school bag help :)

[kellid]

my guy starting school this year and i've been thinking how to get him and his stuff to and from school in the easiest way. i'm not a fan of backpacks but will listen to your alls advice. i would rather have a messenger bag of sort, but something that will hold a lunch tote of sort too. and books and whatever else. i am hoping to make him something vs. purchasing. do you all have any suggestions?

tia! kelli

[zinemama]

First, how much stuff is he going to need to carry, besides lunch?

Second, I think backpacks are whole lot easier and more secure, especially for little kids, than messenger style backs. With that one strap, it's easy for it to slip off. I'm curious what you don't like about backpacks?

My kids have the Laptop Lunchbox. We opted not to get the carrying case for it, but just the box (since they'll be carrying a backpack, anyway). I put the LTLB inside their backpacks, along with anything else (which is usually a homework folder and maybe a book). It works very well.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

How old is he? If he is starting elementary school, you probably need to rethink your reaction to backpacks -- carrying a messenger bag is probably going to result in teasing about having a purse. Not a great way to start. And while I don't like making decisions based on other kid's reactions, I also try to avoid setting my child up for teasing if I can help it and/or over relatively minor issues.

I think that backpacks, properly worn, are also better for children's backs than a bag that puts weight unevenly on one side.

That said, the right bag will depend on his size and how much he actually needs to carry. Some schools have requirements about the type of bag as well, so before you do anything be sure you check that.

And if he is starting preschool, he might not need anything at all. Our preschool gave each child a beach bucket for toting misc. stuff, for example.

[Drummer's Wife]

I agree a backpack is going to be a lot easier and comfy for LO's to carry than a messenger style bag.


Not sure about the lunch thing b/c my kids buy, but I assume they could carry it in their hand until they get into the classroom and put it wherever lunch pails go until lunchtime. Then when it's emty either carry it to the bus/car/home or stuff it in their backpack.

[Polliwog]

I've seen some really cute messenger-type bags in the stores. Not purse-like at all. Go for it, if that's what you really want to do.

[Aeress]

Lunch Bags- we have an lands end one and it is super easy to clean and holds a lot.

Backpack- we also bought lands end bags (I know you plan to make something) but they really hold up well and I don't plan to replace them for many, many years. The backpack isn't huge but has several compartments and a side pocket big enough for a water bottle. (sigg style etc) The water bottle feature is why I bought it.

[The Hidden Life]

In elementary, my kids really only have to tote around their lunches and a thin folder of papers--plus whatever toys they sneak in there to play with at recess!

I think messenger bags usually are too skinny to fit most lunchboxes into comfortably, but that depends on the style you use. Also, if it's possible your child might be able to bike to school, I think the bag slipping around could be troublesome.

For young elementary students, it's important to get the right sized bag. Usually there are preschool, younger kid and older kid versions at the store.

I have seen some nice homemade rucksacks, made of sturdy corduroy and many layers of fabric for the strapping (or leather). The easiest way is probably to have a drawstring top and then perhaps a flap to cover that. However, I think my kids would say a drawstring top is too fiddly and takes too long to get into.

Backpacks are not so bad--they don't all have cartoon characters on them.

[kellid]

thank you all very much! through this post; i guess i'm gonna get a backpack.......or try to make one, but that might get him more made fun of . anyway, i just don't like the style of backpacks, that's all. petty, but true. i really like the new goodbyn lunch totes, so something like this
might be in our future. i have to be reminded he's a very energetic boy and my handmade daily stuff might not hold up to him. thanks for the advice!

kelli

[Teensy]

Looks like the OP has resolved her question, but I did want to add another plug for Land's End backpacks for anyone else who clicks this thread looking for school bag advice.

I bought my two sons, who are very active and destructive type kids, Land's End backpacks three years ago when they were entering First Grade and Kindergarten, respectively. They are about to begin Fourth and Third Grade and will be using the same backpacks, still in good condition.

I have washed the bags a few times in my washing machine and dryer and some of the glow in the dark strip has faded a little, but overall the bag and zippers are in great shape.

[Ellien C]

and in case anyone else is reading, I will advice AGAINST the Hanna Anderson backpacks. They sure were cute but it didn't last the year for my kindy who really only carried a folder and some spare clothes in it. We went with Lands End this year.

[octobermom]

FWIW I've always just bought my DD main stream backpacks i think all our ours have come from Kohls and cost us around $12 on sale.. While we have a tradition of allowing her to choose a new back pack per year so We have 3 from preschool Kindergarder and now 1st grade they are ALL in mint condition. The retired school bags still get used a ton for overnight trips storage for toys ect.. LAst year in kindy it was mostly just used to carry her homework folder and occasional letter from her teacher sometiems though it included art projects school prizes show and tell stuff ect. Well see for this year. For her lunch she jsut carried it in her hand and put it away in the classroom.

Deanna

[WC_hapamama]

Originally Posted by octobermom

FWIW I've always just bought my DD main stream backpacks i think all our ours have come from Kohls and cost us around $12 on sale.. While we have a tradition of allowing her to choose a new back pack per year so We have 3 from preschool Kindergarder and now 1st grade they are ALL in mint condition. The retired school bags still get used a ton for overnight trips storage for toys ect.. LAst year in kindy it was mostly just used to carry her homework folder and occasional letter from her teacher sometiems though it included art projects school prizes show and tell stuff ect. Well see for this year. For her lunch she jsut carried it in her hand and put it away in the classroom.

Deanna

Ditto that. I generally don't bother buying a really expensive backpack for my kiddos until they reach 4th grade.

That said, you want something big enough for library books (think large picture book sized), and to stuff a sweatshirt/light jacket in too.

Last year, my daughter had a tote bag, which worked out pretty well for her.

[kanga2roo]

LLBean has great backpacks http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...Id=-1&nav=gnro And everything they sell has a satisfaction guarantee!

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

We tried both the Lands End and LLBean bags in the past. They are great and they are very sturdy. However, we have never been able to keep or get them clean by the end of the year. So even though they are in good shape, they look really dirty and thus end up being replaced. This year I bought $15 bags at The Children's Place with the hope that they will last all year but not really expecting to use them after that.