School bags for first graders (from 1st grade)

Starting first grade is a big milestone, and with it comes a question thousands of parents grapple with: how to choose a school satchel that won't hurt the child's back, will last all of elementary school, and that the little student will like? Step by Step school satchels in our offer manage all this:

• AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) certificate from the German organization for healthy backs with every model

• Ergonomically shaped back panel made of fiberglass and adjustable S-shaped straps

• Easy Grow system in most lines, thanks to which the satchel grows with the child from 1st to 4th grade

• Complete sets with everything a first-grader needs, including a pencil case, pouch, and sports bag

• Made from 100% recycled PET bottles, with PFC-free impregnation and an extended 4-year warranty

Healthy satchels for first-graders from Step by Step are available as complete sets. The CLOUD, SPACE, and GIANT lines offer a 5-piece set (satchel, fully equipped pencil case with Eberhard Faber branded pencils, pouch, sports bag with reflective elements, and interchangeable 3D Magic Mags images). The BASIS line comes as a 4-piece set at a more affordable price. The FIT line is available separately and in a 5-piece set.

Why is a first-grader's satchel's ergonomics so important?

A child's spine is still developing during school entry. A first-grader suddenly carries textbooks, notebooks, and snacks on their back, often for kilometers back and forth. A poorly chosen satchel for the first grade can lead to back pain, poor posture and problems that only manifest later in life.

Ergonomic satchels for first-graders from Step by Step are created in collaboration with therapists and doctors from the AGR and BAG organizations (Federal Institute for Posture Development in Germany). Each model has undergone independent testing and has been deemed particularly suitable for children's backs.

What specifically should you focus on when choosing a school satchel for first-graders?

• Ergonomically shaped back with breathable padding follows the natural curve of the spine. The ultralight fiberglass back panel maintains a stable shape while minimizing weight.

• Adjustable S-shaped shoulder straps do not dig into the shoulders, fit snugly and easily adapt to the child's body. Tightening straps ensure the satchel fits closely to the back.

• Removable chest strap (branded YKK buckle) keeps the straps in place so they don't slip off the shoulders. A padded hip belt transfers part of the weight from the shoulders to the hips.

• Easy Grow System allows continuous height adjustment of the straps with a rotating mechanism inside the satchel, so one satchel serves from 1st to 4th grade.

How to choose a satchel for a first-grader? Overview of Step by Step lines

In our offer you will find several model lines. Among the most popular satchels for first-graders are the CLOUD and SPACE lines, but each line has its advantages. All share the AGR certificate, Fidlock magnetic closure, ergonomic fiberglass back system and reflective elements. The CLOUD, SPACE, FIT and GIANT lines also offer the Easy Grow system, thanks to which the satchel grows with the child.

• CLOUD is the lightest Step by Step satchel, weighing only 990 g. Suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm tall, volume 19 l. Rotating strap adjustment mechanism, front pocket with thermal insulation, waterproof solid bottom. Ideal as a lightweight satchel for first-graders with a smaller build. It is among the lightest satchels for first-graders on the market.

• SPACE offers a more robust construction weighing 1,250 g and a volume of 20 l. Lockable side pockets, padded handle. Suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm. A great choice if you are looking for a quality satchel for first-graders that can handle even a more demanding school day.

• FIT is a sports satchel weighing 990 g and a volume of 19 l. Suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm. The set also includes a hidden compartment for AirTag. Active children will appreciate the sporty design.

• GIANT is the largest satchel in the offer with a volume of 23 l and a weight of 1,050 g. Suitable for taller children from 120 to 170 cm tall. Extra long back and spacious main pocket. If you have a taller first-grader, this is the right school satchel.

• BASIS is the most affordable line, supplied as a 4-piece set (without Magic Mags) starting from CZK 4,990. Volume 20 l, weight approximately 950 g. A good choice for parents looking for the best school satchels for first-graders on a reasonable budget.

• Special editions add additional features: SHINE (glows in the dark), OCEAN (from ocean plastic), REFLECT (enlarged reflective surfaces), FLASH (LED elements), and NEON (neon colors with extra reflection for maximum visibility).

Safety, ecology, and design in one

The way to school often leads across crossings and along roads, especially in winter darkness. All Step by Step first grade satchels have reflective elements on all visible sides (front, sides, and straps), so the child is clearly visible from all directions.

The materials are water-resistant, wear-resistant, and easy to clean with a damp cloth. The sturdy waterproof bottom protects the contents, even if the satchel ends up on a wet sidewalk. And importantly: all Step by Step satchels are 100% vegan, made from 100% recycled PET bottles (approximately 37 bottles per satchel) and are bluesign® certified.

Design is handled by interchangeable 3D Magic Mags images. The child can change the motif at any time, just buy a new set. There are motifs for boys (dinosaurs, ninjas, cars, space, dragons) and for girls (unicorns, butterflies, mermaids, horses, dolphins). The satchel will therefore last for years without the child "outgrowing" it.

And if you're planning a festive first day of school, check out our school cones.

What do you get in the set?

Children's satchels for first-graders from Step by Step are sold as complete sets, so you don't have to buy anything separately.

• The 5-piece set (CLOUD, SPACE, FIT, GIANT series) includes a school satchel, a fully equipped pencil case with branded Eberhard Faber pencils (7 thick and 12 thin triangular crayons, pencil, rulers, eraser, sharpener, and timetable), a school supplies pouch, a sports bag with reflective elements (can be attached to the satchel) and interchangeable 3D Magic Mags images.

• The 4-piece set (BASIS series) includes a satchel, an unequipped pencil case, a pouch, and a sports bag. Magic Mags are not part of the set, but can be purchased separately.

In addition, you can buy a rain cover for protection in the rain or a practical neck pouch for keys and small change.

How to wear a satchel correctly

Even the best school satchel for first-graders is useless if the child wears it incorrectly. A few simple rules:

• Always on both shoulders, never just on one.

• Fasten the chest strap every time, it keeps the satchel in the right place.

• Heaviest items (textbooks) belong in the inner pocket at the back for even weight distribution.

• Regularly check the Easy Grow System settings, as children grow quickly.

• Pack the satchel according to the timetable so the child doesn't carry unnecessary weight. The total weight of a filled satchel should not exceed 10 to 15% of the child's body weight.

• And don't forget about proper school shoes, whether it's children's slippers or children's sandals as indoor shoes.

How to choose the right satchel size?

Buying a satchel "to grow into" is one of the most common mistakes. An overly large satchel fits poorly, slides down, and forces the child to hunch. A correctly chosen satchel for the 1st grade should match the child's back length, from shoulders to sacrum. The upper edge should not extend beyond the shoulders, and the lower edge should not extend below the lumbar region.

Thanks to the Easy Grow System, satchels from the CLOUD, FIT, SPACE, and GIANT series grow with the child. The CLOUD, FIT, and SPACE series are suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm, and the GIANT series for children from 120 to 170 cm.

If your child prefers a backpack instead of a satchel, check out backpacks from 1st grade or backpacks with back systems.

Not sure? Come and try on a satchel at our store in České Budějovice (Matice Školská 4), where we will be happy to help you choose. Or call us at +420 724 093 155.

For older students, we have backpacks from 4th grade. For younger siblings, children's small backpacks, backpacks for children up to 3 years old, and backpacks for children from 3 years old. In our offer, you will find a complete selection of school satchels for 1st grade for every body type and budget.