimizing what you or your child may need to carry.
One big difference between packs is whether or not they include a chest clip. A buckle across the chest is a great way to ensure that a pack stays on and secure. If you have a child that is a little small for their age, a chest clip is a must-have feature. Many of the bags on our list include chest clips that are designed specifically for little hands, giving toddlers a sense of independence, and helping them feel like a real big kid.
Design
Is your kid a huge dino fan? Or maybe they love unicorns. Either way, there are a plethora of design choices that toddlers will love. The cute factor is huge with these packs. However, if you envision yourself being left to constantly tote this bag, or you just aren’t a fan of loud prints, there are some great options for you as well. If your kid wants a lion on his back, or just loves the color green, you will not be disappointed in the options below.
Our Top Picks for Toddler Backpacks
LONECONE Kids’ Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The LONECONE Little Learner backpack is a great choice for an older toddler or preschooler. It comes in some great prints, including construction trucks, dinosaurs, mermaids, and sharks. Some of the prints are more subdued than others, making this bag a great compromise for the parent who is wanting to avoid character backpacks or packs that look like stuffed animals.
This pack is a great size and can hold a lunchbox (LONECONE offers a matching lunchbox for several of the prints), as well as extra clothes, snacks, and toys. It also includes two mesh side pockets for holding water bottles. The Little Learner backpack also easily holds a spiral notebook or composition book, however a standard folder will get slightly bent when the bag is zipped.
This pack was definitely designed with little kids in mind. The wide opening is great for loading and unloading, keeping your child free of frustration. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable and the zippers are large, making it easy for little hands to zip and unzip. It is also made of a machine washable, durable canvas material. Yes…it is machine washable! All around, this is a great pack for your older toddler or preschooler.
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 3.5in
- 9.5L interior volume
- Lots of kid-friendly prints, some with matching lunch boxes
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
- Includes a name tag
- 2 side mesh pockets
- Machine washable
- Offers 17in size for older kids
Cons:
- Will not fit standard folder without it bending
Everest Junior Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a solid colored backpack at a good value, definitely take a look at the Everest Junior backpack. It comes in eight solid colors, including aqua, black, purple, pink, and navy. The straps are adjustable and the design is timeless, making this the perfect choice for an adult day pack as well. This is a great way to extend the life of your backpack after your toddler wants a change in style.
This backpack is the perfect choice for an adventure pack for your toddler. If you love being outside, hiking and exploring, this pack is the one you need. It’s made of 600D polyester, giving it great durability. It is also mold and mildew resistant. Whether your little one is wanting to collect nature treasures, or you need a way to pack up their wet clothes after playing in the creek, this is a great pack.
The Everest Junior backpack will fit a tablet or a spiral notebook, but a standard sized school folder will be bent when the pack is zipped. It is also unstructured, so it is not the best backpack for carrying heavier items. With these negatives, I would not suggest this bag for a kid attending school. However, depending on its intended use, this could be a great backpack for your toddler.
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 3.5in
- 7.9L volume
- Available in 8 solid colors
- Adjustable, padded straps
- Made with durable 600D polyester
- Mildew and moisture resistant
Cons:
- No side pockets
- Zippers are flimsy
OREZI Toddler Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For your little dino lover, check out the adorable OREZI toddler backpack. With seven different dino prints to choose from, in different colors and with varying dino designs, you will definitely find your little one’s perfect pack. There is also one super cute and unique unicorn print, just in case you love the pack, but dinosaurs are not your toddler’s thing.
The quality and fit of this backpack are highlights. The straps are wide and padded and include a detachable chest clip for extra comfort and stability. They are also adjustable, and this pack could do double duty as a diaper bag. The back is also padded, and it includes two mesh side pockets. Made with durable and thick, but still lightweight, twill cloth material, this is a great quality, and adorable, toddler backpack.
Like most of the others on our list, the OREZI does not fit a standard folder without the corners bending. However, if your pre-K teacher does not require one, this would make a great school bag. It is roomy, and many of the prints have matching lunch boxes. Your child will love this bag.
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 4in,
- 2 side mesh pockets
- Made of durable, but lightweight twill cloth
- Detachable chest clip
- Some prints have matching lunch boxes
- Wide and padded shoulder straps
- Great quality
Cons:
- Does not fit a standard folder
Skip Hop Toddler Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a backpack full of whimsy, then the Skip Hop Toddler backpack is sure to delight. These animal themed backpacks are super cute and come in thirteen different animal styles. There is a lot of variety in the designs, including a llama, dragon, owl, bee, and unicorn. Some designs also are featured on matching products, such as lunch bags or snack cups.
Even though these bags have a lot of soft and fuzzy details, they are very durable. It is recommended to spot clean these bags; however, if you feel risky you may want to try washing them in a delicates bag and they may come out looking brand new. The lining is also easy to wipe clean. This bag should definitely be able to hold up with a rough and tumble toddler.
The size and fit of this bag are its best features. It includes an insulated front pouch for carrying snacks or a lunch, and it has a side mesh pocket, perfect for a water bottle. Although it will not fit a standard size folder, this bag is the perfect size for all of their other toddler things. Super cute, with great features, this is a must see bag.
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 12in
- Insulated front pocket
- Side mesh bottle pocket
- Adjustable padded straps
- Easy to clean
- Includes name tag
- Super cute designs
Cons:
- Does not fit a standard folder
Affenzahn Preschool Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you love the Skip Hop style, be sure to also check out the Affenzahn preschool backpack. It is available in thirteen designs, including a tiger, owl, dino, panda, and frog. This pack has all the adorable details you could want. The creature’s tongue can be pulled down to reveal the bag’s name tag. The arms are also designed to be poseable with hook and loop paws. Your child will have an animal friend entertaining them wherever they go, making this a particularly great bag for travel.
This Affenzahn pack has lots of great features, including more pockets than the other bags on our list. There is the main compartment, featuring an interior pocket, and the front “tummy” pocket, but there are also two more smaller pockets built into the feet. These are great places for your toddler to “hide” little collected treasures. It also has two side mesh pockets.
This pack includes a chest clip that is height and width adjustable and designed to be easy for kids to open. The zippers were also designed to be easy for little hands to use. The backpack is not machine washable, but is very easy to wipe clean. The pack also has built-in reflectors, for extra safety in low light, and back and shoulder padding to keep your little one comfy. This bag is sized best for ages 3 to 5, but they do offer a smaller 4L capacity pack for younger toddlers (check it out No products found..
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 7.8 x 4.7in
- 8L capacity
- Sustainable and fair trade
- Easy to open chest clip and zippers
- Waterproof and dirt repellant
- Plenty of pockets
- Built in reflectors
- Back and shoulder padding for extra comfort
- Adorable design with lots of extra details
Cons:
- Will not fit a standard sized school folder
Wildkin Toddler 12 inch Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wildkin 12 inch backpack is another great choice with an insulated, food-safe front pocket. It will even hold a bento style lunch box like the Yumbox Original. With eleven fun designs, there is a print your child is sure to love. The prints include construction trucks, monsters, dinos, and space themes. Wildkin also offers a variety of products with matching prints, including lunch boxes, nap mats, water bottles, and blankets. All of your kid’s preschool essentials will match, making them easy to identify and keep up with.
This is another backpack on the list that could do double duty as a great diaper bag. The straps can be adjusted to a length that will be comfortable for a parent to carry. Also the interior lining is moisture resistant. It’s also very comfortable for kids to haul, with a padded back and straps, and kid-friendly zippers.
The Wildkin 12 inch backpack could make a great school bag. It will fit a spiral notebook or composition book, but the standard sized folder will not fit without bending at the corners. If you love this pack, but need it to fit a folder, Wildkin does offer a 15 inch size that will do the trick. However, depending on the size of your toddler, it may be too large to wear comfortably…especially without a chest clip.
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.5 x 7.5in
- Front compartment is insulated and food-safe, sized 9 x 8.5 x 2in
- Side mesh pocket for water bottle
- Padded back and adjustable shoulder straps
- Designs coordinate with other Wildkin products
- Name tag inside
- Reflective piping at front pocket
Cons:
- Standard size folder will not fit without bending at the corners
- No chest clip
Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have had your fill of dinosaurs, trucks, and unicorns, then you need to check out the Mountaintop Kids Toddler backpack. It has seventeen color options, with most being bright, solid colors. The colors are vibrant enough for a toddler to love, without all the busyness of the normal kid prints.
This pack is another great option for nature exploring. It is very well made, with reinforced stitching on the stress points. The durable polyester fabric is water resistant, and it also features a separate section in the main compartment that is perfect for wet clothing. The zippers, buckles, and handle are all designed to handle rough toddler play as well.
The biggest complaint of this bag is its size. It works great for the younger toddlers, but if your kiddo is 4 or older, this is not the pack for you. It could even be too small for younger toddlers depending on their size for their age group. Needless to say, it will certainly not fit a school folder. However, if your little one needs a pack for nature exploring fun, this is a great choice.
Pros and Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.7 x 3.7in
- 5L capacity
- Water resistant polyester fabric
- Reinforced stitching on stress points
- Padded, adjustable mesh shoulder straps and back
- 2 side mesh pockets
- Name tag
- Chest clip
Cons:
- Very small size
Yodo Little Kids School Bag –
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Parents who need a backpack that will fit a folder (without it bending), you have finally found your match! Here is the Yodo Little Kids School Bag. It is adorable, it has a chest strap, a name tag, side pockets, and it WILL fit a standard sized school folder!
This backpack is available in six cute designs: a shark, car, dino, owl, unicorn, and robot. It is designed for older pre-K and kindergarten aged children; however, with the chest strap, it is likely that even an 18 month old would be able to wear it without trouble. The straps are padded and adjustable up to 27.5in, making this another great option for a diaper bag as well.
This pack is well made with durable zippers and buckles, and a padded, comfortable back. It features a zippered pocket in the main compartment for extra organization. It also stands upright on its own, making it easy to load up. Many of the designs also have reflective fabric for extra safety. Yodo does sell lunch boxes in some matching prints. These will fit in the backpack, but with little room for anything else.
If you love this bag, but want something to fit your smaller toddler, check out the smaller version. It has a lot of great features, including a safety harness and an insulated compartment, both of which are not available on the larger bag. However, if you need a backpack that will fit a folder, stick with the bigger pack.
Pros:
- Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 14.2
- Name tag on back of bag
- Adjustable padded straps
- 2 side mesh pockets
- Chest strap
- Interior zippered pocket
- Cute designs
- Fits a standard folder
- Matching lunch bags available
Cons:
- May be too large for smaller toddlers
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