Part of: Milestones and gifts

First day at madrasah: a bag checklist for children

By the Madrasah Bag team · Updated 2026-09-25

What goes in the bag

• The Quran or Qaidah your teacher asked for
• A notebook or homework book and a pencil case
• A water bottle (in a side pocket, or wrapped so it can't leak onto the books)
• A spare topi or hijab
• Any notes or forms from the madrasah

Not sure your child's Quran will fit? See what size bag fits a Quran.

Setting the strap

A shoulder bag is most comfortable when it rests around hip height, with the strap crossing the body rather than sliding off one shoulder. If it bumps against a child's knees while they walk, shorten the strap; if it pulls on their neck, lengthen it. Check again as they grow. See bags by age.

Small habits that help

1. Pack the night before. Mornings are busy and the Quran should never be an afterthought.
2. Let your child pack it. They learn what goes where, and they're more likely to look after it.
3. Label the essentials. See how to label a madrasah bag.
4. Keep it light. Heavy bags put children off. See what to do when the bag is too heavy.

Looking after the bag

A bag that's used every week gets scuffed. That's normal with leather, and a little care goes a long way. See how to care for a leather bag.

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