Finding the right backpack for a toddler sounds simple, until you start shopping for one. Some are too big for little shoulders, some have approximately 47 tiny pockets, some are adorable but impossible to clean, and some somehow can't fit the water bottle your child insists on bringing everywhere.

When I designed the Lemoine Toddler Backpack, I wanted something different: a cute, personalized kids backpack that was actually made for childhood.

Our backpacks are designed for ages 2–6, with the details kids need and the practical features parents appreciate. Here are the seven things I think are worth looking for when choosing a backpack for your toddler or preschooler.

1. Look for Simple, Useful Storage

More pockets aren't always better.

I kept ours simple with one roomy main compartment and one front zip pocket. There's enough organization for the important things without creating a dozen little places for mittens, snacks and tiny treasures to disappear into.

The main compartment has room for everyday preschool and daycare essentials, while the front pocket keeps smaller things easy to grab.

Sometimes simple really is better.

2. Choose a Backpack That Can Be Personalized

There is something pretty special about seeing their own name or initials embroidered on their very first backpack.

I designed our backpacks with personalization in mind. The Lemoine logo is intentionally placed low on the bag so your child's embroidered name or monogram gets to be the star.

It makes the backpack distinctly theirs—and makes it a particularly sweet option for a first day of preschool, birthday or back-to-school gift.

And, perhaps most importantly, personalization makes it a whole lot easier to figure out whose backpack is whose at pickup.

3. Make Sure It's Machine Washable

Toddlers are not exactly known for keeping their belongings pristine.

Backpacks get dropped on playgrounds, dragged through the car, covered in snack crumbs and messy.

That's why a machine-washable toddler backpack was high on our list when designing ours. They're meant to be used, get dirty, get washed and head right back out the door.

Because children's things should be able to handle children.

4. Pay Attention to the Straps

A backpack can be the right size and still be uncomfortable if the straps aren't designed for a small child.

Our backpacks have padded, adjustable shoulder straps to help create a comfortable fit on little shoulders. The straps can be adjusted as your child grows, making the backpack work through the preschool and elementary years.

I also made them extra long for another reason: parents can comfortably throw the backpack over their own shoulder when your child is over carrying it. 

5. Check the Water Bottle Pockets

A water bottle pocket isn't particularly useful if it only fits one very specific water bottle.

Our backpacks have expandable side pockets designed to accommodate different-sized bottles—even when the main compartment is packed. This was one design detail I was adamant about. Inside bottle pockets take up valuable space and are tricky to get in and out if the backpack is full. And non-expandable pockets never seem to fit the bottle you actually need them to. I wanted ours to be easy, practical, and actually useful for everyday life.

It's a small detail, but it's one of those things that makes a children's backpack considerably easier to use every day.

6. Look for a Large Interior Name Label

Personalization on the outside is cute. Identification on the inside is practical.

I added a large interior label with plenty of room for your child's name and a parent's phone number. No trying to squeeze your information onto a teeny-tiny tag.

For backpacks that travel between home, preschool, daycare, grandparents' houses and everywhere in between, it's one of those little details that can make a big difference.

7. Buy for Your Child's Size—Not an Adult's

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a first backpack is simply choosing one that's too big.

A toddler doesn't need an enormous school backpack. They need enough room for their things in a size that actually works on their body.

The Lemoine Toddler Backpack is designed for children ages 2–6, making it a great size for daycare, preschool, travel, everyday adventures and those early school years.

A Toddler Backpack Designed for Kids, Thought Through for Parents

I didn't want to make a miniature adult backpack.

I wanted to make a children's backpack that felt fun enough for kids, practical enough for parents and durable enough for actual childhood.

That means cheerful colors, room for their name, comfortable straps, expandable bottle pockets, useful storage and the ability to toss the whole thing in the washing machine.

Made for ages 2–6. Designed for kids. Thought through for parents.

And made for wherever childhood takes them next.