Non-toxic Backpacks for Elementary School Kids
After putting together a Non-Toxic Preschool Backpack Guide I realized that kids over the age of 3 or 4 probably won’t want to be seen in any of those backpacks. The leap from preschool to elementary school is big and with it comes new styles and tastes. A cute little pig on your back probably won’t cut it for most kindergartners.
When my boys started elementary school I did a lot of research to find a safe backpack.
No Vinyl, No PVC, No Phthalates, No Lead
If you’ve been following along here for a while you know that a study by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice’s(CHEJ) found children’s vinyl “back‐to‐school” supplies (including backpacks) contained elevated levels of phthalates, hazardous chemicals that have been banned in toys, yet remain widespread in vinyl back‐to‐school supplies.
Phthalates are hazardous at low levels of exposure, disrupt hormones in our bodies, and have been linked to birth defects, infertility, early puberty, asthma, ADHD, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Not something you want in your child’s backpack!
Vinyl backpacks could also contain high levels of lead, which can wipe off onto children’s hands and ultimately end up in the child’s mouth.
Bottom Line: Don’t buy vinyl backpacks!
Here are a few non-toxic backpack options for kids in elementary school.
This is our families backpack of choice at the moment. My two youngest, while in elementary school have used this pack. It’s the perfect size and has a lot of different compartments for storage. The backpack comes in quite a few bright colors and a few plaid choices. I was assured by The North Face that “All our daypacks are PVC, lead and phthalate free. All our products meet global restricted substance requirements.” These are probably best for kids on the older side of elementary school.
Price: $55.00
Garnet Hill Backpack for Ages 7 and Up
My son started kindergarten with a blue Garnet Hill backpack. That pack lasted for a few years and he loved it. Their backpacks come in a variety of snazzy designs and all are certified PVC free. I was assured verbally that all of their children’s products pass all mandatory CPSIA testing-although I couldn’t find this information anywhere on their site. CPSIA testing lowers the amount of lead that can be in children’s products.
Price: $45
ecogear Earth Series Glacier Backpack in pink or gray
This company makes their backpacks with planet-friendly organic cotton, PVC-free materials, recycled plastics and toxic-free dyes and components. This backpack is a perfect size for elementary school students.
Price: $25.00
Beatrix New York Big Kid Backpack (Ages 5-10)
If you want to stick with a cute backpack for a few more years then this is your bag! The packs are designed for ages 5 to 10 and are PVC, lead, phthalate & BPA free.
Price: $51.00
SoYoung Junior Backpack & Lunch Bag
I love the look of this backpack. Designed with the grade-schooler in mind, this backpack has adjustable straps which allow the backpack to be carried by a 6 year old, but mom and dad can borrow it too. It comes with a fully insulated collapsible lunch bag. SoYoung’s backpacks are PVC, phthalate and lead free. Take a look at the Grey Rocket Backpack, Grey Robot Backpack and the Pink Fawn Backpack too!
Price: $50-$75 (with lunch bag)
Do you have a favorite non-toxic backpack for an elementary school child?
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