The Right School Bag for Growing Kids

Buying a school bag? Here’s what actually matters

We all know the advice — school bags shouldn’t be too heavy, kids should use both shoulder straps, and chest straps help.
But in real life (especially with older kids and teenagers), that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes they won’t wear them, and sometimes there’s just too much to carry.
So we’ve put together a few practical tips on what to look for when choosing a school bag, to help set kids up well from the start. We’ve also included some simple setup tips, especially helpful if your child doesn’t have much choice in the bag they’re using.

What to look for when buying a school bag:

• Size matters: The bag should sit comfortably on your child’s back and not extend past their shoulders or below their lower back. Bigger isn’t better — it just encourages over-packing.

• Structured back panel: Some structure or padding helps the bag sit closer to the body and reduces slouching.

• Wide, padded shoulder straps: They help spread the load and make heavier bags feel more comfortable.

• Lightweight (before it’s filled): Some bags are heavy before anything goes inside. Starting light makes a big difference once books and lunch go in.

• Multiple compartments: Compartments help distribute weight instead of everything pulling backwards.

Once you’ve chosen the bag, a quick setup makes a big difference:

• Adjust shoulder straps so the bag sits high on the back, not hanging low

• Pack heavier items (like books and lunch boxes) in the compartment closest to the spine

• Avoid overloading — if it feels heavy to you, it’s likely too heavy for them

• Recheck the fit every few months as kids grow

Chest straps can help — but let’s be honest, not every child will wear them consistently. Getting the size, fit and setup right matters far more than perfect compliance.

At a back-to-school chiropractic check, we’re always happy to look at your child’s school bag, adjust the fit and check how their body is coping with the load.