Ergonomic bags are designed to distribute weight and reduce strain on backs. So carting all those school books around isn't quite as weighty after all…...
Every kid goes through growing pains as they get older. But one of the biggest growing pains? Having to lug more and more textbooks to school each year. The recommendation from the Health Promotion Board (HPB) is for children to carry no more than 15 per cent of their body weight (about 3.5 to five kg). But, the combined weight of textbooks, worksheets, water bottle, and the miscellaneous junk kids insist on carrying around can easily smash that number. Enter: ergonomic kids backpacks! They are specially designed to reduce strain on your child’s back by distributing the weight. We’ve picked out a few kids’ ergonomic backpacks for you to add to your shopping list of essential school supplies before that growing pain becomes chronic!
Best ergonomic backpacks for kids in Singapore
1. Ergobag
If kids are literally trekking to school, the Ergobag is the bag for them. Ergobags, part of the Fond Of brand, is suited for children aged five to 12 (up to 1.5m in height). The back-padding moulds to the curve of the spine, and the adjustable chest and hip belts help to distribute the weight to the pelvic area. Also, the base is mounted with feet to keep the bag dry when placed on the ground, and a gym bag can be securely fastened to the bag to make it hands-free. Ergobag also has an eco-friendly and stylish upgrade for adolescents too: Satch backpacks. Satch backpacks are made from recycled PET bottles and are suitable for kids up to 1.8m in height.
Where to buy: Ergobags and Satch backpacks are from $198, buy from Ergokid.
2. Bromin
Light on the back as well as on your wallet, Bromin is a Singapore-based line of ergonomic bags. The new series of ergonomic school backpacks are aimed at kids aged six to 10 years and weigh about 0.7kg. With back support, waist and chest straps, the bags even stand on their own when the main compartment is open. Each kids’ rucksack also comes with a lifetime warranty too.
Where to buy: Currently sold out online, visit selected Tom & Stefanie stores to purchase.
3. IMPACT
IMPACT Spinal Protection Backpack is a multi-award-winning brand pitched as the only ergonomic brand to be endorsed and recommended by Singapore Physiotherapy Association and The Chiropractic Association (Singapore). Weighing about 1.05kg, its Patented Orthopaedic Spinal Protection System (OSPS) moulds to the back and the bag comes with stress-free straps, a detachable waist belt, parachute pull rings for easy adjusting and reflective material, so your child is always visible. IMPACT also has roller bags to take the weight off your kid’s shoulders altogether.
Where to buy: From $79.90, buy from Ergoworks; see the full line of products on Impact Lifestyle.
4. Affenzahn
Kindergarten-aged kids (one to five years) are sure to love Affenzahn kids’ rucksacks. These eco-friendly bags put the fun in functional and come in cool animal and creature shapes in all sizes and colours. They even double up as cuddle buddies with retractable tongues, arms and buckles. You can pick from a range of small to large ‘Friends’ and even Cotton Friends, which are made from 100% organic cotton.
Where to buy: From $79, buy from Ergokid.
5. IVAR
IVAR bags have a patented IVAR-LIFT design which reinvents a normal bag compartment into a tiered shelf system designed to even out weight distribution. No more rooting around their bags – kids will be able to keep their books perfectly organised. Kind of. Plus, its minimalist design will be a hit with the tweens and teens in your kid’s school.
Where to buy: From US$99, buy from Amazon.
6. Nikidom
Looking to take the load off completely? Nikidom lets kids roll their books to and from school easily on wheels. The handle is designed to allow kids to push the bag in front of them to reduce the strain of dragging it behind them. This bag is completely strapless, so kids won’t be able to carry it, which means no chance of back pain: hurrah! The oversized wheels let kids roll their bags up short flights of stairs with ease, but it’s probably not the best option if their classroom is a few storeys up.
Where to buy: From $178, buy from Ergokid.
7. Dr Kong
This brand specialises in shoes that promote feet and spinal health. Naturally, in line with the latter, it has a collection of backpacks called the Spine Pressure-Free School Backpacks. The ergonomic backpacks come with a patented spine pressure-free design that reduces pressure on your child. The hollow tunnel design ensures there’s no unnecessary impact on the spine during movement. The inclusion of a waist belt helps distribute some of the weight away from the shoulder to the waist. Even your toddlers can get a kid’s backpack from this place!
Where to buy: From $49.90, buy from Dr Kong Singapore.
8. Pottery Barn Kids
Having an ergonomic backpack doesn’t mean it has to be plain and boring – Pottery Barn Kids have proven otherwise. The brand stocks an impressive range of backpacks that come in various colours and designs. Consider the glow in the dark ones to up your child’s cool quotient! You can even personalise your kiddo’s backpack by embossing their name on it. Each backpack contains plenty of pockets and loops, as well as features matching water bottles, lunch bags, and even pencil cases. Another plus? Pottery Barn Kids ships to Singapore. Too cool for school indeed!
Where to buy: From US$18, buy from Pottery Barn Kids.
9. Materns
Here’s another fun, colourful option to shop at. Materns’ backpacks are designed to be tough, durable, and ergonomic for your kids. They are made of high-quality materials in various colours, as well as fun and edgy designs. Don’t forget the cool features, such as the magnetic side clip, side pocket, and adjustable shoulder straps. Can we get one for ourselves too?
Where to buy: From $69.90, buy from TakeAseat.sg
10. TrioKids
TrioKids’ backpacks combine three things that we’re on the lookout for – ergonomic designs, comfort, and cute styles. Just what the little ones need! The backpacks come with many compartments, so your children won’t lose anything, and they are spacious, even though they don’t look like it. And they’re affordable too!
Where to buy: From $50.90, buy from TrioKids
So, time to look after your kid’s back and get shopping for these ergonomic backpacks!
