Are You Crazy? It Can't Be Back-To-School Preparation Time Already, Can It?

I have just finished a week-long vacation with my husband and four children (three mine; one a friend) and thoroughly enjoyed seven days without alarm clocks or the always-crazy morning school schedule. Then, as we departed for home, it hit me. I have to start thinking about back-to-school! One of the annual "must buys" is backpacks. Even my four-year-old needs a backpack each day. What is best? Here are some tips parents should consider before buying their child's backpack for school as well as my 5 top picks for backpacks for babies, toddlers, and school-aged children.