How to Choose a Kids' School Backpack by Age (Singapore Parents' Guide)

The right school bag depends mostly on your child's age and size, how much they carry each day, and how they get to school. This guide sets out what Singapore parents should look for, from preschool to upper primary.

What size school backpack does my child need at each age?

Match the bag to your child's body, not to the amount of space you think they might need one day. An oversized bag tends to get overfilled and hang too low.

As a general guide, the Le Petit Society range is sized by age:

• Ages 2 and above (playgroup and preschool): the Explorer backpack, 24 x 13.5 x 30 cm and 240 g.
• Ages 5 and above (kindergarten and early primary): the Mini backpack, 36 x 27.5 x 13.5 cm and 500 g.
• Ages 7 to 10 (Primary 1 to Primary 4): the Single Pocket backpack, 41.5 x 31 x 14.5 cm and 600 g.
• Ages 10 and above (upper primary): the Double Pocket backpack, 45 x 31 x 20 cm and 680 g, with two large main compartments for heavier days.

Use age as a starting point and check the fit in person where you can. Compare all styles in our kids' backpacks collection.

How heavy should a child's school bag be?

Start with a light empty bag, because everything your child packs adds to it. Then keep daily loads sensible: pack only what is needed for that day's timetable, and encourage children to leave books in school lockers where the school allows it.

Put the heaviest items, such as textbooks or a tablet, in the compartment closest to the back. This keeps the weight near the spine rather than pulling the bag backwards.

How should a school backpack fit?

A well-fitting backpack is one your child will wear comfortably for years. Check these points when you try it on:

• Width: the bag should not be wider than your child's back.
• Height: the base should sit above the hips, not hang down towards the bottom.
• Straps: tighten both shoulder straps so the bag sits snugly against the back, with no gap at the top. Teach children to use both straps, not one shoulder.
• Chest buckle: fasten it across the chest to keep the straps from sliding off narrow shoulders.

Recheck the strap length every few months.

Which backpack features matter most in Singapore?

• Heat: the Mini, Single Pocket and Double Pocket have a breathable back panel designed for Singapore's heat, so backs stay more comfortable on the walk to school.
• Sudden rain: these three styles are waterproof, made from nylon and polyester, which helps protect books during an afternoon downpour.
• Visibility: all LPS backpacks have reflective strips, which help children be seen by drivers in early mornings and at dusk.
• Organisation: the same three styles have a padded laptop or tablet sleeve, a hidden pocket for small valuables and a luggage sleeve for travel.
• Add-ons: buckles to attach a lunch bag, and a carabiner for keys or a water bottle.

The Explorer is canvas, with a softly padded back, a bottle sleeve and divider, a front zip pocket, a chest buckle, reflective strips and strap loops for keychains and velcro patches.

Can I personalise a school backpack?

Yes. Name or initials personalisation is free on all LPS backpacks and backpack bundles, using embroidery or patches. Personalisation takes around 3 to 5 working days, so order ahead of the new school term. Personalised items are final sale.

Children can also make their bag their own with velcro patches, which swap on and off the velcro panel of LPS backpacks.

What else does my child need to go with a school bag?

A few matching pieces make the daily routine easier:

• Lunch bags: the Munch Bag and Munch Mini clip onto LPS backpacks. Their insulated PEVA lining keeps food fresh for 1 to 2 hours. See kids' lunch bags.
• Water bottle sling bags: fit bottles up to 1.2L and are water-resistant. Note that they are not insulated. See water bottle bags.
• Pencil cases and wallets: double-zip pencil cases with waterproof lining, and kids' wallets with card slots and a detachable lanyard. Browse school essentials.

How do I care for a school backpack so it lasts?

Empty the bag weekly and wipe away spills promptly. Let it air dry fully after a wet day before packing it again. Avoid overstuffing, which strains zips and seams.

The Mini, Single Pocket and Double Pocket are covered by the 1-year LPS Toughness Guarantee against manufacturing defects, with repair for Singapore customers, or a replacement or refund. The Explorer is not covered by this guarantee.

Where can I see Le Petit Society backpacks in person?

Le Petit Society is a Singapore family lifestyle brand founded by Robyn Liang and Dylan Ong and launched in 2013. It was voted Best Kids Clothing Brand (Gold) in the Sassy Mama Reader Awards 2025, and Best Children's Clothing Brand (Gold) in the HoneyKids Love Local Awards every year since 2021. Visit our stores at Paragon, Jewel Changi Airport, Resorts World Sentosa (WEAVE) and Downtown Gallery, or shop online with worldwide shipping.

FAQs

What size backpack is best for Primary 1?

The LPS Single Pocket backpack is designed for ages 7 to 10, which covers most Primary 1 pupils. The Mini, for ages 5 and above, can suit smaller children. Both bags fit A4 sized folders and everything your child needs for school. Whichever you choose, check the bag is not wider than your child's back and sits above the hips.

Are LPS backpacks waterproof?

The Mini, Single Pocket and Double Pocket backpacks are waterproof. The Explorer is made from canvas and is not waterproof.

Is backpack personalisation free?

Yes. Name or initials personalisation is free on all LPS backpacks and backpack bundles. Allow around 3 to 5 working days. Personalised items are final sale.

Which LPS backpacks have a warranty?

The Mini, Single Pocket and Double Pocket come with the 1-year LPS Toughness Guarantee against manufacturing defects. The Explorer is not covered.