If your toddler is going to preschool, daycare, or just out for a playdate, they need a way to carry their essentials like food, artwork, and extra clothing. While there are countless options available, toddler backpacks can not only meet this need but also help teach responsibility and organizational skills. When selecting a backpack for your toddler, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, safety, adaptability, and quality.
Furthermore, with so many cute designs and characters available, many toddler backpacks are not just functional but also fun for your child to choose from. To help you make the best choice, we’ve put together a list of the top toddler backpacks that meet all the criteria of longevity, adaptability, safety, size, and quality.
Our Top Picks
- Best Toddler Backpack Overall: Skip Hop Toddler Backpack
- Most Durable Toddler Backpack: THE NORTH FACE Youth Sprout School Backpack
- Best Toddler Backpack For Hiking: MOUNTAINTOP Kids Toddler Backpack
- Best Stuffed Animal Toddler Backpack: Bag & Carry Animal Toy Toddler Backpack
- Best Toddler Backpack With Harness: Yodo Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack
- Best Dinosaur Toddler Backpack: HWJIANFENG Toddler Backpack
- Best Unicorn Toddler Backpack: KKCRAFTS Toddler Backpack
- Best Astronaut Toddler Backpack: yisibo Toddler Backpack
- Best Toddler Rolling Backpack: Yodo Toddler Rolling Backpack
- Best Toddler Backpack With Lunch Bag: Wildkin Toddler Backpack
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Toddler Backpacks For Daycare And Preschool Picks
Skip Hop Toddler Backpack – Best Toddler Backpack Overall
- Easy to clean
- Spacious pocket to add items
- Adjustable straps great for any toddler size
- The side pocket fits a standard water bottle nicely
- Tassels on zippers fray easily
This roomy animal-themed backpack is perfect for visits to grandma’s or daycare, measuring 11 inches in length and 12 inches in height. It has a convenient side pocket for a water bottle or anything else your child wants to keep close at hand.
The front pocket is perfect for snacks and also has extra compartments for pencils and other travel essentials. The straps have a soft padding, making them gentle on your little one’s shoulders. While it cannot be machine washed, this backpack is tough and secure for your toddler to use.
THE NORTH FACE Youth Sprout School Backpack – Most Durable Toddler Backpack
- Great padding
- Size is perfect for preschool
- Can be used outside of school
- The sternum strap has great attention to detail
- Not many color options
The Youth Sprout bundle is the perfect companion for your toddler who loves exploring the outdoors. Designed with a youth-specific fit, this backpack has plenty of pockets to store all their trail treasures and keep them focused on their incredible experiences ahead.
With a reflective bike-light loop, your child will have added security on their way home from school, while the soft stitched-foam back panel ensures a comfortable carry all day long.
An exterior secure zip pocket keeps smaller items safe and easily accessible, and the mesh water bottle pockets can double as treasure chests. Plus, an interior name label ensures their backpack never gets lost (1).
MOUNTAINTOP Kids Toddler Backpack – Best Toddler Backpack For Hiking
- Several pockets
- Chest clip
- Big enough for snacks, a small change of clothes, etc.
- Size prevents making the backpacks too heavy
- Side pockets are small
This tough and water-resistant preschooler backpack is made with lightweight, easy-to-clean fabric. It’s perfect for your little ones to take with them to preschool or play dates. The padded shoulder straps are adjustable and offer both comfort and support.
One of the best things about this backpack is the strap clasp across the chest, which allows your child to run around without the backpack shifting and keeps the weight balanced during regular school use.
The backpack also features a spacious interior with a nametag, as well as two side pockets for storing umbrellas, water bottles, and other small items.
Bag & Carry Animal Toy Toddler Backpack – Best Stuffed Animal Toddler Backpack
- Roomy interior
- Very cute
- Lots of plush options
- Pretty durable
- If you’re looking for a bigger backpack, this is not it
This bag has a super-soft plush animal on the back and plenty of room inside to carry snacks, drinks, and toys. They can also double as a cushion or naptime buddy. They’re versatile and perfect for everyday play, travel, and visits to grandma’s house.
Plus, it is easy for little ones to carry, thanks to its soft sides and padded back, and the strong Velcro straps securely hold the plush animal in place.
Yodo Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack – Best Toddler Backpack With Harness
- Great insulation
- The harness strap is great
- Useful leash feature
- Cute little bag
- The “tail” is not made from the same material as the rest of the bag. It is made of felt
With an insulated compartment, this bag is perfect for carrying all your toddler’s snacks and drinks. You won’t have to worry about spills either because the liner is BPA-free and leak-proof. Plus, the liner will keep your snacks fresh and cool or warm for up to three hours!
The mesh pockets on the sides are the perfect place to stash water and juice bottles. They’ll help keep your child’s drinks cool and easily accessible while you’re out and about with your little one. In addition, there is a removable safety harness in case you need it.
HWJIANFENG Toddler Backpack – Best Dinosaur Toddler Backpack
- It has a leash strap
- Has a lot of space inside
- 3d design
- Budget-friendly
- Has no chest strap
This backpack is made of top-quality waterproof nylon fabric that is both breathable and long-lasting. Plus, it comes with a detachable leash to keep your little ones at a safe distance when you’re out and about. And when you don’t need it, simply remove it!
This backpack has a fashionable three-dimensional design with an adorable dinosaur picture that will surely capture your child’s attention. The buckle is adjustable, allowing you to customize the shoulder strap’s length as per your needs. Plus, your toddlers can store their water bottles and other small items in the pockets on both sides.
KK CRAFTS Toddler Backpack – Best Unicorn Toddler Backpack
- Pocket on the outside
- Zippers and materials are durable
- Works perfect for little daycare bag
- Fits a decent amount of toys
- The main pouch only has one zipper
This adorable backpack has 3D unicorn horns and ears, and is colored in vivid pink and white, perfect for kids who adore unicorns!
The bag is made from eco-friendly materials that are free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC, so you can feel good about using it around young children. And the neoprene material used to make the bag is stretchy, lightweight, and water-resistant, protecting your child’s belongings from spills and dirt.
Plus, this backpack is spacious enough to fit your child’s daily essentials, like books, clothes, and diapers. It stands tall at 10.2 inches, giving your toddler enough space to carry everything they need for a day out!
yisibo Toddler Backpack – Best Astronaut Toddler Backpack
- The harness works great
- Cute design
- Sturdy
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- The leash part is cheaply made
If your little ones are ready to blast off to infinity and beyond, they need the perfect backpack for their journey. Look no further than this astronaut backpack made of soft, waterproof neoprene material. Plus, with the walking leash strap and adjustable shoulder strap design, you can keep your child safe while they explore the galaxy.
The cushioned straps provide maximum comfort for their journey, and the zippers are easy to operate with small fingers. The front strap with a clasp ensures that the backpack stays secure.
Yodo Toddler Rolling Backpack – Best Toddler Rolling Backpack
- Very cute design
- Small size perfect for toddlers
- Easy to operate
- Backpack straps extend big enough so adults can wear the backpack — for when a toddler decides to not carry the backpack anymore
- Very stuffed/poofy front pocket flap takes up more space than needed
This rolling backpack is super versatile because you can use it as a backpack, trolley, or just regular baggage. And get this, you can even hide the straps when you don’t need them! Plus, the trolley height is adjustable, so you can make it the perfect height for your little one.
There’s a snack pouch on the front. So, if your kid gets hungry or thirsty, they can quickly grab what they need without having to rummage through the entire bag.
The twin zipper puller allows your child to easily open the bag from two directions, and the Yodo logo form is personalized on both zipper pulls. Your little one can even draw a companion that belongs to them or put their name on the tag.
Wildkin Toddler Backpack – Best Toddler Backpack With Lunch Bag
- Good size for a toddler
- The pockets are a great size without being overwhelming
- The side drink holder is a nice touch
- Vibrant colors
- It is not waterproof
With a 12-inch size, it’s perfect for your little explorer to carry all their essentials. Plus, the backpack comes with an insulated lunch bag and a toddler backpack, so you have everything you need in one package.
It comes in a variety of adorable patterns, from cute aliens to wild safari animals. The external pocket is insulated making it perfect for packing snacks and lunch for your child.
The side pocket is perfect for holding a water bottle, so your child can stay hydrated throughout the day. And the zippers are heavy-duty and kid-friendly, so they can easily open and close them. Plus, the interior is moisture-resistant.
How To Choose The Best Toddler Backpacks?
- Size: Make sure the backpack is the right size for your child. It should be big enough to fit all of their belongings like diapers, wipes, water bottles, and a small toy.
- Material: Choose a backpack made from durable, lightweight materials. This will help prevent your child from becoming frustrated with a heavy or awkward backpack.
- Age-Appropriate: Consider your child’s age when selecting a backpack. Older toddlers may be able to handle a larger backpack with more pockets and straps, while younger toddlers may prefer a simpler design.
- Personalization: Many toddler backpacks come in fun, trendy designs. You may want to choose a backpack that reflects your child’s personality or interests.
- Price: When it comes to toddler backpacks, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good-quality backpack. There are many affordable options available that will serve your child well.
What Size Is A Toddler Backpack?
It’s important to make sure a toddler’s backpack doesn’t extend past their back, for several reasons. For one, it can be uncomfortable for the child to have the backpack weighing them down from behind. Additionally, if the backpack is too big, it can make it difficult for the child to balance and walk properly. Measuring the child’s back is the best way to ensure you get the right size backpack.
When shopping for a toddler backpack, you should typically look for something that is between 10 and 15 inches tall. The majority of toddler backpacks are around 12 inches tall.
Does My Child Need A Backpack For Preschool?
Most preschools will require that your child have a backpack for them to bring their things with them each day. This backpack should be large enough to fit a few items, such as a change of clothes, a small blanket, and some snacks.
What Safety Features Should I Consider In A Toddler Backpack?
When purchasing a toddler backpack, safety is of the utmost importance. Here are some of the safety features from the AAP to consider (2):
- Correct Size: must be proportional to your child’s height
- Padded Shoulder Straps: to distribute the weight evenly and prevent strain on the child’s back
- Waist Belt/Chest Strap: to help redistribute the weight evenly across the body
- Padded Back: to prevent poking your child’s back from sharp objects
- Compartments: to help evenly distribute the weight of contents throughout the backpack
What Do You Put In A Toddler Backpack?
There are a few things you may want to consider putting in a toddler backpack, such as snacks, a water bottle, a change of clothes, and some toys or books. It really depends on what your child enjoys and what will keep them occupied during your outing.
