Mom Review:
SoYoung Toddler Backpack
M y preschooler is so excited
to be toting his new
robot backpack to school
this year! The SoYoung
toddler backpack is the perfect size for a
preschooler’s needs. We easily fit a change of
clothes, snack and his folder into the roomy
compartment. An inside, zippered mesh
compartment is perfect for storing smaller
items, and the two mesh pockets on the
exterior work great for holding a water bottle.

The outside of the pack is made of linen
coated with PVC and BPA-free plastic.

Thanks to the coating, you can easily wipe
it off should it fall in mud, or if a crayon is
accidentally applied by a younger sibling
(both happened within days of receiving
this!). The inside is lined with nylon, which is also
easy to clean. To test the backpack before
school began, we loaded it up with toys for
a road trip to Pittsburgh, PA. My son found
the backpack very comfortable to put on
and wear, even when full, as the straps are
padded just enough. When it got a bit heavy,
he was fascinated with the chest clip that
helped keep it on and balanced. It also has a
top handle, which made it easy to grab and
carry when he didn’t want it on his back.

In addition to the functionality, SoYoung
has a collection of unique and kid-friendly
designs. I was very happy with the overall
neutral tone of the bag, with pops of color
in the character or animal design. My son
quickly chose the grey robot bag, but there
are many other options— dinosaurs, rockets,
birds, giraffes, horses and sharks, to name
a few. The backpack is easy to spot among
all the cartoon and superhero branded bags
that appear each year. Coordinated lunch
bags, which easily attach to the backpack, are
available as well.

TEXT CHRISTY PETRAK
logical choice, but she wanted something
unique. SoYoung manufactures diaper bags,
toddler- and grade-school-size backpacks,
lunch bags and cooler bags. All are designed
with function in mind, as well as being
eco-friendly. Linen is the eco-conscious
material for the cooler bags, backpacks and
coordinating lunch bags. SoYoung explains
that linen is derived from flax, which
“requires substantially less pesticides, as well
as 20 times less water and energy than other
crops to harvest and produce.” Learning this,
I felt better about using this backpack than
some of the other choices available.

We are very happy with the SoYoung product
and are excited to have it for my son’s 4 year-
old preschool year!
Pros: Easy to clean: Though it cannot be thrown in
the washing machine (see con below), the
plastic coated linen was extremely easy to
wipe off, even crayons and ink.

Lots of room: We were able to stuff the bag full
of everything my son could possibly need. It
also held a ton of toys for a road trip.

Designs: If you are a fan of more muted, clean
and classic designs, SoYoung is a great bet.

Cons: Stiff: The backpack can be a little stiff, but
seems to break in with use.

Price: The price is a bit higher than some
backpacks, but in range for a higher-end
product. Cleaning: You cannot put this in the washing
machine for a quick, simple all over wash.

No branded characters: If your child likes
branded characters, they might be
disappointed, since only generic objects/
animals are available.

Christy Petrak is a systems engineer currently taking
a leave of absence to raise her two children, Thomas (4)
and Eliza (1). She lives in Northern Virginia and enjoys
SoYoung was founded by a “mompreneur”
who gave up life in the financial world
to pursue her dreams. Baby gear was the
48 September 2015 washingtonFAMILY.com
spending time with her family, swimming and baking/
decorating cupcakes.




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New After Care Program
Toddler through 6th Grade: Ages 2 - 12
Science & Technology • Math & Language
Foreign Languages • Music & Drama • Art & PE
After School Clubs • Summer Program
Transportation Available • Extensive Facility & Playgrounds
1711 Kirby Road • McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-790-1049 • Fax: 703-790-1962
www.mcleanmontessori.org “Cultivating each child’s unique
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