Back-to-school season is here, and I know firsthand how quickly the to-do lists can pile up. But in the midst of the frenzy, I always encourage the families in my practice to pause and think: How can we support my child’s health and development this year?

As a pediatric chiropractor and a mom, I put together this healthy, practical shopping list to help your little one thrive—physically, emotionally, and neurologically—all school year long. You won’t find any trendy clutter here. Just thoughtful, supportive tools to keep your child’s body and brain at their best.

Supportive + Kid-Sized Backpack

Skip the oversized packs and go for something that actually fits your child’s frame. Look for padded straps, chest support, and a lightweight build.

Tinipack - The lightest ergonomic backpack on the market
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack - Padded straps and fun prints
Deuter Forest Fox 14 - Eco-friendly, ergonomic, and adorable

Tip: Keep the total backpack weight under 10-15% of your child’s body weight to protect their spine.

Lunch Gear

Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and hello to real food that stays fresh. Choose non-toxic, reusable gear to make packing lunch easier and healthier.

PlanetBox Rover Lunchbox - Stainless steel with compartments
Hydro Flask Kids Bottle - Keeps drinks cool all day
Stasher Bags - Reusable silicone snack bags
OmieBox Bento Box with Thermos - Great for warm lunches

Brain + Body Boosting Snacks & Supplements

Support focus, mood, and immune function with clean fuel.

Mary Ruth’s Kids Organic Multivitamin - Easy to take liquid form that helps to support immune function & overall wellness.
Standard Process Tuna Omega-3 Chewable - A high quality fish oil that provides vitamins D & E, as well as a source for the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA that brain and nervous system health. (Must purchase through a provider)
Chomps Beef Sticks (Grass-Fed) - Protein-rich, portable, and delicious.
Simple Mills Crackers - Gluten-free and a whole lot better than goldfish.

Tools for Focus, Regulation, and Calm

Let’s be real, sitting and focusing for long periods of time is hard for adults! Finding the right tools for your kiddo to help reduce overstimulation and transition struggles can take a lot of stress out of their day. Talk to your little ones teachers and see how you can work together.

Chair Bands - Great for wiggly kids who have a hard time sitting still and need to move their legs and feet
Snake Fidget - Small enough to put in a pocket, this fidget helps keep hands busy so that your kiddo has an easier time focusing on learning
Chew Sensory Necklace - For the kids that are constantly chewing on their sleeves, hair, and pencils.
Slumberkins - An adorable and gentle way to explore and work through different emotions with young kids.

After School Wind-Down

Support your child’s nervous system and immune system with these routines.

Epsom Salt Bath - Soothes and relaxes the body, and gets little ones ready for a good night’s sleep.
Earthly Good Night Lotion (Magnesium) - Helps with sleep + calm
Chiropractic Care - Keep your child’s spine, posture, and nervous system in balance all year long (schedule with me if you’re in the Chesterfield area or find a pediatric chiropractor in your area!)

Community & Connection

The school year is a marathon, not a sprint. Surround yourself up with people who support your family’s wellness values. Whether that’s carpool buddies, providers you trust, or the cozy familiarity of our office — your village matters.

Wishing you and your kiddos a beautiful, balanced start to the school year!

A Healthy Back-to-School Shopping List to help families prioritize wellness