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The choice of the satchel

Text last updated: 2024-02-02

Which satchel for elementary school should it be?

When choosing a school satchel, there is a lot to consider. The satchel must not only please your child visually, but also meet some important criteria. What parents should look for when buying, you can learn here.

Weight

Doctors and TÜV experts recommend that a school bag with contents should not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of your child's body weight. The empty weight should thus not exceed about 1.5 kilograms. After all, there are still books, notebooks, pencil case, lunch box and a water bottle.

Visibility and warning effect

The satchel should have enough reflectors all around, so that your child is seen well on the way to school, even at dusk and in the dark. Bright signal colors also contribute to road safety. The DIN 58124 standard requires reflectors on at least 10 percent of the back and sides of the school bag. Ideally, at least 20 percent of the satchel also consists of fluorescent colors that shine brightly at dusk.

Fit

The back shape should fit the body and be well padded. A hip belt distributes the weight and relieves the spine. The satchel should not extend over your child's buttocks and should end at shoulder height. The ideal model is no wider than your child's back.

Design

It is not the most important criterion. But the appearance of the school bag should please your child. After all, he wears it every day of the week.

Harness

The shoulder straps are ideally at least 4 centimeters wide and also padded. It is important that they can be adjusted continuously. Shoulder straps and carrying straps should not be too tight on the neck, so they do not chafe. Make sure that the shoulder straps are adjusted symmetrically. You should check the settings depending on the season and adjust them to your child's clothing (thick winter clothes or airy summer clothes).

Test

It is best to get advice in a specialty store. Try out different models together with your child: Does the satchel fit your child's size and stature? Does your child feel comfortable with it? Does it have enough freedom of movement?

Material

The school bag must withstand so much in the course of the first four years. Therefore, it should be robust. Materials made of plastic and synthetic fibers have a light weight, are waterproof and more robust than leather and heavy fabric.

Interior

Dividers help your child keep order and sort notebooks as well as books well. Basically, the rule of thumb: heavy books belong at the back, light utensils in the front compartments!

What do the quality seals mean?

Seals of quality such as the GS mark and DIN standard 58124 certify a model's road safety and weather resistance. DIN 58124 specifies requirements for the safety and features of school satchels, such as for reflective and fluorescent material, for carrying straps and handles, for rainwater tightness and for the closure lid. In addition, there are also specifications for the labeling, e.g. for information about the empty weight and the volume of the interior. Whether the satchel meets these specifications, you can see from the TÜV seal or the sign for tested safety (GS).

Can we get financial help for the purchase of a satchel?

The initial purchase of personal school supplies such as satchels, writing, arithmetic and drawing materials and sportswear is expensive. Parents who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for benefits from the education and participation package. Further information on this topic can be found in the article "Financial assistance for the purchase of school supplies" here on the Familienportal.NRW.