Choosing a nursery-to-reception backpack

Choosing their 1st backpack - the one that follows them to nursery, preschool and reception - can be trickier than it seems. 

You want a backpack that isn’t uncomfortably big, but isn’t so small they grow out of it by the time they’re carrying it themselves. You want something durable and high quality, but don’t want to spend the earth, either. 

Enter our Medium backpack - the perfect toddler/school bag for young children heading off to nursery, preschool and reception. 

More Than Just a Bag: A Companion Through Milestones

Choosing the right backpack for your child isn’t always about size or style - it’s also about finding something that supports them through change. From those early nursery mornings to confident school runs, a well-made, thoughtfully designed bag offers familiarity in moments that can feel big and new.

A personalised children’s backpack does just that, giving children a sense of ownership, helping them feel secure and recognised in busy environments. It’s theirs - and that matters more than we often realise. It’s also a great way for them to start recognising their own name (before they start writing it themselves…)! 

Choosing a Backpack That Truly Grows With Them

When looking for a nursery to reception backpack, a few thoughtful details can make all the difference:

• Adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit as they grow

• Durable materials that stand up to daily use

• Easy-clean fabrics for life’s inevitable spills

• Timeless designs that won’t be quickly outgrown

• Personalisation options for both practicality and sentiment

It’s about finding something that balances style with substance - something that feels just as special on day one as it does months and even years later.

Starting Nursery: Their 1st Little Adventure

For a nursery backpack, it’s all about the essentials. Spare clothes (and more spare clothes, especially if they’re potty training), a soft toy or comforter from home, a water bottle. For parents, the priority is practicality; something lightweight, easy to carry (for parents or kids), and simple for little hands to open.

Our Medium backpack comes in a variety of styles to suit different needs and preferences - from the cube, a Scandi style with timeless appeal, to the Pocket, which - as the name suggests - features a big front pocket for all their trinkets and smaller essentials. 

Moving Up to Reception: Growing Independence

Reception brings new routines and slightly bigger expectations. Lunch bags and boxes, reading books, PE kit  - suddenly, they need a little more space and a little more organisation.

But continuity matters. Keeping the same backpack - or one that feels like a natural step up - can make this transition smoother. That familiar zip, the same comfortable straps, their name still proudly displayed - it all helps build confidence.

Our Medium backpack - like all our backpacks - features adjustable straps, to help it last longer and fit your child comfortably throughout the years. Each backpack also features a top handle (our Grab styles have two!) to help you or your child carry their backpack in multiple ways - whether that’s a quick dash from the car or a stately walk from home.  

In busy classrooms and bustling cloakrooms, personalised pieces quickly become invaluable. No mix-ups, no confusion - easy to find for both teacher and child. 

A Closer Look: Our Medium Backpack

Our Medium backpack is a favourite style for many reasons. It’s a great in-between - the Big backpack is often way too much for children under 7, yet our ever-popular Mini size (or even our smallest Tiny size!) tends to be the choice for a 1st ever backpack.  

Medium lands right in the middle - it’s a great size for children to wear themselves (comfortably from around 2-3+), but comfortable for adults to sling over one shoulder. Our different styles offer something special with each design - whether that’s extra handles, extra pockets, extra compartments or a unique silhouette. 

Each backpack features adjustable straps with reflective details for added safety - handy for shorter days during the winter months. There is also a handy protective inner pocket to the back, which helps keep things flat (think books, letters from nursery/school, or even a tablet). 

Medium Backpack: Styles and Designs

Our Medium backpacks are currently offered in four different styles - and countless designs every season. The four designs are:

 

1. The Cube Medium Backpack

Our Cube style is our take on a Scandi silhouette; an elongated rectangular shape, with a square front pocket. Effortlessly versatile, this design has two handy grab handles at the top. A stylish pick for fashion-forward kids.

 

2. The Quilted Medium Backpack

Snuggly and squishy, our Quilted style is super classic - in a square or rounded shape. It features two pockets either side - perfect for a water bottle holder - that are elasticated rather than net, with a rectangle front pocket. 

 

3. The Pocket Medium Backpack

For those who prize utility above all else, our Pocket style features exactly that: a large front zipped pocket, handy for all their essentials. Our designers often make the Pocket a key feature - look out for our character styles.

 

4. The Grab Medium Backpack

Our Grab style, like our Quilted style, is a silhouette which is round or rectangle - the defining feature is  two grab handles at the top, fastened with a popper or left loose. The perfect style for those who like to grab and go.

Picking a pattern, print, character or colour is super fun - especially when there’s so much choice! Whatever your little one is into, you’re bound to find a coordinating style here with our kids matching backpack sets. And if not? We’d love to hear from you - our designers are always keen to hear a new idea or trend emerging.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What size backpack does a child need for nursery?
A medium sized, lightweight backpack is ideal - just enough space for essentials without being overwhelming for little shoulders.

Can the same backpack be used for reception?
Yes, if it’s well-designed and slightly adaptable. Look for styles that offer enough room for additional items like books and lunch bags, as well as adjustable straps and great functionality - think extra pockets, water bottle holders, etc. 

Are personalised backpacks suitable for school?
Absolutely. They’re especially helpful in shared environments, making it easy for children and teachers/key workers to identify their belongings.

What should go in a nursery bag?
Typically spare clothes, nappies or wipes if needed, a comfort item, and a snack or drink.

How do I choose a backpack that lasts?
Focus on quality materials, adjustable features and a design you know they’ll love. 

Ready for Every Step Along the Way

From those first tentative goodbyes at nursery to the confident strides into reception, the right backpack supports more than just the practicalities of the day. It carries comfort, familiarity, and a growing sense of independence.

Explore our personalised starting school gifts  - designed to grow with them - and thoughtfully made for every step along the way.