"The first time in first class!" This is a very important and exciting event for the child, so your task is to correctly assemble him in school. And what’s most important for someone who is going to study for the first time? Of course, a briefcase. A satchel for a first grader must meet many criteria, and therefore you need to approach his choice responsibly and, of course, in advance. Your child has matured, and now instead of the soft toy that he carried with him to kindergarten, he will have to carry heavy books and notebooks.
The best first-grader satchel must meet the following requirements:
- The weight of an empty briefcase should not exceed 900 g. This criterion is very important, because even if an empty backpack is heavy for a child, then with books it will simply be impossible to lift. In addition, there are European standards by which a full portfolio should weigh no more than 10% of the child’s body weight. Given that a child going to first grade weighs an average of 20 to 30 kg, then the load on the back should be about 2-3 kg. Therefore, a satchel for a first grader should be lightweight initially, before filling it with school supplies.
- It is better to choose polyester as the material from which the briefcase should be sewn. It is durable, waterproof, wear-resistant, resistant to fading and tolerates washing. The fabric satchel for a first grader will get wet during the first bad weather and quickly lose its shape.
- Pay attention to the accessories of the backpack. Zippers should be wide, and dogs should be large. It should be convenient for the child to open and close his portfolio.
- The backpack for the first grader should be with a hard bottom. Otherwise, the books placed in it will begin to pull the backpack down, thereby creating a huge load on the back of your child.
- The back of the satchel should be orthopedic and repeat the anatomy of the back of your little schoolboy. This will save the child’s posture, and will not cause discomfort when wearing a heavy backpack.
- Knapsack straps are also a very important point that you should pay attention to when choosing. They should be wide enough and soft so that they do not stick into the shoulders of the child. It is better if they are with a special lining, which will reduce weight pressure.
A good satchel for a first grader will certainly be equipped with additional features that are no less important for daily use:
- the upper handle should be made in such a way that it would be uncomfortable to carry a briefcase in your hand - this is an extra reason to put a backpack on your shoulders;
- the portfolio surface is equipped with reflective elements, which is a necessary attribute in the dark;
- satchel straps should be easily adjustable, and they themselves should be equipped with soft inserts;
- the portfolio should have several internal compartments so that the first grader can carefully lay out notebooks and textbooks. Outside there should be an additional pocket in which the child will put a container with breakfast.
Remember that you need to choose a satchel only with a child. So you can choose the right size and the color that he likes.