Backpacks are not just for function, they’re also fun and there are many reasons that getting a backpack for your toddler is a great idea. During the toddler stage, children want independence and love to do things on their own which makes letting them carry their belongings in a backpack a perfect way to let them exercise their independence. These bags can be used during travel, shopping, or going to preschool and, as your little one gets older, it can be used for the transition into kindergarten.
Table of Contents
11 Best Toddler Backpacks for Girls & Boys (2025 Reviews)
Best Toddler Backpacks for Your Little One
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1. OREZI kids backpack
(Large and roomy — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack is stylish and functional. There is a large main compartment which can hold a standard sized folder which means that this could fit your little one right up into kindergarten. It is easy to wipe clean if it gets messy and the two mesh pockets on the sides are perfect for standard sized water bottles. The straps are comfortable, padded, and adjustable which makes it easy for your little one to wear comfortably and grow with.
Keep in mind: Although all the prints are fun and adorable designs, there aren’t any that are solid or a little more plain for those that don’t like busier patterns.
Good for: Kids ages two to six.
![OREZI kids backpack]()
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2. Skip Hop Unicorn Backpack
(Best character backpack — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack is fun and whimsical as well as convenient for use by little ones. They come in so many different variations. The bright colors and imaginative creature designs are a fun way for your little one to show off their big personality. There is an insulated pouch that is perfect for snacks or drinks and an adjustable mesh bottle pocket that fits most standard sized water bottles. The straps are padded and adjustable which makes it easy to let it grow with your little one as well as keeping them comfortable.
Keep in mind: While this is a perfect backpack for toddlers and preschool, this will not fit a 8.5×11 file folder, so you’ll need to get something bigger once your child starts kindergarten or 1st grade.
Good for: Kids ages one to six.
![Skip Hop Unicorn Backpack]()
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3. Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack
(Sturdy and durable — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack is not only durable, but also functional at the same time and there are quite a few designs to choose from. The mesh along the back allows air flow so that your little one stays comfortable and doesn’t overheat while wearing it. Although it is not the largest backpack, it can fit a surprising number of items inside it without becoming too heavy for your toddler to handle on their own. The material is waterproof which makes it easier to keep clean and the sternum strap helps it to stay on your little one no matter what.
Keep in mind: This backpack is perfect for carrying around a toddler’s supplies, but it won’t fit a 8.5×11 folder, so you’ll need something bigger when your child starts grade school.
Good for: Kids ages two to five.
![Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack]()
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4. Plush Dino Backpack
(Most entertaining — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack comes with a toy dinosaur that has its very own seat on the front. Your child will be able to show off their plush toy and it is completely removable when they want to play with it. They also could likely fit any other stuffed animal in the attachment for it, as long as it’s a similar size. There are other animal options as well, if you don’t like the dinosaur. The pack itself is well made and sturdy. It is a great size for toddlers and will hold anything they need.
Keep in mind: This one doesn’t have a name tag anywhere, so you’ll have to find a way to label it yourself.
Good for: Kids ages two to six.
![Plush Dino Backpack]()
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5. Yodo Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack with Leash Safety Harness
(Best for travel — $$)
Why it’s great: When you’re traveling, there are dozens of people swarming around you most of the time and it can be overwhelming trying to make sure your toddler is safe. Between the leash and chest clip, your little one will be extra secure when you’re on the move, while still allowing you to see where you’re going. Beyond that, the cute design makes this a fun accessory for your toddler to carry their belongings around with them, so they will enjoy wearing it. Two mesh pockets on the side fit standard sized water bottles and the main pocket is big enough for a change of clothes and quite a few toys. They also have a version with wheels here.
Keep in mind: While this one isn’t big enough to hold a 8.5×11 folder, you can purchase the same bag in a grade school size once you don’t need the harness anymore.
Good for: Kids ages one to four.
![Insulated Toddler Backpack]()
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6. SoYoung Eco-Friendly Backpack
(Most eco-friendly — $$$)
Why it’s great: This backpack is made from eco-friendly linen and has a cute fox design. The bottom is reinforced, so it is sturdy and will be able to hold all the supplies your toddler could need. The inside is also lined with nylon, which protects it from leaks. It has two mesh side pockets for cups or snacks and an inner zippered mesh pocket for better organization. The straps are padded and there’s a chest clip to keep it from falling off your busy toddler. Also, this pack is big enough that your child could continue using it in kindergarten.
Keep in mind: There is a matching lunch box, but you’ll have to purchase that separately.
Good for: Kids ages two to six.
![SoYoung Eco-Friendly Backpack]()
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7. Llama Toddler Backpack
(Most adorable — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack has an adorable llama face on the front and it even has cute ears and soft fluff on the top of the pack. The colors and design are bright and fun, making this backpack a top pick for little girls. If your child is more into giraffes, you can find that option here. The front pouch is insulated for your child’s snacks or lunch. It also has a side pocket for a cup or water bottle. It is made out of canvas and the inner lining is quick and easy to clean.
Keep in mind: There are matching snack cups and water bottles, but you’ll have to purchase those separately.
Good for: Kids ages one to five.
![Llama Toddler Backpack]()
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8. Disney Frozen Backpack and Lunch Bag
(Best backpack set — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack features Anna and Elsa from Frozen and even has the little spirit lizard as a keychain attached to the zipper. It also comes with a matching lunchbox, water bottle, and stickers. It has two mesh pockets on the sides and a zippered pocket on the front. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, so your child will be able to use this backpack for a long time. It is big and spacious, which means your child will be able to carry around anything they could need.
Keep in mind: This set is a little big for toddlers, as it is school sized, but the straps will adjust so a toddler could still use it.
Good for: Kids ages three to seven.
![Disney Frozen Backpack and Lunch Bag]()
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9. Wildkin 12 Inches Backpack for Toddlers
(Best simple backpack — $$$)
Why it’s great: This backpack is simple while still being stylish and fun. There is an insulated pocket that can hold snacks or a small lunch and a mesh pocket on the side that’s perfect for a water bottle. The reflective piping along the front will help keep your little one safe by making sure that they are as visible as possible, even at night. The adjustable straps make it easy for it to grow with your little one so that they don’t outgrow it so quickly and the sturdiness of it means that it will last!
Keep in mind: It doesn’t fit a standard sized folder, so it might not work for kindergarten when kids are bringing paperwork to and from school.
Good for: Kids ages one to five.
![Wildkin 12 Inches Backpack for Toddlers]()
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10. Stephen Joseph Quilted Backpack
(Best quality backpack — $$)
Why it’s great: This backpack is super cute, and the drawstring design is stylish and unique. The backpack itself is made of cotton, including the sewn-on designs, which means that it is easy to clean in a washing machine. The pouch design makes for a roomy backpack that your little one can carry all their belongings in. There is an additional zipper pocket on the side which can hold small items that you don’t want to have to dig for. The number one thing that parents have said about this backpack is that it is great quality, so you know you’ll get what you pay for!
Keep in mind: The straps are adjustable, but only by about an inch or two so it might not be the best for growing with your little one.
Good for: Kids ages two to four.
![Stephen Joseph Quilted Backpack]()
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11. Toddler Rolling Backpack with Wheels
(Best rolling backpack — $$$)
Why it’s great: Not only can you use this as a regular backpack, it also has wheels and a handle, so your child can roll it if it gets too heavy. This makes it perfect for everyday use or traveling. It comes in multiple fun, character designs, so your child will easily be able to find one they love. It is big and spacious, so it will easily fit anything your child could need, including school supplies as they get older. It has mesh side pockets and a quick access pocket on the front too. You can hide the straps when you’re using it as a roller and you can cover the wheels when you’re using it as a backpack.
Keep in mind: This one doesn’t have any insulated pockets, so you’ll have to make sure to bring snacks that will keep well on their own.
Good for: Kids ages two to six.
![Toddler Rolling Backpack with Wheels]()
Best Overall
OREZI kids backpack
The OREZI kids backpack is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about toddler backpacks
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1. What size are toddler backpacks?
On average, toddler backpacks are about twelve inches, so about the size of a ruler. This is a size that will accommodate a change of clothes, toys, snacks, and a water bottle. However, this size will generally not fit a standard sized folder so you might need a larger size for kindergarten aged children and older.
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2. Why does my toddler need a backpack?
Toddlers can use backpacks for multiple reasons. This includes travel, preschool, daycare, and just a way to bring toys along with them wherever they may be going. Not only is it a great way to get your little one to carry their own items, they will love to do it and act more independently.
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3. What are busy bags?
Busy bags are a great way to keep your little one busy while at appointments, traveling, or shopping. You can fill a bag with toys, simple crafts, and activities that your toddler can pull out and use to keep themselves distracted and happy.
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4. What is the best backpack for toddlers?
That depends on what your needs and your toddler’s needs are, as well as what they will be used for. If it’s for travel, you might want something that has a leash and harness. If it’s just for preschool, something small and cute will do. If you want it to last through kindergarten, you’ll want something larger and more durable. Once you figure out exactly what your needs are, it will be easy to find out which backpack is the best fit!
Conclusion
Toddler backpacks are where fun and function meet. It’s an unexpected way to foster independence in your little one and they will love to have possession of their own stuff. There is enough range in quality and designs that it can make it difficult to know which backpack is the best option, but this list is a great place to start when trying to decide.
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