Backpack Solution for Toddlers--Too Big, Too Heavy!

Updated on September 10, 2009
L.G. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

I have a 3 year old who attends a Mother's Day Out program 2x a week.
They are encouraging me to start car pooling when I drop off and pick up. My issue is that my daughter's backpack weighs too much with her nap mat, lunch bag and a small binder. ALL of these items are required to be sent home daily.

The school does NOT allow backpacks with wheels b/c they don't fit in the storage bins in the class rooms.

Her back pack and lunch bag are normal weight, nothing fancy or heavy. I have worked it out with the teacher to just send home the nap mat cover and leave the actual plastic nap mat at school overnight.

I have read articles from pediatricians as well as orthopedic surgeons that back packs should not be more than 15% of the childs body weight.

I need advice on backpacks/lunch bags that have worked for you. Her nap mat doesn't have a handle on it (I BARELY sew) but maybe someone has an idea of an easier way to carry it.

How do you and your little ones do it?

1 mom found this helpful

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So What Happened?

I am going to look for a smaller backpack that is thinner and then have her carry her lunch bag. They have these Neoprene (think of scuba suit material) lunch bags and they are as light as a feather. I think they last longer than regular ones so will be worth the $20.
For now, I had a smaller backpack with wheels (I saw a kid use one at school so maybe I can get away with it) in my house and I am going to see if that will fly with school and hopefully fit in her cubby hole.
Thanks Mamas!

More Answers

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V.B.

answers from Houston on

I don't have this issue since they don't nap at my daughter's preschool, so she only has her backpack and lunchbox, but I can see your point! They do make nap mat covers that sell online that may have a handle. I would just google nap mat covers and see what comes up. I was looking into them too, but since I have to walk my son into MDO (they don't do carpool before pre-school age), I just carry it all myself and didn't want to spend the money on a fancy cover. I hope it helps and you're able to find something that works for her. It sure is a big load of stuff!

Does she really need a binder versus just a simple folder? That seems excessive for a 3 year old! They sure start early, don't they??

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from San Antonio on

At our preschool I have seen several parents that carpool, I don't find it's worth the hassle of moving carseats around, anyhow...The parents I have seen have a rolling cart similar to the one in this link:
http://www.perigot.fr/images/grand-4/ROLLING-CART-ISOTHER...
THey then just put all the belongings into the one cart, and have the kiddos hold hands (like a train) when crossing the street. Usually, if you check w/ the school they may have a place to store the cart, similar to when you have to leave the carseat b/c someone else is picking up.
As far as puttin a handle on the nap mat cover, it really is quite simple, and I would be happy to sew one on for you. If not you could always try puting some wide ribbon and tying it around the nap mat. Email me if you would like some help sewing it on. ____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Wow they do not make it easy for parents or the child. You or the driver are just going to have to help her, if you can't take a rolling bag.

Make sure everything is clearly marked with her name and phone number. Have your daughter help you remember everything she is supposed to take and everything she is supposed to bring home. It will teach her responsibility and take some of the pressure off of you.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.P.

answers from Corpus Christi on

My 3 year old daughter had the same problem! I ended up finding a backpack at old navy that was a bit smaller than her other one, the matching lunchbox clips onto the outside. The inside of the bp is just big enough for her mat and pillow. It has a front pouch for folders/spare clothes. My Daughter likes to carry the lunchbox on her shoulder with her bp on her back until she gets to her cubby and reattaches them all again. I think it distributes the weight a little better! I saw similar ones at GAP kids too! Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from El Paso on

Hi L.,
What about using on of the yoga mat straps that slips around the mat and makes a carrying handle? I am not sure if it would work for a thicker nap mat, but there may be something like that in the sleeping bag section of a store.
Hope that helps,
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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