The 12 Best Toddler Backpacks for Daycare, Pre-K and More in 2023

The best part of this backpack might just be how cute it is. Designed to resemble your toddler's favorite animal, there’s so much to love about the pack's whimsical details. Made of a durable polyester (that feels like a combination of plastic and canvas), this animal toddler backpack comes with side pockets perfect for a matching sippy cup or slim water bottle. Its front pouch — secured by zipper — can hold items like snacks, small toys, and crayons. While its main compartment is big enough for small notebooks, this backpack is not ideal for elementary school where kindergarteners and above have to carry full-size notebooks, folders, and lunch bags. A name tag can be written on the inside using permanent marker.

Recommended for ages 3-4

Size: 12"H x 11"L x 5"W

Options: Choose from different animals including the llama (pictured), a dinosaur, butterfly, narwhal, unicorn, dog, and koala.

Customer Review: “My granddaughter looks adorable with her llama backpack heading to preschool. It is the right size for a three- or four-year-old yet has plenty of space for the items she carries back and forth to school, around town, and she even wore it with her travel snacks and games on a plane ride.” — GS Crouch

This JanSport Half Pint backpack is small enough to be a mini backpack for a grown-up, but big enough to be a standard backpack for a toddler. The bag has the classic JanSport design that you may be familiar with from back in the day: durable polyester fabric with zipper enclosures in the main compartment and a smaller front pocket. Its adjustable straps can work for an adult or child, and the handle on top makes it easy to hang on any hook.

While a recommended age range was not specified since this bag is made for adults, reviewers have cited that they’ve used this bag for a child as young as 2 years old.

Size: 9.8" x 4.1" x 11.2"

Options: Choose from various solid colors and patterns, including 8 Bit Cherries (pictured), Blue Dusk, and Purple Petals.

Customer Review: “We bought the colorful leopard print. We love this backpack for my 3-year-old when she goes to church Wednesday nights & is sent home with her papers from the night. The papers have to be folded to fit, but I feel it's the best option for her little body. She loves her backpack & sticking her treasures in there. The one thing I needed to adjust was that there's essentially 2 straps on each side (as it's doubled up) when adjusted to be so small, so sometimes we have the hassle of her not getting her arm through both straps.” — Heather

If you’re done with the diaper bag, but still need a backpack to carry all of your toddler’s belongings to and from daycare, this Pottery Barn classic is the perfect pick. Not only does it have several pockets — 3 exterior and 2 interior with additional dividers in the small size — it can also be personalized with your child’s name for an additional fee. It features 2 adjustable shoulder straps and a carrying handle.

The mini backpack fits children who are 36–42" tall; the small backpack fits children who are 43–49" tall.

Size: Mini backpack is 10"W x 4.25"D x 12.5"H; Small backpack is 12"W x 6"D x 15"H

Options: Choose from several designs including Paw Patrol (pictured), Disney Princesses, Lilly Pulitzer, unicorns, baseball, and dinosaurs.

Editor Review: I, personally, have bought this backpack for both of my girls (one is now 6 and in kindergarten while the other is 2 and in daycare). My 6-year-old has been able to carry it on her own when it’s not too heavy and several of her friends have the same backpack. My 2-year-old can’t quite carry it, but that’s okay since we walk her to the door of her daycare, and the teachers take it from there.

We trust everything that comes from Simple Joys by Carter's. The brand truly has little ones in mind. This backpack — perfect for a toddler in its simplicity and size — comes with a main compartment and zip closure. It also comes with a mesh bottle pocket that can fit a regular-sized water jug (nothing bigger). Padded straps can be adjusted to fit your tot. Keep in mind that it's small, so it truly is for the toddler in your life to put their little belongings, not your family essentials on day trips.

Recommended for ages 2-5

Size: 7.5" x 3.25" x 9"

Options: Little one not into dinos? You can also choose from blue sea creatures or mint green with watermelons.

Customer Review: “My son loves the backpack. He loves to take it on and off and go to school with it, but it is very small. It can only fit maybe his lunch and I put his drink on the side. I had to get a separate bag for change of clothes, homework, projects, etc. I just wish it was a little bigger, but it's a nice first backpack for a kid going to school for the first time.” — Kaycee Miranda

Beloved Swedish bag maker Fjallraven offers streamlined, practical carryalls. Simple in design, this mini backpack (intended for adults, but also perfect for littles) is lightweight yet durable. In fact, this bag’s original design hails from the 1970s, when these backpacks were created for Swedish school children. This bag is made of water-resistant Vinylon F fabric — perfect for outdoor adventures with your toddler or for everyday use. Compartments are secured with zippers, and its handles snap together to make it easy to carry when not on your toddler’s back.

While age recommendations are not provided (since this bag is technically for adults), it’s light, so we presume a 2-year-old or above can handle it just fine.

Size: 11" x 7.5" x 4"

Options: Choose from 13 color options.

Customer Review: “Perfect backpack for our preschool daughter! Well-made, sturdy, great size for her, unique colors!!! We all love it!”

If your toddler is in their unicorn phase, this pink, purple, and teal bag is perfect. Who wouldn't love the fuzzy, pom-pom keychain hanging from the front zipper? Your toddler will also adore the glitter rainbow with white heart clouds. The shimmery material is made of 100% polyester canvas. Put water bottles, gadgets, or snacks in the two side mesh pockets. Its padded shoulder straps are adjustable as well. This bag is larger than some of the other toddler backpacks on this list, so it's perfect for the family who has a lot to carry.

Recommended for ages 2-10

Size: 16"H x 11"W x 5"D

Options: In the market for a lunchbox? Here's one to match with this bag.

Not all toddler backpacks are equal. What sets this one apart is its insulated front, zippered compartment, which is perfect for holding snacks that need to remain at the right temperature (think: yogurt, food pouches, and sandwiches). And if that’s not enough to wow you, we love its playful design, padded adjustable straps, and side mesh water bottle holders. A reflective tape also makes it easy to spot your kid if it's getting dark.

Recommended for ages 2+

Size: 12.5" x 7.5" x 10.5"

Options: Choose from 17 different designs including wild animals, sports icons, construction vehicles, and outer space.

Customer Review: "This backpack is great for my toddler. He will be going to camp this summer and it's the perfect size. It's well constructed and looks really cute. He's so happy to wear it. It's comfortable and small perfect for his back." — Mikee

Your budding farmer or construction worker will adore this toddler backpack that showcases their favorite tractor. Made of 100% polyester, the zipper closure will keep its contents safe and sound. Hand wash and air dry when needed. A name tag is also located inside for you to write your little one's name on. Reflective tape adds an extra safety measure, though this bag truly is as simple as they come, without additional compartments.

Recommended for ages 2-5

Size: 13"H x 9"W x 4.25"D

Options: Choose from lime green (pictured) or construction yellow with a front loader.

Customer Review: “My grandson just turned 4 we gave this to him for his birthday. He loves it and uses it all the time. It is just the right size and good quality for kids that age. Color is bright and black fabric wheels are just the right size. It's an all around good product.” — Laurie

A toddler backpack featuring our favorite animated character, Bluey (and her fun family)? Sign us up! If your toddler is a Bluey fan, he or she will love this backpack that comes with a matching lunchbox and BPA-free water bottle. A squish ball is also provided with this polyester bag as a sort of keychain dangling from one of the zipper handles. The bag is adjustable, with paddle straps to keep kids' shoulders comfortable, and two side mesh pockets for extra storage.

Recommended for ages 3+

Size: Backpack is 16" x 12" x 5"; Lunchbox is 9.5" x 9.75" x 3.5"

Customer Review: “As a mom, this is our new diaper bag, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on it.” — M. Garcia

This red sequin backpack truly dazzles. With Minnie Mouse's face in front (also in sequins), your Disney fan will love this mini backpack. It is roomy enough to fit a notebook and smacks, but not big enough for school belongings and a lunch bag. Its main compartment features a double zip top enclosure, while inside you'll find three pen slots, a mesh pocket, and a slip pocket. Adjust the shoulder straps to fit your toddler comfortably. Just keep in mind, this bag won't be the easiest to clean due to the fact that you can't easily wipe things off the sequins.

Recommended for ages 2-6

Size: 15.75"H x 11.75"W x 5 7/8'"D

Options: Don't love Minnie Mouse? Disney also has small backpacks perfect for toddlers that feature Spiderman, characters from The Lion King, and more.

Editor Review: While there are no reviews on this item yet on the Shop Disney site, I bought this bag for my toddler. She's a huge fan of the bright color and Minnie! We love the side pockets for her beverages, plus the front zip pocket for snacks, crayons, and other small items. But yes, you'll have trouble cleaning the outside, so try not to spill anything on it.

With toddlers, we can’t help but make everything a learning experience — even the use of a backpack. This Elmo pick satisfies just that with details such as ABCs and 123s. This toddler bag is covered in bright colors and distinctive patterns, making it both functional and educational.

Recommended for toddlers

Size: 12"H x 10"W x 5"D

Customer Review: “I like that this toddler bag has different closures on it. It is also roomy, a little bit bigger than the average toddler bag, it’s perfect size for my 2-year-old. Would purchase again.” — Coolguysmom

If you’re looking for something really small until your toddler gets to preschool, this lightweight option is a good choice — and budget-friendly. We find the animal face on it quite adorable, though don’t expect this bag to fit too many items to-and-from daycare or for travel. It really is made for kids to put a very small toy or snack inside. It also comes with a long detachable leash if you want to use it, but it’s easy to remove.

Recommended for ages 1-2

Size: 7.8"L x 4.7"W x 10"H

Options: Choose from pink (pictured), light blue, navy blue, and red.

Customer Review: "Very cute. Perfect size, and both my granddaughter and daughter-in-law loved it." — Elizabeth