Choosing a backpack for your little one can seem simple — until you start looking.

Is it the right size? Is it comfortable enough for little shoulders? Will it fit everything they need? Is it easy for them to open and close independently? And, perhaps most importantly…

Will they actually want to carry it?

At Coastberry, we believe the best kids’ backpacks bring together both sides of the equation: practical features parents appreciate and designs children genuinely love.

From rescue vehicles and ocean animals to unicorns, princesses, cats, dogs and more, our collection is designed to make everyday adventures a little more exciting — while giving little learners the comfort, functionality and room they need to grow.

Whether you're looking for a first backpack for a toddler or a more spacious school bag for a growing child, here's what to consider when choosing one.

What should you look for in a kids’ backpack?

A good children's backpack should be more than just cute.

When choosing a backpack, consider these key features:

• Age-appropriate sizing so the bag isn't unnecessarily bulky or heavy
• Comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps for a better fit
• Practical compartments to keep everyday essentials organised
• Easy-to-use zippers and openings that children can manage themselves
• Durable construction for everyday use
• Lightweight materials that don't add unnecessary weight
• Fun designs that children are excited to carry

For younger children especially, a backpack should be proportionate to their body. A bag that is too large can feel cumbersome, while one that is too small may quickly become impractical.

That's why we created two backpack ranges at Coastberry — each designed around a different stage of childhood.

Little Learners Backpacks

For little ones aged approximately 18 months to 6 years

The first backpack is a little milestone.

It's often the bag they bring to preschool, enrichment classes, playdates, outings or their very first adventures away from home.

Our Little Learners Backpacks are designed with younger children in mind, with a size that's more suitable for little bodies while still giving them room for their everyday essentials.

Think:

A favourite toy.
A change of clothes & diapers
A water bottle, some wet wipes
A snack.
A little book.
And all those tiny treasures they somehow insist on bringing along.

At this age, independence is also a big part of growing up.

Having their own backpack gives little ones the opportunity to start practising simple everyday responsibilities — packing their belongings, putting their bag on, carrying it themselves and learning to look after their own things.

And when their backpack features something they absolutely adore?

They're usually much more enthusiastic about carrying it themselves.

Growing Learners Backpacks

For children aged approximately 4 to 12 years

As children grow, so do their needs.

The Growing Learners Backpack is designed for children aged approximately 4–12 years, offering more space (with extra compartments) for the things they need as their routines become increasingly independent.

From school days and enrichment classes to family outings, travel and weekend adventures, a growing child's backpack needs to be versatile enough to keep up.

Our Growing Learners Backpacks are designed with practical everyday functionality in mind, including space for school essentials and an A4-friendly interior, making them suitable for older preschoolers and primary-school-aged children.

They're made to be the kind of backpack that can accompany your little one through different stages — rather than being outgrown after just a short while.

Watch our demo on these bestselling Growing Learners Backpacks 

What size backpack does a child need?

The right backpack size depends on your child's age, body size and what they need to carry.

For younger toddlers and preschoolers, a smaller backpack is generally more appropriate because it is easier for little shoulders and smaller frames to manage.

As children enter primary school and begin carrying larger books, worksheets and personal belongings, a larger backpack becomes more practical.

As a general guide:

18 months–6 years → Little Learners Backpack

Designed with younger children and their smaller everyday essentials in mind.

4–12 years → Growing Learners Backpack

Designed for growing children who need more room for school, enrichment and everyday belongings.

There is some overlap between the age ranges because children grow at different rates. When choosing between the two, consider your child's height, build and how much they typically need to carry. Additionally, think about the function - what will your child be using the backpack for, and how can it best serve your little one. 

What should a preschooler put in their backpack?

For younger children, keeping their backpack simple and manageable is usually best.

Depending on the day's activities, and what is required from the preschool, their backpack might contain:

• A water bottle
• Snacks
• A change of clothes & diapers
• Tissues or wet wipes
• A small book
• A favourite comfort item / pillow
• School or enrichment materials
• Small personal belongings
• A small blanket / towels - if advised by the school 

The goal isn't to fill every pocket.

It's to give children their own little space for the things they need.

As they grow older, their backpack can naturally become more functional, carrying school books, worksheets, stationery, lunch items and other daily essentials.

What should older children pack in their backpack?

As children grow, their backpacks naturally take on a bigger role in their everyday routines. For children aged around 4–12 years, their backpack may need to accommodate school books, A4 worksheets, exercise books, stationery, a water bottle, lunch or snacks, a change of clothes, and personal essentials, depending on their school and daily activities. On days with enrichment classes or extracurricular activities, there may be a little more to carry too.

The Growing Learners Backpack is designed with this stage in mind, giving children the space they need to organise their school and everyday essentials while encouraging them to take greater responsibility for their own belongings.

The goal isn't to pack everything they own — it's to help them learn what they actually need for the day.

Why do kids care so much about backpack designs?

Let's be honest — parents might be thinking about ergonomics, compartments and durability.

Kids?

They're looking at the giant unicorn.

Or the rescue vehicle.

Or the dolphin.

Or the perfect combination of corgis and ragdolls.

And that's perfectly okay.

A backpack is something children often carry with them everywhere, so choosing one they genuinely like can make everyday routines feel a little more fun.

At Coastberry, we intentionally manufacture bags with playful designs inspired by the things little ones love.

For the love towards superheroes 

You sure can think about themes related to - rescue vehicles, construction-inspired designs and other exciting characters for children who are always ready for their next mission.

For the ocean lovers

Dolphins, marine animals and underwater adventures for little ones fascinated by everything beneath the waves.

For the fairytale dreamers

Unicorns, princesses and rainbows for children who live in their own magical little world.

For the animal lovers

Cats, dogs and plenty of adorable animal friends for children who can never walk past an animal without stopping to say hello.

And that's only the beginning.

Because a practical backpack doesn't have to look boring.

Why we don't encourage putting your child's name on their backpack

Personalised backpacks can be adorable, and we understand why many parents love the idea of having their child's name embroidered or printed on their belongings.

At Coastberry, however, we have deliberately chosen not to offer or encourage prominent name personalisation on children's backpacks.

Why?

Because we believe there is value in keeping identifying information private.

A child's name displayed clearly on the outside of a backpack can make it easier for someone unfamiliar to identify or address the child by name. In everyday environments such as schools, playgrounds, enrichment centres and public spaces, we feel it's worth minimising information that unnecessarily identifies a child to strangers.

This isn't about creating fear around the world.

It's simply one of the small precautions we believe parents can consider when choosing everyday products for their children.

Cute doesn't always have to come at the expense of privacy.

If you do personalise your child's belongings, consider keeping identifying details somewhere less visible — such as inside the bag — rather than prominently displayed on the outside.

For us, it's a small design decision with a simple intention:

Let children be children, while giving parents one less thing to worry about.

Cute for kids. Practical for parents. Thoughtful for families.

We believe there's no reason you should have to choose between the two.

A backpack can be something your child gets excited about and something you feel good about sending them out with every day.

That's why Coastberry's backpacks focuses on both:

Child-friendly designs

Fun prints and characters inspired by children's favourite things.

Everyday functionality

Thoughtful compartments and features designed around how children actually use their bags.

Comfort

Designed with growing children in mind, with adjustable features to help achieve a better fit.

Practical sizing

Different backpack options for different stages of childhood.

Versatility

Suitable for preschool, school, enrichment classes, outings, travel and everyday adventures.

Thoughtful details

From practical functionality to considerations around privacy, every detail is designed with family life in mind.

The next time you're unsure about what makes the cut as the perfect backpack for your little one, don't forget to check out the ones Coastberry has to offer!