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Think grade school kids and adults are the only ones who can benefit from carrying a backpack? Think again. Toddlers can also get great use out of backpacks even though they’re still in daycare or preschool. They’re super convenient and easy for your 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, or 4-year-old to tote their day-to-day essentials, not to mention adorable and incredibly functional.
So save some room in your pretty work bag or new diaper bag and shop one of these best toddler backpacks for your kid. To find the very best, we researched top-rated toddler backpack picks — based on size, durability, storage capacity, how easy they are to wash, and cuteness — and also shared editor recommendations, best sellers, and customer favorites from retailers like Amazon, Pottery Barn Kids, Children's Place, and more. Whether they’re going to daycare throughout the week or traveling to grandma’s for the weekend, these backpacks are perfect for storing your kid's belongings. From kid-sized lunch boxes to favorite toys and beloved books, these cute and practical toddler backpacks can haul it all.
The Best Toddler Backpacks of 2024:
Looking for more ideas for toddlers? Check out our other toddler and back-to-school guides:
Best Healthy After-School Snacks | Best Movies for Toddlers | Best Back-to-School Organization Ideas
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 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 a 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 a 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
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 Kids 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." — Ysolt Usigan
Best Toddler Backpack for Travel
Mini Kanken Water-Resistant Backpack
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!”
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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
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
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
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If dogs are man's best friend, then this adorable puppy backpack will be your toddler's newest best buddy.
It will also be useful for you if your little explorer likes to roam and wander. The harness leash will keep him at close range for a worry-free outing. The backpack can also keep food items like lunch, fruits, and juice boxes the right temperature (warm or cool) for up to 3 hours.
Recommended for ages 18 months to 3
Size: 8.46" H x 4.53" W x 10.63" D
Customer review: “I couldn’t be happier with the decision to get this. My son is 17 months old and has been going through the 'I want to do it all by myself' phase of toddlerhood. This gives him some more freedom to carry his own things and roam. While still letting me pull him away from danger if necessary and not lose him in a crowd of people.” — Britt W.
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
Who can resist a friendly dinosaur with fuzzy feet? This adorable backpack is not only cute, it's also functional. With two mesh pouches on both sides, your little angel can store their water bottle, packaged snacks, or box of crayons for easy access. What's more, it boasts a water-resistant zipper design and reinforced stitching for added durability.
Recommended for ages 2-4
Size: 12"H x 11"W x 5"D
Customer review: “Perfect size for my 3yo, great quality for the price, lightweight yet strong and durable, and looks just like the picture.” — Mallory Warren
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Perfect for transporting to daycare or even outdoor trips, this backpack features an eye-catching design and lots of room for storage. Plus, it has a wipeable, front and bottom that makes it easy to clean those unavoidable spills and messes that toddlers are notorious for creating. This stylish backpack also comes with a removable support strap and adjustable, padded shoulder straps to make it comfortable for your little one to carry.
Recommended for kids ages 3-7
Size: 14.5"H x 10" W x 6"D
RELATED: Best Travel Backpacks for Women
If your child is obsessed with Mickey Mouse, then this backpack is a must. The cheerful, 3D Mickey Mouse face is sure to brighten any toddler's day. It's perfect for toting all their favorite items with a warm and familiar smile. Plus, the handy front pouch is an ideal place to store smaller items like crayons and Legos.
Recommended for ages 3+
Size: 12"H x 10"W x 4"D
Customer review: “We bought a Mickey Mouse and a Minnie Mouse backpack for our twin grandson and granddaughter! They absolutely love them! When we go to pick them up they have their backpacks on and ready to go ❤️. — Angie
Looking for premium quality and thoughtful design? This backpack offers the best of both worlds. With the fun "friendly skies" pattern and the durability that can withstand even the roughest toddler, this bag packs a powerful punch.
Lightweight and roomy, it has adjustable padded straps, an easy-grip handle, and kid-friendly extended zipper pulls to open and close with ease. Plus, it has a loop to carry an accompanying lunch box from the brand. The water-resistant material is great for repelling leaks and spills — making it easy to clean. Since this backpack is recommended for ages 4 and up, it's best suited for preschoolers transitioning into kindergarten. Recommended for ages 4+
Size: 14.25 H” x 12W” x 5.25D”
Customer review: “I am already so in love with this bag. First off, it feels heavy duty & durable. It will definitely outlast his love for cute little backpacks. My son is 4 and pretty small for his age, but this backpack is the perfect size. He still has room to grow, but it isn't so big that he can't carry it on his own. The side pockets tighten, so no water bottles falling out either. Inside, there is a pocket for a tablet as well. We really love this backpack & it will be a staple when we are traveling for sure.” — K. Venegas
RELATED: Best Kid Lunch Boxes
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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
Best Unicorn Toddler Backpack
Children's Place Holographic Unicorn Backpack
Now 25% Off
If your toddler is in their unicorn phase, this sparkly, iridescent bag is a winner. Who wouldn't love the fuzzy, pom-pom keychain hanging from the front zipper? Your toddler will also adore the confetti glitter with hearts and stars. 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 a family with a lot to carry.
Recommended for ages 2-10
Size: 16"H x 11"W x 5"D
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
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What to look for when shopping for a toddler backpack
While the priority features are practicality and durability, you can't forget these other important factors when looking for the best backpack for your toddler:
✔️ Size: Make sure the bag is small and lightweight enough for your toddler to carry. You should also consider adjustable straps so the bag grows with your toddler and you can adjust to be able to carry it yourself in case your toddler gets tired.
✔️ Compartments: What will your toddler put in this bag? If your toddler will be using this for daycare, you'll want a bag that can accommodate snacks, a water bottle, and arts and crafts that they'll be taking home.
✔️ Design: Just because they're toddlers doesn't mean they don't have preferences. Does your child like Bluey or Minnie Mouse? Does your tot love the color pink or blue? These are factors you should consider because you'll want your little one to actually use the bag.
Ysolt Usigan
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.
Karla Pope
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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