School bags for first graders (from 1st grade)

Starting first grade is a major milestone, and with it comes a question thousands of parents face: how to choose a school satchel that won't harm the child's back, will last throughout primary school, and that the little student will love? Step by Step school satchels in our offer manage all this:

• AGR certificate (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) from the German organization for healthy backs on every model
• Ergonomically shaped back panel made of fiberglass and adjustable S-shaped straps
• Easy Grow System in most series, allowing the satchel to grow 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 series offer a 5-piece set (satchel, fully equipped pencil case with Eberhard Faber brand pencils, pouch, sports bag with reflective elements, and interchangeable 3D Magic Mags pictures). The BASIS series comes as a 4-piece set at a more affordable price. The FIT series is available separately and in a 5-piece set.

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

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

Ergonomic satchels for first-graders from Step by Step are developed 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 certified as 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 shoulders, fit securely, and easily adapt to the child's figure. Tightening straps ensure the satchel fits snugly against the back.
• Detachable chest strap (YKK brand 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.

Which satchel to choose for a first-grader? Overview of Step by Step series

In our offer, you will find several model series. Among the most popular satchels for first-graders are the CLOUD and SPACE series, but each series has its advantages. All share the AGR certificate, Fidlock magnetic closure, ergonomic fiberglass back system, and reflective elements. The CLOUD, SPACE, FIT, and GIANT series 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 with a volume of 19 l. Suitable for heights from 100 to 150 cm. The set also includes a hidden compartment for an 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 in height. Extra long back and spacious main compartment. If you have a taller first-grader, this is the right school satchel.
• BASIS is the most affordable series, 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 within a reasonable budget.
• Special editions add additional features: SHINE (glows in the dark), OCEAN (made 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. A 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.

The design is handled by interchangeable 3D Magic Mags pictures. The child can change the motif anytime by simply purchasing a new set. We offer motifs for boys (dinosaurs, ninjas, cars, space, dragons) and for girls (unicorns, butterflies, mermaids, horses, dolphins). This way, the satchel lasts for years without "aging" for the child.

And if you are preparing for the festive first day of school, check out our school cones.

What's included in the set?

Step by Step children's satchels for first-graders 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 Eberhard Faber brand pencils (7 thick and 12 thin triangular colored pencils, pencil, rulers, eraser, sharpener, and timetable), a pouch for school supplies, a sports bag with reflective elements (can be attached to the satchel), and interchangeable 3D Magic Mags pictures.
• The 4-piece set (BASIS series) includes a satchel, an unequipped pencil case, a pouch, and a sports bag. Magic Mags are not included in the set but can be purchased separately.

Additionally, 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 on just one.
• Always fasten the chest strap; it secures the satchel in the correct position.
• Heaviest items (textbooks) belong in the inner pocket near 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 footwear, 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. A too-large satchel fits poorly, slips down, and forces the child to lean forward. A correctly chosen satchel for 1st grade should correspond to the child's back length in height, from shoulders to the sacrum. The top edge should not extend above the shoulders, and the bottom edge should not reach below the lumbar region.

Thanks to the Easy Grow System, CLOUD, FIT, SPACE, and GIANT series satchels grow with the child. 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 a back system.

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 up to 3 years, and backpacks from 3 years. In our offer, you will find a complete selection of school satchels for 1st grade for every build and budget.