The Best Toddler Backpacks for Daycare, Preschool and Beyond

STATE is a brand best-known for its super-chic bags and generous mission—they donate a portion of their proceeds to a range of charitable initiatives. Adults love the standard Kane backpack, and kids will adore having their very own Mini Kane too. The bookbag is 11” tall with large pockets and a top loop that’s easy to hang up in preschool cubbies or lockers. The straps are soft and padded, and the neon accents are almost too cool for school. Pair it with the matching snack pack.

If there was a popularity contest among toddler backpacks, this one from Skip Hop would win hands down. Seriously, you see them everywhere. That’s because it’s the perfect size for the tiniest of travelers. It’s roomy without being too large for them to carry on their own, features a separate side bottle holder for when your tyke gets thirsty, and has an interior label for your child’s name. Plus, the padded, harness-style straps promise comfort and extra security. There’s even a removable tether you can hold to stay connected to your child. It’s also ridiculously adorable—with a bunch of different animal options, so your toddler girl or boy is sure to find a favorite.

Need a backpack to take your tot to the classroom and beyond? This toddler backpack, designed specifically for kiddos 4+, is an ideal choice. It’s got all the features you need for a school setting (a spacious main compartment, a water bottle pocket, etc.), plus a well-designed back panel to make carrying it as comfortable as possible. And get a load of that cute critter print! It’s perfect for travel, adventures and learning, of course. Still not convinced? Read one of the many five-star reviews!

Bixbee’s small, animal-themed options are some of the best kids’ backpacks out there, because they’re ergonomically designed for children ages 3 to 5. That means your tot can take it from preschool to kindergarten with ease. The patented horizontal design is extra-comfy to tote around, and the padded, contoured shoulders prevent the straps from slipping. Best of all, the brand donates a school bag (filled with supplies!) to a child in need for every bookbag they sell. Oh, and if you’re shopping for a matching toddler backpack and lunchbox, Bixbee sells lunch bags too.

Like all the best daycare and preschool backpacks, Stephen Joseph’s toddler-size bags come in an assortment of adorable designs kids love. (Because your little scholar is way less likely to lose or complain about a bookbag they adore.) This shark-print version comes complete with a matching lunchbox. Plus, it’s easy to clean by hand and has adjustable, cushioned straps.

Herschel is known for its effortlessly cool grown-up designs—but did you know that they make kids’ backpacks too? Offering the same signature look as the classic Heritage bag, but sized for children ages 3 to 7, this toddler backpack is perfect for a trip to the playground or the first day of preschool. It has a roomy main compartment, a front storage pocket, an interior name tag and a removable sternum support strap. What’s more, it comes in plenty of cute prints and patterns to boot.

Splash out on a designer toddler backpack from the British outerwear brand Hunterhttps://www.hunterboots.com/us/en_us/). Your child will love picking one of the four available colors, and you’ll love the quality construction and water-resistant material that makes wiping it clean a breeze. This kid-size bag has padded straps, and features a large top-zip compartment and a smaller one in the front, great for stashing playground treasures.

Your little explorer will be ready to jet off on the exciting adventure of learning with this rocket-inspired backpack. Designed for ages one to 3, it’s made from non-toxic, recyclable materials. It has cushioned, adjustable shoulder straps, a safety harness and a sternum strap for added comfort. Two interior mesh pockets hold snacks and stationary, while the main zipper compartment can accommodate larger school supplies. The combined cuteness for kids and convenience for adults make it a winner in our book. Worried your little one will misplace it? For an extra $10 you can add a monogram.

Next up on our list of the best toddler backpacks is this fun heritage-inspired design. Created for kiddos ages 3 to 4, this cute bookbag is super-spacious and lightweight. The top loop makes it easy to hang up in the classroom, while the front pocket ensures your sweetie has plenty of space for snacks and knick-knacks. All that for $16? Bargain!

You know you’ve found yourself a quality toddler backpack when it’s loved by kids and adults alike. Reviewers assure potential purchasers that this mini backpack fits 2-year-olds perfectly, but it’s durable enough for your kid to keep for years to come. The classic look, top-notch construction and adjustable straps all help this toddler backpack withstand the test of time, making it one your child will carry for a long time.

This preschool backpack is made for children ages 3 and up. It’s got pockets for folders and water bottles, and even has a separate insulated front compartment that’s perfect for storing lunch and snacks. It’s a solid 10” wide with built-in lumbar support, padded straps and a chest buckle.

Any toddler gear that’s multifunctional earns an A+ in parents’ eyes, and this bag from Yodo offers a trio of features that send it right to the top of the class. It works as a toddler backpack (complete with the AAP-recommended chest buckle), lunch bag (with an insulated main compartment that keeps food warm or cold for up to three hours) and safety harness (featuring a 50” tether to help you keep even the sneakiest escape artist close and accounted for in crowds). Triple the features, triple the love.

Pottery Barn Kids has some of the best kids’ backpacks on the market, with an array of patterns, colors, sizes and customizations. Their mini Mackenzie backpack is perfectly toddler-sized and includes features like padded straps and water-resistant fabric. It holds a snack, a change of clothes and a toy, which is pretty impressive for a mini backpack. Ready to hear the real standout feature? The space-inspired pattern glows in the dark! Moreover, you can personalize this bag with your kids’ initials.

A main compartment large enough to hold projects, papers and other preschool take-homes? Check. A bottle compartment? Check. Adjustable chest and shoulder straps with reflective details? Check. Really, there are few boxes the mini day pack by GOT doesn’t check, making it a solid all-around choice for your little one. Aside from the basics, this bag is made from recycled ocean plastic and has a water-resistant coating to protect your kiddos school supplies.

Last up on our list of the best toddler backpacks is this pick from Crate&kids. The durable material is made from recycled water bottles, adorned with blue spotted sharks and chartreuse jellyfish. Thick padded straps offer supreme comfort, while a nifty top handle means it's easy to grab when you’re rushing out the door. Inside, you’ll find a roomy compartment (complete with a name tag) and a padded pocket that’s perfect for storing a tablet. For an extra-special touch, you can pay to have it personalized with your child’s name.